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Department of Human Services v. J. R. F.
244 Or. App. 363
| Or. Ct. App. | 2011
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Background

  • D is a 15-year-old ward of the juvenile court due to Father's assault on D; Father faces criminal charges and is prohibited from contact with D.
  • D, in foster care, desires visitation with her siblings (ages 12, 5, and 2) who are in Father's physical custody and not within the court's jurisdiction.
  • During a dispositional review, evidence showed Father was resisting making the siblings available unless D consented to see Father.
  • The juvenile court ordered visitation between D and her siblings, finding it necessary for D's well-being and that Father would not interfere with such contact.
  • Father argues the court lacked authority to affect non-ward children and that the order contravenes statutory and constitutional protections; he did not preserve a constitutional challenge below.

Issues

Issue Plaintiff's Argument Defendant's Argument Held
Authority to order non-ward visitation Father contends court cannot regulate non-ward siblings. DHS asserts statutory authority via ORS 419B.337(3) to order visitation with ward's siblings. Yes; court has authority to order visitation with non-ward siblings.
Constitutional challenge preservation Father invokes Troxel to claim liberty interests; seeks constitutional review. Court must be guided by preservation rules; Troxel argument not preserved for this appeal. Constitutional challenge not reached due to lack of preservation.

Key Cases Cited

  • Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57 (2000) (parental liberty interests; state interference must be weighed against rights)
  • State ex rel. Juv. Dept. v. Smith, 205 Or. App. 152 (2006) (constitutional limitations on state action in juvenile context)
  • Dept. of Human Services v. C.Z., 236 Or. App. 436 (2010) (preservation of error and standard of review in dependency cases)
  • State v. R. H., 237 Or. App. 245 (2010) (preservation of error requirements in juvenile dependency proceedings)
  • O'Donnell-Lamont and Lamont, 337 Or. 86 (2004) (discussion of parental rights and related presumptions in custody)
Read the full case

Case Details

Case Name: Department of Human Services v. J. R. F.
Court Name: Court of Appeals of Oregon
Date Published: Jul 20, 2011
Citation: 244 Or. App. 363
Docket Number: 100350J; Petition Number 100350J01; A147396
Court Abbreviation: Or. Ct. App.