Department of Human Services v. S. J. M.

This case requires us to consider whether, before changing a child’s permanency plan from reunification with parent to adoption under ORS 419B.476, a juvenile court must first determine, under ORS 419B.498(2)(b), that there are no compelling reasons to forgo a change. For the reasons that follow, we conclude that the court must first make that determination. We further conclude that, even though the juvenile court in this case determined that compelling reasons were not present, the record does not support that determination. Accordingly, we reverse and remand.

The judgment that mother and…