Enacted by Stats. 1992, Ch. 162, Sec. 10. Operative January 1, 1994.
In a proceeding under this part, the court shall consider the wishes of the child, bearing in mind the age of the child, and shall act in the best interest of the child.
Article 7 - Hearing and Subsequent Proceedings
California Family Code — §§ 7890-7895
Sections (7)
Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 219, Sec. 182.5. Effective January 1, 1994.
(a)Except as otherwise provided in this section, if the child who is the subject of the petition is 10 years of age or older, the child shall be heard by the court in chambers on at least the following matters:
(1)The feelings and thoughts of the child concerning the custody proceeding about to take place.
(2)The feelings and thoughts of the child about the child’s parent or parents.
(3)The child’s preference as to custody, according to Section 3042.
(b)The court shall inform the child of the child’s right to attend the hearing. However, counsel for the child may waive the hearing in chambers by the court.
(c)This section does not apply if the child is confined because of illness or other incapacity to an institution or residence and is therefore unable to attend.
Enacted by Stats. 1992, Ch. 162, Sec. 10. Operative January 1, 1994.
(a)The testimony of the child may be taken in chambers and outside the presence of the child’s parent or parents if the child’s parent or parents are represented by counsel, the counsel is present, and any of the following circumstances exist:
(1)The court determines that testimony in chambers is necessary to ensure truthful testimony.
(2)The child is likely to be intimidated by a formal courtroom setting.
(3)The child is afraid to testify in front of the child’s parent or parents.
(b)The testimony of a child also may be taken in chambers and outside the presence of the guardian or guardians of a child under the circumstances specified in subdivision (a).
(c)A finding pursuant to this section shall be supported by clear and convincing evidence.
(d)After testimony in chambers, the parent
or parents of the child may elect to have the court reporter read back the testimony or have the testimony summarized by counsel for the parent or parents.
Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 838, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2007.
The court shall not declare an Indian child free from the custody or control of a parent, unless both of the following apply:
(a)The court finds, supported by clear and convincing evidence, that active efforts were made in accordance with Section 361.7 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(b)The court finds, supported by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, including testimony of one or more “qualified expert witnesses” as described in Section 224.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, that the continued custody of the child by the parent is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child.
(c)This section shall only apply to proceedings involving an Indian child.
Enacted by Stats. 1992, Ch. 162, Sec. 10. Operative January 1, 1994.
(a)If the court, by order or judgment, declares a child free from the custody and control of both parents under this part, or one parent if the other no longer has custody and control, the court shall at the same time take one of the following actions:
(1)Appoint a guardian for the child.
(2)At the request of the State Department of Social Services or a licensed adoption agency, or where the court finds it is in the child’s best interest, refer the child to a licensed adoption agency for adoptive placement by the agency.
(b)When the court refers the child to a licensed adoption agency for adoptive placement by the agency:
(1)The agency is responsible for the care of the child and is entitled to the exclusive custody and control of the child at all times until a petition for adoption has been granted.
(2)After the
referral, no petition for guardianship may be filed without the consent of the agency.
(3)No petition for adoption may be heard until the appellate rights of the natural parents have been exhausted.
Enacted by Stats. 1992, Ch. 162, Sec. 10. Operative January 1, 1994.
(a)An order and judgment of the court declaring a child free from the custody and control of a parent or parents under this part is conclusive and binding upon the child, upon the parent or parents, and upon all other persons who have been served with citations by publication or otherwise as provided in this part.
(b)After making the order and judgment, the court has no power to set aside, change, or modify it.
(c)Nothing in this section limits the right to appeal from the order and judgment.
Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 754, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2002.
(a)Upon appeal from a judgment freeing a child who is a dependent child of the juvenile court from parental custody and control, the appellate court shall appoint counsel for the appellant as provided by this section.
(b)Upon motion by the appellant and a finding that the appellant is unable to afford counsel, the appellate court shall appoint counsel for the indigent appellant, and appellant’s counsel shall be provided a free copy of the reporter’s and clerk’s transcript. All of those costs are a charge against the court.
(c)The reporter’s and clerk’s transcripts shall be prepared and transmitted immediately after filing of the notice of appeal, at court expense and without advance payment of fees. If the appellant is able to afford counsel, the court may seek reimbursement from the appellant for the cost of the transcripts under subdivision (c) of Section 68511.3 of the Government Code as though the
appellant had been granted permission to proceed in forma pauperis.