In re J.F. CA2/5

Filed 9/19/14 In re J.F. CA2/5 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL REPORTS California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT

DIVISION FIVE

In re J.F., a Person Coming Under the B255646 Juvenile Court Law. (Los Angeles County Super. Ct. No. CK87457)

LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES,

Plaintiff and Respondent,

v.

N.D. et al.,

Objectors and Respondents.

APPEAL from an order of the Superior Court of the County of Los Angeles, Connie R. Quinones, Judge. Dismissed. Roni Keller, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Appellant Minor. John F. Krattli, County Counsel, Kristine P. Miles, Principal Deputy County Counsel, for Plaintiff and Respondent. No appearance by Objectors and Respondents.

INTRODUCTION

J.F., a minor, appeals from the juvenile court’s order granting the request of counsel for Jonathan F., his father (father),1 to be relieved as counsel of record. J.F. contends that the juvenile court erred by granting the request because father was not provided with notice of the request, and the request was made without good cause. We dismiss the appeal as moot.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

On April 22, 2011, plaintiff and respondent Department of Family and Children’s Services (Department) filed a so-called “not detained” petition on behalf of 17-month-old J.F. pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code2 section 300, subdivisions (b) and (g). The petition allegations were made regarding the conduct of father and N.D. (mother). As to father, it was alleged that he failed to provide J.F. with the necessities of life, his whereabouts were unknown, and therefore J.F. was placed at risk of physical harm and damage. On April 27, 2011, the juvenile court ordered the Department to present evidence of its attempts to locate father; and on May 6, 2011, the juvenile court ordered the Department to submit an “in/out removal order for father for 05/09/11.” On May 9, 2011, father “appeare[d] in custody” at a hearing in this matter and was appointed counsel. Father also filed a statement of parentage stating that he lived with J.F. from the time of his birth to January 2010; told friends, family, and co-workers that J.F. was his child; and provided J.F. with the necessities of life.