State ex rel. L.J.

GOTHARD, Judge.

The State of Louisiana, through the Department of Social Services, appeals that portion of the judgment of the juvenile court ordering the State to maintain custody of L.J., an eighteen-year-old unwed mother in foster care. The juvenile court held that the long term plan for L.J., who is expecting her second child, is an independent living situation. With LJ.’s consent, the court denied the State’s motion to release L.J. from custody. We reverse.

Reports submitted to the court by the State prior to the hearing revealed that L.J. should receive her high school diploma shortly,…