The trial court abused its discretion in ordering a short-term residential therapeutic program (STRTP) without the statutorily required “case plan” from probation. The court of appeal exercised its discretion to hear the otherwise moot appeal as an issue of broad public interest that was likely to recur. Additionally, the court exercised its discretion to decide the issue despite failure of minor’s counsel to adequately object, because it presented a straightforward legal question of first impression that could recur.

The full opinion is available on the court’s website here: https://www4.courts.ca.gov/opinions/documents/A171639.PDF