Juveniles: reunification.

Existing law establishes the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, which may adjudge children to be dependents of the court under certain circumstances. Existing law establishes the grounds for removal of a dependent child from the custody of the child's parents or guardian and generally requires the court to order the social worker to provide designated child welfare services, including family reunification services, to the removed child and the child's mother and statutorily presumed father or guardians. Existing law, however, prohibits a court from ordering reunification services when the child was under 5 years of age and suffered severe physical abuse by a parent or guardian unless the court finds, based on competent testimony, that the services are likely to prevent reabuse or continued neglect of the child or that failure to try reunification will be detrimental to the child because the child is closely and positively attached to that parent. This bill would instead require the court to make that finding based on competent evidence.