Appellant was found to be a ward of the court under Welfare and Institutions Code section 602, for violating Penal Code sections 245 (a) and 415. He was committed to a camp community placement program for a minimum of 120 days, and the maximum confinement time was specified as four years and nine months. On appeal, appellant contended the juvenile court exceeded its statutory authority when it imposed a minimum period of confinement in the camp. The appellate court rejected the argument, holding that although a minimum period of confinement in camp is not expressly authorized by statute, it is within the court’s discretion to make dispositional orders authorized by Welfare and Institutions Code section 730. A camp placement order is distinguishable from a CYA commitment in that the juvenile court does not lose direct supervision over a committed juvenile under section 730.
Case Summaries