Appellant’s reunification services were terminated prior to the end of the six-month period from the time the minor entered foster care. On appeal, he argued that once services were granted, they could not be terminated prior to the six-month review hearing absent a modification petition by the Department. The appellate court rejected the argument, concluding that the juvenile court properly terminated services prior to the six-month review hearing. Appellant missed scheduled assessments and tested positive for controlled substances. He missed virtually all of his visits with the minor. The juvenile court has the discretion to terminate the services of any parent at any time after it has ordered them, depending on the circumstances. Under most circumstances, it is reasonable to expect a parent will receive at least six months of services. However, a parent is not entitled to a prescribed minimum period of services, and the court retains the discretion to determine whether continued services are in the best interests of the minor.
Case Summaries