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

In this dependency case, father appeals the juvenile court’s judgment assuming jurisdiction over his daughter, K. While the appeal was pending, the juvenile court dismissed jurisdiction and terminated the wardship. The Department of Human Services (DHS) then moved to dismiss father’s appeal as moot. In opposition, father argues that the appeal is not moot because the judgment may have collateral effects on his ability to volunteer at his other children’s schools and to coach youth sports. Father also cites the social stigma associated with the judgment. We conclude that father has not shown a…