"In dependency proceedings, however, those rights may be limited. . . . [Citation.] After a child is brought into the dependency system through the parents' neglect or abuse, a parent's constitutional rights to raise his or her children, including the right to make education choices may be curtailed. [Citations.]" (In re Samuel G. (2009) 174 Cal.App.4th 502, 510 (Samuel G.).) The juvenile court may issue reasonable orders for the care, supervision, custody, conduct, maintenance and support for each child under its jurisdiction, including orders addressing the child's education.
"The law recognizes the vital role that education plays in today's society." (In re Samuel G. (2009) 174 Cal.App.4th 502, 509.) " '[E]ducation is a major determinant of an individual's chances for economic and social success in our competitive society; . . . education is a unique influence on a child's development as a citizen and his participation in political and community life.' "
"The law recognizes the vital role that education plays in today's society." (In re Samuel G. (2009) 174 Cal.App.4th 502, 509.) " '[E]ducation is a major determinant of an individual's chances for economic and social success in our competitive society; . . . education is a unique influence on a child's development as a citizen and his participation in political and community life.' "
We construe this broad statutory power to include the ability to order the payment of travel costs for a parent, so long as "appropriated funds are reasonably available." ( In re Samuel G. (2009) 174 Cal.App.4th 502, 512-513 [ 94 Cal.Rptr.3d 237] ( Samuel G.) [upholding court order directing county health and human services agency to pay travel costs of dependent child's educational representative].) The Department suggests that payment of a parent's travel expenses would conflict with the obligations imposed on father as part of his case plan and with section 903, which requires parents to pay for the ordinary costs of supporting their delinquent children while they are placed in state custody.
When the court limits a parent's right to make educational decisions, it must appoint a responsible adult, who does not have a conflict of interest, to make those decisions. (ยง 361, subd. (a).)" (In re Samuel G. (2009) 174 Cal.App.4th 502, 510, footnote omitted (Samuel G.).) "All educational decisions must be based on the best interests of the child. [Citation.] The court may appoint a foster parent, relative caretaker, noncustodial relative, nonrelative extended family member or a CASA to make education decisions for the dependent child.
The court construed the broad โstatutory power to include the ability to order the payment of travel costs for a parent, so long as โappropriated funds are reasonably available.โ [Citation.]โ (L.M., supra, at p. 651; seeIn re Samuel G. (2009) 174 Cal.App.4th 502, 513 [upholding court order directing county health and human services agency to pay travel costs of dependent childโs educational representative].) SSA concedes the juvenile court had the authority to order the county to pay fatherโs transportation costs for visiting Bernardo (see ยง 362 [analogue to ยง 727 authorizing reasonable orders for the care, supervision, custody, conduct, maintenance, and support of a dependent child]), and does not deny funds existed for this purpose.
Hence, plaintiff Doe has a sufficient beneficial interest to pursue a claim seeking a writ of mandate. As for plaintiff Donald D., if his interest as the parent of plaintiff Doe in the latter's education is not a sufficient beneficial interest in itself (see In re Samuel G. (2009) 174 Cal.App.4th 502, 509 [ 94 Cal.Rptr.3d 237] ["Among the constitutional privileges enjoyed by parents is the right to determine how their children should be educated."]), he certainly has an interest as a citizen in seeing that section 51210, subdivision (g), is properly enforced.
"CASA" stands for court-appointed special advocate, the person who assists the court in serving a dependent child's best interests. ( In re Samuel G. (2009) 174 Cal.App.4th 502, 507 fn. 2 [ 94 Cal.Rptr.3d 237].) After an off-the-record discussion, Angelina's attorney stated: "Angelina is having some difficulty.
In San Diego, the nonprofit organization Voices for Children manages the CASA program. (In re Samuel G. (2009) 174 Cal.App.4th 502, 507, fn 2.) Before he was seated, Juror No. 11 said he could be a fair and impartial juror.
(In re Samuel G. (2009) 174 Cal.App.4th 502, 511; ยง 16501, subd. (i)(1).)