The minor was a dependent of the juvenile court based on his mothers alcohol abuse. The state of Florida denied a Interstate Compact on Placement of Children (ICPC) request to place the minor with his father because of fathers extensive criminal record and past history with Floridas child welfare authorities. The juvenile court ordered visitation with the father, despite the ICPC placement study, and County Counsel appealed. Here, the appellate court affirmed the order. The ICPC does not prevent a California court from ordering visitation between a dependent child and his non-custodial parent even where an ICPC evaluation found the home unsuitable for placement. Further, the juvenile court did not abuse its discretion in finding that the visits were in the minors best interest.
Case Summaries