BILL NUMBER: AB 519	CHAPTERED
	BILL TEXT

	CHAPTER  634
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE  OCTOBER 7, 2005
	APPROVED BY GOVERNOR  OCTOBER 7, 2005
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY  SEPTEMBER 7, 2005
	PASSED THE SENATE  SEPTEMBER 6, 2005
	AMENDED IN SENATE  SEPTEMBER 2, 2005
	AMENDED IN SENATE  AUGUST 17, 2005
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  MARCH 30, 2005

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Leno

                        FEBRUARY 16, 2005

   An act to amend Sections 213.5 and 366.26 of the Welfare and
Institutions Code, relating to children.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 519, Leno  Parental rights.
   Existing law provides that children may become dependent children
of the juvenile court on the basis of abuse or neglect. Existing law
specifies that any order of the court permanently terminating
parental rights is conclusive and binding on the child, subject to
specified notice provisions, and gives the juvenile court no power to
set aside, change, or modify that order, except that the order may
be appealed.
   This bill would create an exception to this provision to permit a
child who has not been adopted after the passage of at least 3 years
from termination of parental rights and for whom the court has
determined that adoption is no longer the permanent plan, or is no
longer likely to be adopted, as specified, to petition the juvenile
court for reinstatement of parental rights, pursuant to specified
procedures.
   Existing law permits the juvenile court to issue specified ex
parte orders to protect a dependent child and also permits the court
to issue specified ex parte orders to protect the parent, legal
guardian, or current caretaker of a dependent child.
   This bill would make technical changes to that latter provision.
   This bill would incorporate additional changes in Section 366.26
of the Welfare and Institutions Code, proposed by AB 1338, AB 1412,
and SB 218, to be operative only if one or more of those bills and
this bill are chaptered and become effective on or before January 1,
2006, and this bill is chaptered last.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  Section 213.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
   213.5.  (a) After a petition has been filed pursuant to Section
311 to declare a child a dependent child of the juvenile court, and
until the time that the petition is dismissed or dependency is
terminated, upon application in the manner provided by Section 527 of
the Code of Civil Procedure, the juvenile court may issue ex parte
orders (1) enjoining any person from molesting, attacking, striking,
sexually assaulting, stalking, or battering the child or any other
child in the household; (2) excluding any person from the dwelling of
the person who has care, custody, and control of the child; and (3)
enjoining any person from behavior, including contacting,
threatening, or disturbing the peace of the child, that the court
determines is necessary to effectuate orders under paragraph (1) or
(2). A court may also issue an ex parte order enjoining any person
from contacting, threatening, molesting, attacking, striking,
sexually assaulting, stalking, battering, or disturbing the peace of
any parent, legal guardian, or current caretaker of the child,
regardless of whether the child resides with that parent, legal
guardian, or current caretaker, upon application in the manner
provided by Section 527 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
   (b) After a petition has been filed pursuant to Section 601 or 602
to declare a child a ward of the juvenile court, and until the time
that the petition is dismissed or wardship is terminated, upon
application in the manner provided by Section 527 of the Code of
Civil Procedure, the juvenile court may issue ex parte orders (1)
enjoining any person from molesting, attacking, threatening, sexually
assaulting, stalking, or battering the child or any other child in
the household; (2) excluding any person from the dwelling of the
person who has care, custody, and control of the child; or (3)
enjoining the child from contacting, threatening, stalking, or
disturbing the peace of any person the court finds to be at risk from
the conduct of the child, or with whom association would be
detrimental to the child.
   (c) If a temporary restraining order is granted without notice,
the matter shall be made returnable on an order requiring cause to be
shown why the order should not be granted, on the earliest day that
the business of the court will permit, but not later than 15 days or,
if good cause appears to the court, 20 days from the date the
temporary restraining order is granted. The court may, on the motion
of the person seeking the restraining order, or on its own motion,
shorten the time for service of the order to show cause on the person
to be restrained. The court may, upon its own motion or the filing
of an affidavit by the person seeking the restraining order, find
that the person to be restrained could not be served within the time
required by law and reissue an order previously issued and dissolved
by the court for failure to serve the person to be restrained. The
reissued order shall state on its face the date of expiration of the
order. Any hearing pursuant to this section may be held
simultaneously with any regularly scheduled hearings held in
proceedings to declare a child a dependent child or ward of the
juvenile court pursuant to Section 300, 601, or 602, or subsequent
hearings regarding the dependent child or ward.
   (d) The juvenile court may issue, upon notice and a hearing, any
of the orders set forth in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c). Any
restraining order granted pursuant to this subdivision shall remain
in effect, in the discretion of the court, no more than three years,
unless otherwise terminated by the court, extended by mutual consent
of all parties to the restraining order, or extended by further order
of the court on the motion of any party to the restraining order.
   (e) (1) The juvenile court may issue an order made pursuant to
subdivision (a), (c), or (d) excluding a person from a residence or
dwelling. This order may be issued for the time and on the conditions
that the court determines, regardless of which party holds legal or
equitable title or is the lessee of the residence or dwelling.
   (2) The court may issue an order under paragraph (1) only on a
showing of all of the following:
   (A) Facts sufficient for the court to ascertain that the party who
will stay in the dwelling has a right under color of law to
possession of the premises.
   (B) That the party to be excluded has assaulted or threatens to
assault the other party or any other person under the care, custody,
and control of the other party, or any minor child of the parties or
of the other party.
   (C) That physical or emotional harm would otherwise result to the
other party, to any person under the care, custody, and control of
the other party, or to any minor child of the parties or of the other
party.
   (f) Any order issued pursuant to subdivision (a), (b), (c), or (d)
shall state on its face the date of expiration of the order.
   (g) The juvenile court shall order any designated person or
attorney to mail a copy of any order, or extension, modification, or
termination thereof, granted pursuant to subdivision (a), (b), (c),
or (d), by the close of the business day on which the order,
extension, modification, or termination was granted, and any
subsequent proof of service thereof, to each local law enforcement
agency designated by the person seeking the restraining order or his
or her attorney having jurisdiction over the residence of the person
who has care, custody, and control of the child and other locations
where the court determines that acts of domestic violence or abuse
against the child or children are likely to occur. Each appropriate
law enforcement agency shall make available through an existing
system for verification, information as to the existence, terms, and
current status of any order issued pursuant to subdivision (a), (b),
(c), or (d) to any law enforcement officer responding to the scene of
reported domestic violence or abuse.
   (h) Any willful and knowing violation of any order granted
pursuant to subdivision (a), (b), (c), or (d) shall be a misdemeanor
punishable under Section 273.65 of the Penal Code.
   (i) A juvenile court restraining order related to domestic
violence issued by a court pursuant to this section shall be issued
on forms adopted by the Judicial Council of California and that have
been approved by the Department of Justice pursuant to subdivision
(i) of Section 6380 of the Family Code. However, the fact that an
order issued by a court pursuant to this section was not issued on
forms adopted by the Judicial Council and approved by the Department
of Justice shall not, in and of itself, make the order unenforceable.

   (j) Information on any juvenile court restraining order related to
domestic violence issued by a court pursuant to this section shall
be transmitted to the Department of Justice in accordance with
subdivision (b) of Section 6380 of the Family Code.
   (k) (1) Prior to a hearing on the issuance or denial of an order
under this part, a search shall be conducted as described in
subdivision (a) of Section 6306 of the Family Code.
   (2) Prior to deciding whether to issue an order under this part,
the court shall consider the following information obtained pursuant
to a search conducted under paragraph (1): any conviction for a
violent felony specified in Section 667.5 of the Penal Code or a
serious felony specified in Section 1192.7 of the Penal Code; any
misdemeanor conviction involving domestic violence, weapons, or other
violence; any outstanding warrant; parole or probation status; any
prior restraining order; and any violation of a prior restraining
order.
   (3) (A) If the results of the search conducted pursuant to
paragraph (1) indicate that an outstanding warrant exists against the
subject of the search, the court shall order the clerk of the court
to immediately notify, by the most effective means available,
appropriate law enforcement officials of any information obtained
through the search that the court determines is appropriate. The law
enforcement officials notified shall take all actions necessary to
execute any outstanding warrants or any other actions, as appropriate
and as soon as practicable.
   (B) If the results of the search conducted pursuant to paragraph
(1) indicate that the subject of the search is currently on parole or
probation, the court shall order the clerk of the court to
immediately notify, by the most effective means available, the
appropriate parole or probation officer of any information obtained
through the search that the court determines is appropriate. The
parole or probation officer notified shall take all actions necessary
to revoke any parole or probation, or any other actions, with
respect to the subject person, as appropriate and as soon as
practicable.
   (l) Upon making any order for custody or visitation pursuant to
this section, the court shall follow the procedures specified in
subdivisions (c) and (d) of Section 6323 of the Family Code.
  SEC. 2.  Section 366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
   366.26.  (a) This section applies to children who are adjudged
dependent children of the juvenile court pursuant to subdivision (c)
of Section 360. The procedures specified herein are the exclusive
procedures for conducting these hearings; Part 2 (commencing with
Section 3020) of Division 8 of the Family Code is not applicable to
these proceedings. Section 8714.7 of the Family Code is applicable
and available to all dependent children meeting the requirements of
that section, if the postadoption contact agreement has been entered
into voluntarily. For children who are adjudged dependent children of
the juvenile court pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 360, this
section and Sections 8604, 8605, 8606, and 8700 of the Family Code
and Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 7660) of Part 3 of Division 12
of the Family Code specify the exclusive procedures for permanently
terminating parental rights with regard to, or establishing legal
guardianship of, the child while the child is a dependent child of
the juvenile court.
   (b) At the hearing, which shall be held in juvenile court for all
children who are dependents of the juvenile court, the court, in
order to provide stable, permanent homes for these children, shall
review the report as specified in Section 361.5, 366.21, or 366.22,
shall indicate that the court has read and considered it, shall
receive other evidence that the parties may present, and then shall
make findings and orders in the following order of preference:
   (1) Terminate the rights of the parent or parents and order that
the child be placed for adoption and, upon the filing of a petition
for adoption in the juvenile court, order that a hearing be set. The
court shall proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of
the natural parents have been exhausted.
   (2) On making a finding under paragraph (3) of subdivision (c),
identify adoption as the permanent placement goal and order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days.
   (3) Appoint a legal guardian for the child and order that letters
of guardianship issue.
   (4) Order that the child be placed in long-term foster care,
subject to the periodic review of the juvenile court under Section
366.3.
   In choosing among the above alternatives the court shall proceed
pursuant to subdivision (c).
   (c) (1) If the court determines, based on the assessment provided
as ordered under subdivision (i) of Section 366.21 or subdivision (b)
of Section 366.22, and any other relevant evidence, by a clear and
convincing standard, that it is likely the child will be adopted, the
court shall terminate parental rights and order the child placed for
adoption. The fact that the child is not yet placed in a preadoptive
home nor with a relative or foster family who is prepared to adopt
the child, shall not constitute a basis for the court to conclude
that it is not likely the child will be adopted. A finding under
subdivision (b) or paragraph (1) of subdivision (e) of Section 361.5
that reunification services shall not be offered, under subdivision
(e) of Section 366.21 that the whereabouts of a parent have been
unknown for six months or that the parent has failed to visit or
contact the child for six months or that the parent has been
convicted of a felony indicating parental unfitness, or, under
Section 366.21 or 366.22, that the court has continued to remove the
child from the custody of the parent or guardian and has terminated
reunification services, shall constitute a sufficient basis for
termination of parental rights unless the court finds a compelling
reason for determining that termination would be detrimental to the
child due to one or more of the following circumstances:
   (A) The parents or guardians have maintained regular visitation
and contact with the child and the child would benefit from
continuing the relationship.
   (B) A child 12 years of age or older objects to termination of
parental rights.
   (C) The child is placed in a residential treatment facility,
adoption is unlikely or undesirable, and continuation of parental
rights will not prevent finding the child a permanent family
placement if the parents cannot resume custody when residential care
is no longer needed.
   (D) The child is living with a relative or foster parent who is
unable or unwilling to adopt the child because of exceptional
circumstances, that do not include an unwillingness to accept legal
or financial responsibility for the child, but who is willing and
capable of providing the child with a stable and permanent
environment and the removal of the child from the physical custody of
his or her relative or foster parent would be detrimental to the
emotional well-being of the child. This subparagraph does not apply
to any child who is living with a nonrelative and who is either (i)
under six years of age or (ii) a member of a sibling group where at
least one child is under six years of age and the siblings are, or
should be, permanently placed together.
   (E) There would be substantial interference with a child's sibling
relationship, taking into consideration the nature and extent of the
relationship, including, but not limited to, whether the child was
raised with a sibling in the same home, whether the child shared
significant common experiences or has existing close and strong bonds
with a sibling, and whether ongoing contact is in the child's best
interest, including the child's long-term emotional interest, as
compared to the benefit of legal permanence through adoption.
   If the court finds that termination of parental rights would be
detrimental to the child pursuant to subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D),
or (E), it shall state its reasons in writing or on the record.
   (2) The court shall not terminate parental rights if at each
hearing at which the court was required to consider reasonable
efforts or services, the court has found that reasonable efforts were
not made or that reasonable services were not offered or provided.
   (3) If the court finds that termination of parental rights would
not be detrimental to the child pursuant to paragraph (1) and that
the child has a probability for adoption but is difficult to place
for adoption and there is no identified or available prospective
adoptive parent, the court may identify adoption as the permanent
placement goal and without terminating parental rights, order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days. During this 180-day
period, the public agency responsible for seeking adoptive parents
for each child shall, to the extent possible, ask each child who is
10 years of age or older who is placed in a group home for six months
or longer from the date the child entered foster care, to identify
any individuals, other than the child's siblings, who are important
to the child, in order to identify potential adoptive parents. The
public agency may ask any other child to provide that information, as
appropriate. During the 180-day period, the public agency shall, to
the extent possible, contact other private and public adoption
agencies regarding the availability of the child for adoption. During
the 180-day period, the public agency shall conduct the search for
adoptive parents in the same manner as prescribed for children in
Sections 8708 and 8709 of the Family Code. At the expiration of this
period, another hearing shall be held and the court shall proceed
pursuant to paragraph (1) or (3) of subdivision (b). For purposes of
this section, a child may only be found to be difficult to place for
adoption if there is no identified or available prospective adoptive
parent for the child because of the child's membership in a sibling
group, or the presence of a diagnosed medical, physical, or mental
handicap, or the child is the age of seven years or more.
   (4) (A) If the court finds that adoption of the child or
termination of parental rights is not in the best interest of the
child, because one of the conditions in subparagraph (A), (B), (C),
(D), or (E) of paragraph (1) or in paragraph (2) applies, the court
shall either order that the present caretakers or other appropriate
persons shall become legal guardians of the child or order that the
child remain in long-term foster care. Legal guardianship shall be
considered before long-term foster care, if it is in the best
interests of the child and if a suitable guardian can be found. A
child who is 10 years of age or older who is placed in a group home
for six months or longer from the date the child entered foster care,
shall be asked to identify any individuals, other than the child's
siblings, who are important to the child, in order to identify
potential guardians. The agency may ask any other child to provide
that information, as appropriate.
   (B) If the child is living with a relative or a foster parent who
is willing and capable of providing a stable and permanent
environment, but not willing to become a legal guardian, the child
shall not be removed from the home if the court finds the removal
would be seriously detrimental to the emotional well-being of the
child because the child has substantial psychological ties to the
relative caretaker or foster parents.
   (C) The court shall also make an order for visitation with the
parents or guardians unless the court finds by a preponderance of the
evidence that the visitation would be detrimental to the physical or
emotional well-being of the child.
   (5) If the court finds that the child should not be placed for
adoption, that legal guardianship shall not be established, and that
there are no suitable foster parents except exclusive-use homes
available to provide the child with a stable and permanent
environment, the court may order the care, custody, and control of
the child transferred from the county welfare department to a
licensed foster family agency. The court shall consider the written
recommendation of the county welfare director regarding the
suitability of the transfer. The transfer shall be subject to further
court orders.
   The licensed foster family agency shall place the child in a
suitable licensed or exclusive-use home that has been certified by
the agency as meeting licensing standards. The licensed foster family
agency shall be responsible for supporting the child and providing
appropriate services to the child, including those services ordered
by the court.  Responsibility for the support of the child shall not,
in and of itself, create liability on the part of the foster family
agency to third persons injured by the child. Those children whose
care, custody, and control are transferred to a foster family agency
shall not be eligible for foster care maintenance payments or child
welfare services, except for emergency response services pursuant to
Section 16504.
   (d) The proceeding for the appointment of a guardian for a child
who is a dependent of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile
court. If the court finds pursuant to this section that legal
guardianship is the appropriate permanent plan, it shall appoint the
legal guardian and issue letters of guardianship. The assessment
prepared pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 361.5, subdivision
(i) of Section 366.21, and subdivision (b) of Section 366.22 shall be
read and considered by the court prior to the appointment, and this
shall be reflected in the minutes of the court. The person preparing
the assessment may be called and examined by any party to the
proceeding.
   (e) The proceeding for the adoption of a child who is a dependent
of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile court if the court
finds pursuant to this section that adoption is the appropriate
permanent plan and the petition for adoption is filed in the juvenile
court. Upon the filing of a petition for adoption, the juvenile
court shall order that an adoption hearing be set. The court shall
proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of the natural
parents have been exhausted. The full report required by Section 8715
of the Family Code shall be read and considered by the court prior
to the adoption and this shall be reflected in the minutes of the
court. The person preparing the report may be called and examined by
any party to the proceeding. It is the intent of the Legislature,
pursuant to this subdivision, to give potential adoptive parents the
option of filing in the juvenile court the petition for the adoption
of a child who is a dependent of the juvenile court. Nothing in this
section is intended to prevent the filing of a petition for adoption
in any other court as permitted by law, instead of in the juvenile
court.
   (f) At the beginning of any proceeding pursuant to this section,
if the child or the parents are not being represented by previously
retained or appointed counsel, the court shall proceed as follows:
   (1) In accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 317, if a child
before the court is without counsel, the court shall appoint counsel
unless the court finds that the child would not benefit from the
appointment of counsel. The court shall state on the record its
reasons for that finding.
   (2) If a parent appears without counsel and is unable to afford
counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the parent, unless this
representation is knowingly and intelligently waived. The same
counsel shall not be appointed to represent both the child and his or
her parent. The public defender or private counsel may be appointed
as counsel for the parent.
   (3) Private counsel appointed under this section shall receive a
reasonable sum for compensation and expenses, the amount of which
shall be determined by the court. The amount shall be paid by the
real parties in interest, other than the child, in any proportions
the court deems just. However, if the court finds that any of the
real parties in interest are unable to afford counsel, the amount
shall be paid out of the general fund of the county.
   (g) The court may continue the proceeding for not to exceed 30
days as necessary to appoint counsel, and to enable counsel to become
acquainted with the case.
   (h) (1) At all proceedings under this section, the court shall
consider the wishes of the child and shall act in the best interests
of the child.
   (2) In accordance with Section 349, the child shall be present in
court if the child or the child's counsel so requests or the court so
orders. If the child is 10 years of age or older and is not present
at a hearing held pursuant to this section, the court shall determine
whether the minor was properly notified of his or her right to
attend the hearing and inquire as to the reason why the child is not
present.
   (3) (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 exists:
   (i) The court determines that testimony in chambers is necessary
to ensure truthful testimony.
   (ii) The child is likely to be intimidated by a formal courtroom
setting.
   (iii) The child is afraid to testify in front of his or her parent
or parents.
   (B) 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.

   (C) 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 this subdivision.
   (i) (1) Any order of the court permanently terminating parental
rights under this section shall be conclusive and binding upon the
child, upon the parent or parents and upon all other persons who have
been served with citation by publication or otherwise as provided in
this chapter. After making the order, the juvenile court shall have
no power to set aside, change, or modify it, except as provided in
paragraph (2), but nothing in this section shall be construed to
limit the right to appeal the order.
   (2) A child who has not been adopted after the passage of at least
three years from the date the court terminated parental rights and
for whom the court has determined that adoption is no longer the
permanent plan may petition the juvenile court to reinstate parental
rights pursuant to the procedure prescribed by Section 388. The child
may file the petition prior to the expiration of this three-year
period if the State Department of Social Services or licensed
adoption agency that is responsible for custody and supervision of
the child as described in subdivision (j) and the child stipulate
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted. A child over 12
years of age shall sign the petition in the absence of a showing of
good cause as to why the child could not do so. If it appears that
the best interests of the child may be promoted by reinstatement of
parental rights, the court shall order that a hearing be held and
shall give prior notice, or cause prior notice to be given, to the
social worker or probation officer and to the child's attorney of
record, or, if there is no attorney of record for the child, to the
child, and the child's tribe, if applicable, by means prescribed by
subdivision (c) of Section 297. The court shall order the child or
the social worker or probation officer to give prior notice of the
hearing to the child's former parent or parents whose parental rights
were terminated in the manner prescribed by
                         subdivision (f) of Section 294 where the
recommendation is adoption. The juvenile court shall grant the
petition if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that the child
is no longer likely to be adopted and that reinstatement of parental
rights is in the child's best interest. If the court reinstates
parental rights over a child who is under 12 years of age and for
whom the new permanent plan will not be reunification with a parent
or legal guardian, the court shall specify the factual basis for its
findings that it is in the best interest of the child to reinstate
parental rights. This subdivision is intended to be retroactive and
applies to any child who is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile
court at the time of the hearing regardless of the date parental
rights were terminated.
   (j) If the court, by order or judgment, declares the child free
from the custody and control of both parents, or one parent if the
other does not have custody and control, the court shall at the same
time order the child referred to the State Department of Social
Services or a licensed adoption agency for adoptive placement by the
agency. However, a petition for adoption may not be granted until the
appellate rights of the natural parents have been exhausted. The
State Department of Social Services or licensed adoption agency shall
be responsible for the custody and supervision of the child and
shall be entitled to the exclusive care and control of the child at
all times until a petition for adoption is granted. With the consent
of the agency, the court may appoint a guardian of the child, who
shall serve until the child is adopted.
   (k) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the application of
any person who, as a relative caretaker or foster parent, has cared
for a dependent child for whom the court has approved a permanent
plan for adoption, or who has been freed for adoption, shall be given
preference with respect to that child over all other applications
for adoptive placement if the agency making the placement determines
that the child has substantial emotional ties to the relative
caretaker or foster parent and removal from the relative caretaker or
foster parent would be seriously detrimental to the child's
emotional well-being.
   As used in this subdivision, "preference" means that the
application shall be processed and, if satisfactory, the family study
shall be completed before the processing of the application of any
other person for the adoptive placement of the child.
   (l) (1) An order by the court that a hearing pursuant to this
section be held is not appealable at any time unless all of the
following apply:
   (A) A petition for extraordinary writ review was filed in a timely
manner.
   (B) The petition substantively addressed the specific issues to be
challenged and supported that challenge by an adequate record.
   (C) The petition for extraordinary writ review was summarily
denied or otherwise not decided on the merits.
   (2) Failure to file a petition for extraordinary writ review
within the period specified by rule, to substantively address the
specific issues challenged, or to support that challenge by an
adequate record shall preclude subsequent review by appeal of the
findings and orders made pursuant to this section.
   (3) The Judicial Council shall adopt rules of court, effective
January 1, 1995, to ensure all of the following:
   (A) A trial court, after issuance of an order directing a hearing
pursuant to this section be held, shall advise all parties of the
requirement of filing a petition for extraordinary writ review as set
forth in this subdivision in order to preserve any right to appeal
in these issues. This notice shall be made orally to a party if the
party is present at the time of the making of the order or by
first-class mail by the clerk of the court to the last known address
of a party not present at the time of the making of the order.
   (B) The prompt transmittal of the records from the trial court to
the appellate court.
   (C) That adequate time requirements for counsel and court
personnel exist to implement the objective of this subdivision.
   (D) That the parent or guardian, or their trial counsel or other
counsel, is charged with the responsibility of filing a petition for
extraordinary writ relief pursuant to this subdivision.
   (4) The intent of this subdivision is to do both of the following:

   (A) Make every reasonable attempt to achieve a substantive and
meritorious review by the appellate court within the time specified
in Sections 366.21 and 366.22 for holding a hearing pursuant to this
section.
   (B) Encourage the appellate court to determine all writ petitions
filed pursuant to this subdivision on their merits.
   (5) This subdivision shall only apply to cases in which an order
to set a hearing pursuant to this section is issued on or after
January 1, 1995.
   (m) Except for subdivision (j), this section shall also apply to
minors adjudged wards pursuant to Section 727.31.
  SEC. 2.1.  Section 366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
   366.26.  (a) This section applies to children who are adjudged
dependent children of the juvenile court pursuant to subdivision (c)
of Section 360. The procedures specified in this section are the
exclusive procedures for conducting these hearings; Part 2
(commencing with Section 3020) of Division 8 of the Family Code is
not applicable to these proceedings. Section 8714.7 of the Family
Code is applicable and available to all dependent children meeting
the requirements of that section, if the postadoption contact
agreement has been entered into voluntarily. For children who are
adjudged dependent children of the juvenile court pursuant to
subdivision (c) of Section 360, this section and Sections 8604, 8605,
8606, and 8700 of the Family Code and Chapter 5 (commencing with
Section 7660) of Part 3 of Division 12 of the Family Code specify the
exclusive procedures for permanently terminating parental rights
with regard to, or establishing legal guardianship of, the child
while the child is a dependent child of the juvenile court.
   (b) At the hearing, which shall be held in juvenile court for all
children who are dependents of the juvenile court, the court, in
order to provide stable, permanent homes for these children, shall
review the report as specified in Section 361.5, 366.21, or 366.22,
shall indicate that the court has read and considered it, shall
receive other evidence that the parties may present, and then shall
make findings and orders in the following order of preference:
   (1) Terminate the rights of the parent or parents and order that
the child be placed for adoption and, upon the filing of a petition
for adoption in the juvenile court, order that a hearing be set. The
court shall proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of
the natural parents have been exhausted.
   (2) On making a finding under paragraph (3) of subdivision (c),
identify adoption as the permanent placement goal and order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days.
   (3) Appoint a legal guardian for the child and order that letters
of guardianship issue.
   (4) Order that the child be placed in long-term foster care,
subject to the periodic review of the juvenile court under Section
366.3.
   In choosing among the above alternatives, the court shall proceed
pursuant to subdivision (c).
   (c) (1) If the court determines, based on the assessment provided
as ordered under subdivision (i) of Section 366.21 or subdivision (b)
of Section 366.22, and any other relevant evidence, by a clear and
convincing standard, that it is likely the child will be adopted, the
court shall terminate parental rights and order the child placed for
adoption. The fact that the child is not yet placed in a preadoptive
home nor with a relative or foster family who is prepared to adopt
the child, shall not constitute a basis for the court to conclude
that it is not likely the child will be adopted. A finding under
subdivision (b) or paragraph (1) of subdivision (e) of Section 361.5
that reunification services shall not be offered, under subdivision
(e) of Section 366.21 that the whereabouts of a parent have been
unknown for six months or that the parent has failed to visit or
contact the child for six months or that the parent has been
convicted of a felony indicating parental unfitness, or, under
Section 366.21 or 366.22, that the court has continued to remove the
child from the custody of the parent or guardian and has terminated
reunification services, shall constitute a sufficient basis for
termination of parental rights unless the court finds a compelling
reason for determining that termination would be detrimental to the
child due to one or more of the following circumstances:
   (A) The parents or guardians have maintained regular visitation
and contact with the child and the child would benefit from
continuing the relationship.
   (B) A child 12 years of age or older objects to termination of
parental rights.
   (C) The child is placed in a residential treatment facility,
adoption is unlikely or undesirable, and continuation of parental
rights will not prevent finding the child a permanent family
placement if the parents cannot resume custody when residential care
is no longer needed.
   (D) The child is living with a relative or foster parent who is
unable or unwilling to adopt the child because of exceptional
circumstances, that do not include an unwillingness to accept legal
or financial responsibility for the child, but who is willing and
capable of providing the child with a stable and permanent
environment and the removal of the child from the physical custody of
his or her relative or foster parent would be detrimental to the
emotional well-being of the child. This subparagraph does not apply
to any child who is living with a nonrelative and who is either (i)
under six years of age or (ii) a member of a sibling group where at
least one child is under six years of age and the siblings are, or
should be, permanently placed together.
   (E) There would be substantial interference with a child's sibling
relationship, taking into consideration the nature and extent of the
relationship, including, but not limited to, whether the child was
raised with a sibling in the same home, whether the child shared
significant common experiences or has existing close and strong bonds
with a sibling, and whether ongoing contact is in the child's best
interest, including the child's long-term emotional interest, as
compared to the benefit of legal permanence through adoption.
   If the court finds that termination of parental rights would be
detrimental to the child pursuant to subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D),
or (E), it shall state its reasons in writing or on the record.
   (2) The court shall not terminate parental rights if at each
hearing at which the court was required to consider reasonable
efforts or services, the court has found that reasonable efforts were
not made or that reasonable services were not offered or provided.
   (3) If the court finds that termination of parental rights would
not be detrimental to the child pursuant to paragraph (1) and that
the child has a probability for adoption but is difficult to place
for adoption and there is no identified or available prospective
adoptive parent, the court may identify adoption as the permanent
placement goal and without terminating parental rights, order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days. During this 180-day
period, the public agency responsible for seeking adoptive parents
for each child shall, to the extent possible, ask each child who is
10 years of age or older who is placed in a group home for six months
or longer from the date the child entered foster care, to identify
any individuals, other than the child's siblings, who are important
to the child, in order to identify potential adoptive parents. The
public agency may ask any other child to provide that information, as
appropriate. During the 180-day period, the public agency shall, to
the extent possible, contact other private and public adoption
agencies regarding the availability of the child for adoption. During
the 180-day period, the public agency shall conduct the search for
adoptive parents in the same manner as prescribed for children in
Sections 8708 and 8709 of the Family Code. At the expiration of this
period, another hearing shall be held and the court shall proceed
pursuant to paragraph (1) or (3) of subdivision (b). For purposes of
this section, a child may only be found to be difficult to place for
adoption if there is no identified or available prospective adoptive
parent for the child because of the child's membership in a sibling
group, or the presence of a diagnosed medical, physical, or mental
handicap, or the child is the age of seven years or more.
   (4) (A) If the court finds that adoption of the child or
termination of parental rights is not in the best interest of the
child, because one of the conditions in subparagraph (A), (B), (C),
(D), or (E) of paragraph (1) or in paragraph (2) applies, the court
shall either order that the present caretakers or other appropriate
persons shall become legal guardians of the child or order that the
child remain in long-term foster care. Legal guardianship shall be
considered before long-term foster care, if it is in the best
interest of the child and if a suitable guardian can be found. A
child who is 10 years of age or older who is placed in a group home
for six months or longer from the date the child entered foster care,
shall be asked to identify any individuals, other than the child's
siblings, who are important to the child, in order to identify
potential guardians. The agency may ask any other child to provide
that information, as appropriate.
   (B) If the child is living with a relative or a foster parent who
is willing and capable of providing a stable and permanent
environment, but not willing to become a legal guardian, the child
shall not be removed from the home if the court finds the removal
would be seriously detrimental to the emotional well-being of the
child because the child has substantial psychological ties to the
relative caretaker or foster parents.
   (C) The court shall also make an order for visitation with the
parents or guardians unless the court finds by a preponderance of the
evidence that the visitation would be detrimental to the physical or
emotional well-being of the child.
   (5) If the court finds that the child should not be placed for
adoption, that legal guardianship shall not be established, and that
there are no suitable foster parents except exclusive-use homes
available to provide the child with a stable and permanent
environment, the court may order the care, custody, and control of
the child transferred from the county welfare department to a
licensed foster family agency. The court shall consider the written
recommendation of the county welfare director regarding the
suitability of the transfer. The transfer shall be subject to further
court orders.
   The licensed foster family agency shall place the child in a
suitable licensed or exclusive-use home that has been certified by
the agency as meeting licensing standards. The licensed foster family
agency shall be responsible for supporting the child and providing
appropriate services to the child, including those services ordered
by the court.  Responsibility for the support of the child shall not,
in and of itself, create liability on the part of the foster family
agency to third persons injured by the child. Those children whose
care, custody, and control are transferred to a foster family agency
shall not be eligible for foster care maintenance payments or child
welfare services, except for emergency response services pursuant to
Section 16504.
   (d) The proceeding for the appointment of a guardian for a child
who is a dependent of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile
court. If the court finds pursuant to this section that legal
guardianship is the appropriate permanent plan, it shall appoint the
legal guardian and issue letters of guardianship. The assessment
prepared pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 361.5, subdivision
(i) of Section 366.21, and subdivision (b) of Section 366.22 shall be
read and considered by the court prior to the appointment, and this
shall be reflected in the minutes of the court. The person preparing
the assessment may be called and examined by any party to the
proceeding.
   (e) The proceeding for the adoption of a child who is a dependent
of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile court if the court
finds pursuant to this section that adoption is the appropriate
permanent plan and the petition for adoption is filed in the juvenile
court. Upon the filing of a petition for adoption, the juvenile
court shall order that an adoption hearing be set. The court shall
proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of the natural
parents have been exhausted. The full report required by Section 8715
of the Family Code shall be read and considered by the court prior
to the adoption and this shall be reflected in the minutes of the
court. The person preparing the report may be called and examined by
any party to the proceeding. It is the intent of the Legislature,
pursuant to this subdivision, to give potential adoptive parents the
option of filing in the juvenile court the petition for the adoption
of a child who is a dependent of the juvenile court. Nothing in this
section is intended to prevent the filing of a petition for adoption
in any other court as permitted by law, instead of in the juvenile
court.
   (f) At the beginning of any proceeding pursuant to this section,
if the child or the parents are not being represented by previously
retained or appointed counsel, including, in the case of any child
who is not a lawful permanent resident or citizen of the United
States, counsel appointed pursuant to subdivision (i) of Section 317,
the court shall proceed as follows:
   (1) In accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 317, if a child
before the court is without counsel, the court shall appoint counsel
unless the court finds that the child would not benefit from the
appointment of counsel. The court shall state on the record its
reasons for that finding.
   (2) If a parent appears without counsel and is unable to afford
counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the parent, unless this
representation is knowingly and intelligently waived. The same
counsel shall not be appointed to represent both the child and his or
her parent. The public defender or private counsel may be appointed
as counsel for the parent.
   (3) Private counsel appointed under this section shall receive a
reasonable sum for compensation and expenses, the amount of which
shall be determined by the court. The amount shall be paid by the
real parties in interest, other than the child, in any proportions
the court deems just. However, if the court finds that any of the
real parties in interest are unable to afford counsel, the amount
shall be paid out of the general fund of the county.
   (g) The court may continue the proceeding for not to exceed 30
days as necessary to appoint counsel, and to enable counsel to become
acquainted with the case.
   (h) (1) At all proceedings under this section, the court shall
consider the wishes of the child and shall act in the best interests
of the child.
   (2) In accordance with Section 349, the child shall be present in
court if the child or the child's counsel so requests or the court so
orders. If the child is 10 years of age or older and is not present
at a hearing held pursuant to this section, the court shall determine
whether the minor was properly notified of his or her right to
attend the hearing and inquire as to the reason why the child is not
present.
   (3) (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 exists:
   (i) The court determines that testimony in chambers is necessary
to ensure truthful testimony.
   (ii) The child is likely to be intimidated by a formal courtroom
setting.
   (iii) The child is afraid to testify in front of his or her parent
or parents.
   (B) 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.

   (C) 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 this subdivision.
   (i) (1) Any order of the court permanently terminating parental
rights under this section shall be conclusive and binding upon the
child, upon the parent or parents and upon all other persons who have
been served with a citation by publication or otherwise as provided
in this chapter. After making the order, the juvenile court shall
have no power to set aside, change, or modify it, except as provided
in paragraph (2), but nothing in this section shall be construed to
limit the right to appeal the order.
   (2) A child who has not been adopted after the passage of at least
three years from the date the court terminated parental rights and
for whom the court has determined that adoption is no longer the
permanent plan may petition the juvenile court to reinstate parental
rights pursuant to the procedure prescribed by Section 388. The child
may file the petition prior to the expiration of this three-year
period if the State Department of Social Services or licensed
adoption agency that is responsible for custody and supervision of
the child as described in subdivision (j) and the child stipulate
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted. A child over 12
years of age shall sign the petition in the absence of a showing of
good cause as to why the child could not do so. If it appears that
the best interests of the child may be promoted by reinstatement of
parental rights, the court shall order that a hearing be held and
shall give prior notice, or cause prior notice to be given, to the
social worker or probation officer and to the child's attorney of
record, or, if there is no attorney of record for the child, to the
child, and the child's tribe, if applicable, by means prescribed by
subdivision (c) of Section 297. The court shall order the child or
the social worker or probation officer to give prior notice of the
hearing to the child's former parent or parents whose parental rights
were terminated in the manner prescribed by subdivision (f) of
Section 294 where the recommendation is adoption. The juvenile court
shall grant the petition if it finds by clear and convincing evidence
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted and that
reinstatement of parental rights is in the child's best interest. If
the court reinstates parental rights over a child who is under 12
years of age and for whom the new permanent plan will not be
reunification with a parent or legal guardianship, the court shall
specify the factual basis for its findings that it is in the best
interest of the child to reinstate parental rights. This subdivision
is intended to be retroactive and applies to any child who is under
the jurisdiction of the juvenile court at the time of the hearing
regardless of the date parental rights were terminated.
   (j) If the court, by order or judgment, declares the child free
from the custody and control of both parents, or one parent if the
other does not have custody and control, the court shall at the same
time order the child referred to the State Department of Social
Services or a licensed adoption agency for adoptive placement by the
agency. However, a petition for adoption may not be granted until the
appellate rights of the natural parents have been exhausted. The
State Department of Social Services or licensed adoption agency shall
be responsible for the custody and supervision of the child and
shall be entitled to the exclusive care and control of the child at
all times until a petition for adoption is granted. With the consent
of the agency, the court may appoint a guardian of the child, who
shall serve until the child is adopted.
   (k) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the application of
any person who, as a relative caretaker or foster parent, has cared
for a dependent child for whom the court has approved a permanent
plan for adoption, or who has been freed for adoption, shall be given
preference with respect to that child over all other applications
for adoptive placement if the agency making the placement determines
that the child has substantial emotional ties to the relative
caretaker or foster parent and removal from the relative caretaker or
foster parent would be seriously detrimental to the child's
emotional well-being.
   As used in this subdivision, "preference" means that the
application shall be processed and, if satisfactory, the family study
shall be completed before the processing of the application of any
other person for the adoptive placement of the child.
   (l) (1) An order by the court that a hearing pursuant to this
section be held is not appealable at any time unless all of the
following apply:
   (A) A petition for extraordinary writ review was filed in a timely
manner.
   (B) The petition substantively addressed the specific issues to be
challenged and supported that challenge by an adequate record.
   (C) The petition for extraordinary writ review was summarily
denied or otherwise not decided on the merits.
   (2) Failure to file a petition for extraordinary writ review
within the period specified by rule, to substantively address the
specific issues challenged, or to support that challenge by an
adequate record shall preclude subsequent review by appeal of the
findings and orders made pursuant to this section.
   (3) The Judicial Council shall adopt rules of court, effective
January 1, 1995, to ensure all of the following:
   (A) A trial court, after issuance of an order directing a hearing
pursuant to this section be held, shall advise all parties of the
requirement of filing a petition for extraordinary writ review as set
forth in this subdivision in order to preserve any right to appeal
in these issues. This notice shall be made orally to a party if the
party is present at the time of the making of the order or by
first-class mail by the clerk of the court to the last known address
of                                               a party not present
at the time of the making of the order.
   (B) The prompt transmittal of the records from the trial court to
the appellate court.
   (C) That adequate time requirements for counsel and court
personnel exist to implement the objective of this subdivision.
   (D) That the parent or guardian, or their trial counsel or other
counsel, is charged with the responsibility of filing a petition for
extraordinary writ relief pursuant to this subdivision.
   (4) The intent of this subdivision is to do both of the following:

   (A) Make every reasonable attempt to achieve a substantive and
meritorious review by the appellate court within the time specified
in Sections 366.21 and 366.22 for holding a hearing pursuant to this
section.
   (B) Encourage the appellate court to determine all writ petitions
filed pursuant to this subdivision on their merits.
   (5) This subdivision shall only apply to cases in which an order
to set a hearing pursuant to this section is issued on or after
January 1, 1995.
   (m) Except for subdivision (j), this section shall also apply to
minors adjudged wards pursuant to Section 727.31.
  SEC. 2.2.  Section 366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
   366.26.  (a) This section applies to children who are adjudged
dependent children of the juvenile court pursuant to subdivision (c)
of Section 360. The procedures specified herein are the exclusive
procedures for conducting these hearings; Part 2 (commencing with
Section 3020) of Division 8 of the Family Code is not applicable to
these proceedings. Section 8714.7 of the Family Code is applicable
and available to all dependent children meeting the requirements of
that section, if the postadoption contact agreement has been entered
into voluntarily. For children who are adjudged dependent children of
the juvenile court pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 360, this
section and Sections 8604, 8605, 8606, and 8700 of the Family Code
and Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 7660) of Part 3 of Division 12
of the Family Code specify the exclusive procedures for permanently
terminating parental rights with regard to, or establishing legal
guardianship of, the child while the child is a dependent child of
the juvenile court.
   (b) At the hearing, which shall be held in juvenile court for all
children who are dependents of the juvenile court, the court, in
order to provide stable, permanent homes for these children, shall
review the report as specified in Section 361.5, 366.21, or 366.22,
shall indicate that the court has read and considered it, shall
receive other evidence that the parties may present, and then shall
make findings and orders in the following order of preference:
   (1) Terminate the rights of the parent or parents and order that
the child be placed for adoption and, upon the filing of a petition
for adoption in the juvenile court, order that a hearing be set. The
court shall proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of
the natural parents have been exhausted.
   (2) On making a finding under paragraph (3) of subdivision (c),
identify adoption as the permanent placement goal and order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days.
   (3) Appoint a legal guardian for the child and order that letters
of guardianship issue.
   (4) Order that the child be placed in long-term foster care,
subject to the periodic review of the juvenile court under Section
366.3.
   In choosing among the above alternatives the court shall proceed
pursuant to subdivision (c).
   (c) (1) If the court determines, based on the assessment provided
as ordered under subdivision (i) of Section 366.21 or subdivision (b)
of Section 366.22, and any other relevant evidence, by a clear and
convincing standard, that it is likely the child will be adopted, the
court shall terminate parental rights and order the child placed for
adoption. The fact that the child is not yet placed in a preadoptive
home nor with a relative or foster family who is prepared to adopt
the child, shall not constitute a basis for the court to conclude
that it is not likely the child will be adopted. A finding under
subdivision (b) or paragraph (1) of subdivision (e) of Section 361.5
that reunification services shall not be offered, under subdivision
(e) of Section 366.21 that the whereabouts of a parent have been
unknown for six months or that the parent has failed to visit or
contact the child for six months or that the parent has been
convicted of a felony indicating parental unfitness, or, under
Section 366.21 or 366.22, that the court has continued to remove the
child from the custody of the parent or guardian and has terminated
reunification services, shall constitute a sufficient basis for
termination of parental rights unless the court finds a compelling
reason for determining that termination would be detrimental to the
child due to one or more of the following circumstances:
   (A) The parents or guardians have maintained regular visitation
and contact with the child and the child would benefit from
continuing the relationship.
   (B) A child 12 years of age or older objects to termination of
parental rights.
   (C) The child is placed in a residential treatment facility,
adoption is unlikely or undesirable, and continuation of parental
rights will not prevent finding the child a permanent family
placement if the parents cannot resume custody when residential care
is no longer needed.
   (D) The child is living with a relative or foster parent who is
unable or unwilling to adopt the child because of exceptional
circumstances, that do not include an unwillingness to accept legal
or financial responsibility for the child, but who is willing and
capable of providing the child with a stable and permanent
environment and the removal of the child from the physical custody of
his or her relative or foster parent would be detrimental to the
emotional well-being of the child. This subparagraph does not apply
to any child who is living with a nonrelative and who is either (i)
under six years of age or (ii) a member of a sibling group where at
least one child is under six years of age and the siblings are, or
should be, permanently placed together.
   (E) There would be substantial interference with a child's sibling
relationship, taking into consideration the nature and extent of the
relationship, including, but not limited to, whether the child was
raised with a sibling in the same home, whether the child shared
significant common experiences or has existing close and strong bonds
with a sibling, and whether ongoing contact is in the child's best
interest, including the child's long-term emotional interest, as
compared to the benefit of legal permanence through adoption.
   If the court finds that termination of parental rights would be
detrimental to the child pursuant to subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D),
or (E), it shall state its reasons in writing or on the record.
   (2) The court shall not terminate parental rights if at each
hearing at which the court was required to consider reasonable
efforts or services, the court has found that reasonable efforts were
not made or that reasonable services were not offered or provided.
   (3) If the court finds that termination of parental rights would
not be detrimental to the child pursuant to paragraph (1) and that
the child has a probability for adoption but is difficult to place
for adoption and there is no identified or available prospective
adoptive parent, the court may identify adoption as the permanent
placement goal and without terminating parental rights, order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days. During this 180-day
period, the public agency responsible for seeking adoptive parents
for each child shall, to the extent possible, ask each child who is
10 years of age or older, to identify any individuals, other than the
child's siblings, who are important to the child, in order to
identify potential adoptive parents. The public agency may ask any
other child to provide that information, as appropriate.  During the
180-day period, the public agency shall, to the extent possible,
contact other private and public adoption agencies regarding the
availability of the child for adoption. During the 180-day period,
the public agency shall conduct the search for adoptive parents in
the same manner as prescribed for children in Sections 8708 and 8709
of the Family Code. At the expiration of this period, another hearing
shall be held and the court shall proceed pursuant to paragraph (1)
or (3) of subdivision (b). For purposes of this section, a child may
only be found to be difficult to place for adoption if there is no
identified or available prospective adoptive parent for the child
because of the child's membership in a sibling group, or the presence
of a diagnosed medical, physical, or mental handicap, or the child
is the age of seven years or more.
   (4) (A) If the court finds that adoption of the child or
termination of parental rights is not in the best interest of the
child, because one of the conditions in subparagraph (A), (B), (C),
(D), or (E) of paragraph (1) or in paragraph (2) applies, the court
shall either order that the present caretakers or other appropriate
persons shall become legal guardians of the child or order that the
child remain in long-term foster care. Legal guardianship shall be
considered before long-term foster care, if it is in the best
interests of the child and if a suitable guardian can be found. A
child who is 10 years of age or older, shall be asked to identify any
individuals, other than the child's siblings, who are important to
the child, in order to identify potential guardians. The agency may
ask any other child to provide that information, as appropriate.
   (B) If the child is living with a relative or a foster parent who
is willing and capable of providing a stable and permanent
environment, but not willing to become a legal guardian, the child
shall not be removed from the home if the court finds the removal
would be seriously detrimental to the emotional well-being of the
child because the child has substantial psychological ties to the
relative caretaker or foster parents.
   (C) The court shall also make an order for visitation with the
parents or guardians unless the court finds by a preponderance of the
evidence that the visitation would be detrimental to the physical or
emotional well-being of the child.
   (5) If the court finds that the child should not be placed for
adoption, that legal guardianship shall not be established, and that
there are no suitable foster parents except exclusive-use homes
available to provide the child with a stable and permanent
environment, the court may order the care, custody, and control of
the child transferred from the county welfare department to a
licensed foster family agency. The court shall consider the written
recommendation of the county welfare director regarding the
suitability of the transfer. The transfer shall be subject to further
court orders.
   The licensed foster family agency shall place the child in a
suitable licensed or exclusive-use home that has been certified by
the agency as meeting licensing standards. The licensed foster family
agency shall be responsible for supporting the child and providing
appropriate services to the child, including those services ordered
by the court.  Responsibility for the support of the child shall not,
in and of itself, create liability on the part of the foster family
agency to third persons injured by the child. Those children whose
care, custody, and control are transferred to a foster family agency
shall not be eligible for foster care maintenance payments or child
welfare services, except for emergency response services pursuant to
Section 16504.
   (d) The proceeding for the appointment of a guardian for a child
who is a dependent of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile
court. If the court finds pursuant to this section that legal
guardianship is the appropriate permanent plan, it shall appoint the
legal guardian and issue letters of guardianship. The assessment
prepared pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 361.5, subdivision
(i) of Section 366.21, and subdivision (b) of Section 366.22 shall be
read and considered by the court prior to the appointment, and this
shall be reflected in the minutes of the court. The person preparing
the assessment may be called and examined by any party to the
proceeding.
   (e) The proceeding for the adoption of a child who is a dependent
of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile court if the court
finds pursuant to this section that adoption is the appropriate
permanent plan and the petition for adoption is filed in the juvenile
court. Upon the filing of a petition for adoption, the juvenile
court shall order that an adoption hearing be set. The court shall
proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of the natural
parents have been exhausted. The full report required by Section 8715
of the Family Code shall be read and considered by the court prior
to the adoption and this shall be reflected in the minutes of the
court. The person preparing the report may be called and examined by
any party to the proceeding. It is the intent of the Legislature,
pursuant to this subdivision, to give potential adoptive parents the
option of filing in the juvenile court the petition for the adoption
of a child who is a dependent of the juvenile court. Nothing in this
section is intended to prevent the filing of a petition for adoption
in any other court as permitted by law, instead of in the juvenile
court.
   (f) At the beginning of any proceeding pursuant to this section,
if the child or the parents are not being represented by previously
retained or appointed counsel, the court shall proceed as follows:
   (1) In accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 317, if a child
before the court is without counsel, the court shall appoint counsel
unless the court finds that the child would not benefit from the
appointment of counsel. The court shall state on the record its
reasons for that finding.
   (2) If a parent appears without counsel and is unable to afford
counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the parent, unless this
representation is knowingly and intelligently waived. The same
counsel shall not be appointed to represent both the child and his or
her parent. The public defender or private counsel may be appointed
as counsel for the parent.
   (3) Private counsel appointed under this section shall receive a
reasonable sum for compensation and expenses, the amount of which
shall be determined by the court. The amount shall be paid by the
real parties in interest, other than the child, in any proportions
the court deems just. However, if the court finds that any of the
real parties in interest are unable to afford counsel, the amount
shall be paid out of the general fund of the county.
   (g) The court may continue the proceeding for a period of time not
to exceed 30 days as necessary to appoint counsel, and to enable
counsel to become acquainted with the case.
   (h) (1) At all proceedings under this section, the court shall
consider the wishes of the child and shall act in the best interests
of the child.
   (2) In accordance with Section 349, the child shall be present in
court if the child or the child's counsel so requests or the court so
orders. If the child is 10 years of age or older and is not present
at a hearing held pursuant to this section, the court shall determine
whether the minor was properly notified of his or her right to
attend the hearing and inquire as to the reason why the child is not
present.
   (3) (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 exists:
   (i) The court determines that testimony in chambers is necessary
to ensure truthful testimony.
   (ii) The child is likely to be intimidated by a formal courtroom
setting.
   (iii) The child is afraid to testify in front of his or her parent
or parents.
   (B) 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.

   (C) 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 this subdivision.
   (i) (1) Any order of the court permanently terminating parental
rights under this section shall be conclusive and binding upon the
child, upon the parent or parents and upon all other persons who have
been served with citation by publication or otherwise as provided in
this chapter. After making the order, the juvenile court shall have
no power to set aside, change, or modify it, except as provided in
paragraph (2), but nothing in this section shall be construed to
limit the right to appeal the order.
   (2) A child who has not been adopted after the passage of at least
three years from the date the court terminated parental rights and
for whom the court has determined that adoption is no longer the
permanent plan may petition the juvenile court to reinstate parental
rights pursuant to the procedure prescribed by Section 388. The child
may file the petition prior to the expiration of this three-year
period if the State Department of Social Services or licensed
adoption agency that is responsible for custody and supervision of
the child as described in subdivision (j) and the child stipulate
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted. A child over 12
years of age shall sign the petition in the absence of a showing of
good cause as to why the child could not do so. If it appears that
the best interests of the child may be promoted by reinstatement of
parental rights, the court shall order that a hearing be held and
shall give prior notice, or cause prior notice to be given, to the
social worker or probation officer and to the child's attorney of
record, or, if there is no attorney of record for the child, to the
child, and the child's tribe, if applicable, by means prescribed by
subdivision (c) of Section 297. The court shall order the child or
the social worker or probation officer to give prior notice of the
hearing to the child's former parent or parents whose parental rights
were terminated in the manner prescribed by subdivision (f) of
Section 294 where the recommendation is adoption. The juvenile court
shall grant the petition if it finds by clear and convincing evidence
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted and that
reinstatement of parental rights is in the child's best interest. If
the court reinstates parental rights over a child who is under 12
years of age and for whom the new permanent plan will not be
reunification with a parent or legal guardianship, the court shall
specify the factual basis for its findings that it is in the best
interest of the child to reinstate parental rights. This subdivision
is intended to be retroactive and applies to any child who is under
the jurisdiction of the juvenile court at the time of the hearing
regardless of the date parental rights were terminated.
   (j) If the court, by order or judgment, declares the child free
from the custody and control of both parents, or one parent if the
other does not have custody and control, the court shall at the same
time order the child referred to the State Department of Social
Services or a licensed adoption agency for adoptive placement by the
agency. However, a petition for adoption may not be granted until the
appellate rights of the natural parents have been exhausted. The
State Department of Social Services or licensed adoption agency shall
be responsible for the custody and supervision of the child and
shall be entitled to the exclusive care and control of the child at
all times until a petition for adoption is granted. With the consent
of the agency, the court may appoint a guardian of the child, who
shall serve until the child is adopted.
   (k) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the application of
any person who, as a relative caretaker or foster parent, has cared
for a dependent child for whom the court has approved a permanent
plan for adoption, or who has been freed for adoption, shall be given
preference with respect to that child over all other applications
for adoptive placement if the agency making the placement determines
that the child has substantial emotional ties to the relative
caretaker or foster parent and removal from the relative caretaker or
foster parent would be seriously detrimental to the child's
emotional well-being.
   As used in this subdivision, "preference" means that the
application shall be processed and, if satisfactory, the family study
shall be completed before the processing of the application of any
other person for the adoptive placement of the child.
   (l) (1) An order by the court that a hearing pursuant to this
section be held is not appealable at any time unless all of the
following apply:
   (A) A petition for extraordinary writ review was filed in a timely
manner.
   (B) The petition substantively addressed the specific issues to be
challenged and supported that challenge by an adequate record.
   (C) The petition for extraordinary writ review was summarily
denied or otherwise not decided on the merits.
   (2) Failure to file a petition for extraordinary writ review
within the period specified by rule, to substantively address the
specific issues challenged, or to support that challenge by an
adequate record shall preclude subsequent review by appeal of the
findings and orders made pursuant to this section.
   (3) The Judicial Council shall adopt rules of court, effective
January 1, 1995, to ensure all of the following:
   (A) A trial court, after issuance of an order directing a hearing
pursuant to this section be held, shall advise all parties of the
requirement of filing a petition for extraordinary writ review as set
forth in this subdivision in order to preserve any right to appeal
in these issues. This notice shall be made orally to a party if the
party is present at the time of the making of the order or by
first-class mail by the clerk of the court to the last known address
of a party not present at the time of the making of the order.
   (B) The prompt transmittal of the records from the trial court to
the appellate court.
   (C) That adequate time requirements for counsel and court
personnel exist to implement the objective of this subdivision.
   (D) That the parent or guardian, or their trial counsel or other
counsel, is charged with the responsibility of filing a petition for
extraordinary writ relief pursuant to this subdivision.
   (4) The intent of this subdivision is to do both of the following:

   (A) Make every reasonable attempt to achieve a substantive and
meritorious review by the appellate court within the time specified
in Sections 366.21 and 366.22 for holding a hearing pursuant to this
section.
   (B) Encourage the appellate court to determine all writ petitions
filed pursuant to this subdivision on their merits.
   (5) This subdivision shall only apply to cases in which an order
to set a hearing pursuant to this section is issued on or after
January 1, 1995.
   (m) Except for subdivision (j), this section shall also apply to
minors adjudged wards pursuant to Section 727.31.
   (n) The implementation and operation of the amendments to
paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) and subparagraph (A) of paragraph
(4) of subdivision (c) enacted at the 2005-06 Regular Session shall
be subject to appropriation through the budget process and by phase,
as provided in Section 366.35.
  SEC. 2.3.  Section 366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
   366.26.  (a) This section applies to children who are adjudged
dependent children of the juvenile court pursuant to subdivision (c)
of Section 360. The procedures specified herein are the exclusive
procedures for conducting these hearings; Part 2 (commencing with
Section 3020) of Division 8 of the Family Code is not applicable to
these proceedings. Section 8714.7 of the Family Code is applicable
and available to all dependent children meeting the requirements of
that section, if the postadoption contact agreement has been entered
into voluntarily. For children who are adjudged dependent children of
the juvenile court pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 360, this
section and Sections 8604, 8605, 8606, and 8700 of the Family Code
and Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 7660) of Part 3 of Division 12
of the Family Code specify the exclusive procedures for permanently
terminating parental rights with regard to, or establishing legal
guardianship of, the child while the child is a dependent child of
the juvenile court.
   (b) At the hearing, which shall be held in juvenile court for all
children who are dependents of the juvenile court, the court, in
order to provide stable, permanent homes for these children, shall
review the report as specified in Section 361.5, 366.21, or 366.22,
shall indicate that the court has read and considered it, shall
receive other evidence that the parties may present, and then shall
make findings and orders in the following order of preference:
   (1) Terminate the rights of the parent or parents and order that
the child be placed for adoption and, upon the filing of a petition
for adoption in the juvenile court, order that a hearing be set. The
court shall proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of
the natural parents have been exhausted.
   (2) On making a finding under paragraph (3) of subdivision (c),
identify adoption as the permanent placement goal and order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days.
   (3) Appoint a legal guardian for the child and order that letters
of guardianship issue.
   (4) Order that the child be placed in long-term foster care,
subject to the periodic review of the juvenile court under Section
366.3.
   In choosing among the above alternatives the court shall proceed
pursuant to subdivision (c).
   (c) (1) If the court determines, based on the assessment provided
as ordered under subdivision (i) of Section 366.21 or subdivision (b)
of Section 366.22, and any other relevant evidence, by a clear and
convincing standard, that it is likely the child will be adopted, the
court shall terminate parental rights and order the
                             child placed for adoption. The fact that
the child is not yet placed in a preadoptive home nor with a
relative or foster family who is prepared to adopt the child, shall
not constitute a basis for the court to conclude that it is not
likely the child will be adopted. A finding under subdivision (b) or
paragraph (1) of subdivision (e) of Section 361.5 that reunification
services shall not be offered, under subdivision (e) of Section
366.21 that the whereabouts of a parent have been unknown for six
months or that the parent has failed to visit or contact the child
for six months or that the parent has been convicted of a felony
indicating parental unfitness, or, under Section 366.21 or 366.22,
that the court has continued to remove the child from the custody of
the parent or guardian and has terminated reunification services,
shall constitute a sufficient basis for termination of parental
rights unless the court finds a compelling reason for determining
that termination would be detrimental to the child due to one or more
of the following circumstances:
   (A) The parents or guardians have maintained regular visitation
and contact with the child and the child would benefit from
continuing the relationship.
   (B) A child 12 years of age or older objects to termination of
parental rights.
   (C) The child is placed in a residential treatment facility,
adoption is unlikely or undesirable, and continuation of parental
rights will not prevent finding the child a permanent family
placement if the parents cannot resume custody when residential care
is no longer needed.
   (D) The child is living with a relative or foster parent who is
unable or unwilling to adopt the child because of exceptional
circumstances, that do not include an unwillingness to accept legal
or financial responsibility for the child, but who is willing and
capable of providing the child with a stable and permanent
environment and the removal of the child from the physical custody of
his or her relative or foster parent would be detrimental to the
emotional well-being of the child. This subparagraph does not apply
to any child who is living with a nonrelative and who is either (i)
under six years of age or (ii) a member of a sibling group where at
least one child is under six years of age and the siblings are, or
should be, permanently placed together.
   (E) There would be substantial interference with a child's sibling
relationship, taking into consideration the nature and extent of the
relationship, including, but not limited to, whether the child was
raised with a sibling in the same home, whether the child shared
significant common experiences or has existing close and strong bonds
with a sibling, and whether ongoing contact is in the child's best
interest, including the child's long-term emotional interest, as
compared to the benefit of legal permanence through adoption.
   If the court finds that termination of parental rights would be
detrimental to the child pursuant to subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D),
or (E), it shall state its reasons in writing or on the record.
   (2) The court shall not terminate parental rights if at each
hearing at which the court was required to consider reasonable
efforts or services, the court has found that reasonable efforts were
not made or that reasonable services were not offered or provided.
   (3) If the court finds that termination of parental rights would
not be detrimental to the child pursuant to paragraph (1) and that
the child has a probability for adoption but is difficult to place
for adoption and there is no identified or available prospective
adoptive parent, the court may identify adoption as the permanent
placement goal and without terminating parental rights, order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days. During this 180-day
period, the public agency responsible for seeking adoptive parents
for each child shall, to the extent possible, ask each child who is
10 years of age or older who is placed in a group home for six months
or longer from the date the child entered foster care, to identify
any individuals, other than the child's siblings, who are important
to the child, in order to identify potential adoptive parents. The
public agency may ask any other child to provide that information, as
appropriate. During the 180-day period, the public agency shall, to
the extent possible, contact other private and public adoption
agencies regarding the availability of the child for adoption. During
the 180-day period, the public agency shall conduct the search for
adoptive parents in the same manner as prescribed for children in
Sections 8708 and 8709 of the Family Code. At the expiration of this
period, another hearing shall be held and the court shall proceed
pursuant to paragraph (1) or (3) of subdivision (b). For purposes of
this section, a child may only be found to be difficult to place for
adoption if there is no identified or available prospective adoptive
parent for the child because of the child's membership in a sibling
group, or the presence of a diagnosed medical, physical, or mental
handicap, or the child is the age of seven years or more.
   (4) (A) If the court finds that adoption of the child or
termination of parental rights is not in the best interest of the
child, because one of the conditions in subparagraph (A), (B), (C),
(D), or (E) of paragraph (1) or in paragraph (2) applies, the court
shall either order that the present caretakers or other appropriate
persons shall become legal guardians of the child or order that the
child remain in long-term foster care. Legal guardianship shall be
considered before long-term foster care, if it is in the best
interests of the child and if a suitable guardian can be found. A
child who is 10 years of age or older who is placed in a group home
for six months or longer from the date the child entered foster care,
shall be asked to identify any individuals, other than the child's
siblings, who are important to the child, in order to identify
potential guardians. The agency may ask any other child to provide
that information, as appropriate.
   (B) If the child is living with a relative or a foster parent who
is willing and capable of providing a stable and permanent
environment, but not willing to become a legal guardian, the child
shall not be removed from the home if the court finds the removal
would be seriously detrimental to the emotional well-being of the
child because the child has substantial psychological ties to the
relative caretaker or foster parents.
   (C) The court shall also make an order for visitation with the
parents or guardians unless the court finds by a preponderance of the
evidence that the visitation would be detrimental to the physical or
emotional well-being of the child.
   (5) If the court finds that the child should not be placed for
adoption, that legal guardianship shall not be established, and that
there are no suitable foster parents except exclusive-use homes
available to provide the child with a stable and permanent
environment, the court may order the care, custody, and control of
the child transferred from the county welfare department to a
licensed foster family agency. The court shall consider the written
recommendation of the county welfare director regarding the
suitability of the transfer. The transfer shall be subject to further
court orders.
   The licensed foster family agency shall place the child in a
suitable licensed or exclusive-use home that has been certified by
the agency as meeting licensing standards. The licensed foster family
agency shall be responsible for supporting the child and providing
appropriate services to the child, including those services ordered
by the court.  Responsibility for the support of the child shall not,
in and of itself, create liability on the part of the foster family
agency to third persons injured by the child. Those children whose
care, custody, and control are transferred to a foster family agency
shall not be eligible for foster care maintenance payments or child
welfare services, except for emergency response services pursuant to
Section 16504.
   (d) The proceeding for the appointment of a guardian for a child
who is a dependent of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile
court. If the court finds pursuant to this section that legal
guardianship is the appropriate permanent plan, it shall appoint the
legal guardian and issue letters of guardianship. The assessment
prepared pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 361.5, subdivision
(i) of Section 366.21, and subdivision (b) of Section 366.22 shall be
read and considered by the court prior to the appointment, and this
shall be reflected in the minutes of the court. The person preparing
the assessment may be called and examined by any party to the
proceeding.
   (e) The proceeding for the adoption of a child who is a dependent
of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile court if the court
finds pursuant to this section that adoption is the appropriate
permanent plan and the petition for adoption is filed in the juvenile
court. Upon the filing of a petition for adoption, the juvenile
court shall order that an adoption hearing be set. The court shall
proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of the natural
parents have been exhausted. The full report required by Section 8715
of the Family Code shall be read and considered by the court prior
to the adoption and this shall be reflected in the minutes of the
court. The person preparing the report may be called and examined by
any party to the proceeding. It is the intent of the Legislature,
pursuant to this subdivision, to give potential adoptive parents the
option of filing in the juvenile court the petition for the adoption
of a child who is a dependent of the juvenile court. Nothing in this
section is intended to prevent the filing of a petition for adoption
in any other court as permitted by law, instead of in the juvenile
court.
   (f) At the beginning of any proceeding pursuant to this section,
if the child or the parents are not being represented by previously
retained or appointed counsel, the court shall proceed as follows:
   (1) In accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 317, if a child
before the court is without counsel, the court shall appoint counsel
unless the court finds that the child would not benefit from the
appointment of counsel. The court shall state on the record its
reasons for that finding.
   (2) If a parent appears without counsel and is unable to afford
counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the parent, unless this
representation is knowingly and intelligently waived. The same
counsel shall not be appointed to represent both the child and his or
her parent. The public defender or private counsel may be appointed
as counsel for the parent.
   (3) Private counsel appointed under this section shall receive a
reasonable sum for compensation and expenses, the amount of which
shall be determined by the court. The amount shall be paid by the
real parties in interest, other than the child, in any proportions
the court deems just. However, if the court finds that any of the
real parties in interest are unable to afford counsel, the amount
shall be paid out of the general fund of the county.
   (g) The court may continue the proceeding for not to exceed 30
days as necessary to appoint counsel, and to enable counsel to become
acquainted with the case.
   (h) (1) At all proceedings under this section, the court shall
consider the wishes of the child and shall act in the best interests
of the child.
   (2) In accordance with Section 349, the child shall be present in
court if the child or the child's counsel so requests or the court so
orders. If the child is 10 years of age or older and is not present
at a hearing held pursuant to this section, the court shall determine
whether the minor was properly notified of his or her right to
attend the hearing and inquire as to the reason why the child is not
present.
   (3) (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 exists:
   (i) The court determines that testimony in chambers is necessary
to ensure truthful testimony.
   (ii) The child is likely to be intimidated by a formal courtroom
setting.
   (iii) The child is afraid to testify in front of his or her parent
or parents.
   (B) 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.

   (C) 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 this subdivision.
   (i) (1) Any order of the court permanently terminating parental
rights under this section shall be conclusive and binding upon the
child, upon the parent or parents and upon all other persons who have
been served with citation by publication or otherwise as provided in
this chapter. After making the order, the juvenile court shall have
no power to set aside, change, or modify it, except as provided in
paragraph (2), but nothing in this section shall be construed to
limit the right to appeal the order.
   (2) A child who has not been adopted after the passage of at least
three years from the date the court terminated parental rights and
for whom the court has determined that adoption is no longer the
permanent plan may petition the juvenile court to reinstate parental
rights pursuant to the procedure prescribed by Section 388. The child
may file the petition prior to the expiration of this three-year
period if the State Department of Social Services or licensed
adoption agency that is responsible for custody and supervision of
the child as described in subdivision (j) and the child stipulate
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted. A child over 12
years of age shall sign the petition in the absence of a showing of
good cause as to why the child could not do so. If it appears that
the best interests of the child may be promoted by reinstatement of
parental rights, the court shall order that a hearing be held and
shall give prior notice, or cause prior notice to be given, to the
social worker or probation officer and to the child's attorney of
record, or, if there is no attorney of record for the child, to the
child, and the child's tribe, if applicable, by means prescribed by
subdivision (c) of Section 297. The court shall order the child or
the social worker or probation officer to give prior notice of the
hearing to the child's former parent or parents whose parental rights
were terminated in the manner prescribed by subdivision (f) of
Section 294 where the recommendation is adoption. The juvenile court
shall grant the petition if it finds by clear and convincing evidence
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted and that
reinstatement of parental rights is in the child's best interest. If
the court reinstates parental rights over a child who is under 12
years of age and for whom the new permanent plan will not be
reunification with a parent or legal guardianship, the court shall
specify the factual basis for its findings that it is in the best
interest of the child to reinstate parental rights. This subdivision
is intended to be retroactive and applies to any child who is under
the jurisdiction of the juvenile court at the time of the hearing
regardless of the date parental rights were terminated.
   (j) If the court, by order or judgment, declares the child free
from the custody and control of both parents, or one parent if the
other does not have custody and control, the court shall at the same
time order the child referred to the State Department of Social
Services or a licensed adoption agency for adoptive placement by the
agency. However, a petition for adoption may not be granted until the
appellate rights of the natural parents have been exhausted. The
State Department of Social Services or licensed adoption agency shall
be responsible for the custody and supervision of the child and
shall be entitled to the exclusive care and control of the child at
all times until a petition for adoption is granted, except as
specified in subdivision (n). With the consent of the agency, the
court may appoint a guardian of the child, who shall serve until the
child is adopted.
   (k) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the application of
any person who, as a relative caretaker or foster parent, has cared
for a dependent child for whom the court has approved a permanent
plan for adoption, or who has been freed for adoption, shall be given
preference with respect to that child over all other applications
for adoptive placement if the agency making the placement determines
that the child has substantial emotional ties to the relative
caretaker or foster parent and removal from the relative caretaker or
foster parent would be seriously detrimental to the child's
emotional well-being.
   As used in this subdivision, "preference" means that the
application shall be processed and, if satisfactory, the family study
shall be completed before the processing of the application of any
other person for the adoptive placement of the child.
   (l) (1) An order by the court that a hearing pursuant to this
section be held is not appealable at any time unless all of the
following apply:
   (A) A petition for extraordinary writ review was filed in a timely
manner.
   (B) The petition substantively addressed the specific issues to be
challenged and supported that challenge by an adequate record.
   (C) The petition for extraordinary writ review was summarily
denied or otherwise not decided on the merits.
   (2) Failure to file a petition for extraordinary writ review
within the period specified by rule, to substantively address the
specific issues challenged, or to support that challenge by an
adequate record shall preclude subsequent review by appeal of the
findings and orders made pursuant to this section.
   (3) The Judicial Council shall adopt rules of court, effective
January 1, 1995, to ensure all of the following:
   (A) A trial court, after issuance of an order directing a hearing
pursuant to this section be held, shall advise all parties of the
requirement of filing a petition for extraordinary writ review as set
forth in this subdivision in order to preserve any right to appeal
in these issues. This notice shall be made orally to a party if the
party is present at the time of the making of the order or by
first-class mail by the clerk of the court to the last known address
of a party not present at the time of the making of the order.
   (B) The prompt transmittal of the records from the trial court to
the appellate court.
   (C) That adequate time requirements for counsel and court
personnel exist to implement the objective of this subdivision.
   (D) That the parent or guardian, or their trial counsel or other
counsel, is charged with the responsibility of filing a petition for
extraordinary writ relief pursuant to this subdivision.
   (4) The intent of this subdivision is to do both of the following:

   (A) Make every reasonable attempt to achieve a substantive and
meritorious review by the appellate court within the time specified
in Sections 366.21 and 366.22 for holding a hearing pursuant to this
section.
   (B) Encourage the appellate court to determine all writ petitions
filed pursuant to this subdivision on their merits.
   (5) This subdivision shall only apply to cases in which an order
to set a hearing pursuant to this section is issued on or after
January 1, 1995.
   (m) Except for subdivision (j), this section shall also apply to
minors adjudged wards pursuant to Section 727.31.
   (n) (1) Notwithstanding Section 8704 of the Family Code or any
other provision of law, the court, at a hearing held pursuant to this
section or anytime thereafter, may designate a current caretaker as
a prospective adoptive parent if the child has lived with the
caretaker for at least six months, the caretaker currently expresses
a commitment to adopt the child, and the caretaker has taken at least
one step to facilitate the adoption process. In determining whether
to make that designation, the court may take into consideration
whether the caretaker is listed in the preliminary assessment
prepared by the county department in accordance with subdivision (i)
of Section 366.21 as an appropriate person to be considered as an
adoptive parent for the child and the recommendation of the State
Department of Social Services or licensed adoption agency.
   (2) For purposes of this subdivision, steps to facilitate the
adoption process include, but are not limited to, the following:
   (A) Applying for an adoption homestudy.
   (B) Cooperating with an adoption homestudy.
   (C) Being designated by the court or the licensed adoption agency
as the adoptive family.
   (D) Requesting de facto parent status.
   (E) Signing an adoptive placement agreement.
   (F) Engaging in discussions regarding a postadoption contact
agreement.
   (G) Working to overcome any impediments that have been identified
by the State Department of Social Services and the licensed adoption
agency.
   (H) Attending classes required of prospective adoptive parents.
   (3) Prior to a change in placement and as soon as possible after a
decision is made to remove a child from the home of a designated
prospective adoptive parent, the agency shall notify the court, the
designated prospective adoptive parent or the current caretaker, if
that caretaker would have met the threshold criteria to be designated
as a prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) on the
date of service of this notice, the child's attorney, and the child,
if the child is 10 years of age or older, of the proposal in the
manner described in Section 16010.6.
   (A) Within five court days or seven calendar days, whichever is
longer, of the date of notification, the child, the child's attorney,
or the designated prospective adoptive parent may file a petition
with the court objecting to the proposal to remove the child, or the
court, upon its own motion, may set a hearing regarding the proposal.
The court may, for good cause, extend the filing period. A caretaker
who would have met the threshold criteria to be designated as a
prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) on the date of
service of the notice of proposed removal of the child may file,
together with the petition under this subparagraph, a petition for an
order designating the caretaker as a prospective adoptive parent for
purposes of this subdivision.
   (B) A hearing ordered pursuant to this paragraph shall be held as
soon as possible and not later than five court days after the
petition is filed with the court or the court sets a hearing upon its
own motion, unless the court for good cause is unable to set the
matter for hearing five court days after the petition is filed, in
which case the court shall set the matter for hearing as soon as
possible. At the hearing, the court shall determine whether the
caretaker has met the threshold criteria to be designated as a
prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1), and whether
the proposed removal of the child from the home of the designated
prospective adoptive parent is in the child's best interest, and the
child may not be removed from the home of the designated prospective
adoptive parent unless the court finds that removal is in the child's
best interest. If the court determines that the caretaker did not
meet the threshold criteria to be designated as a prospective
adoptive parent on the date of service of the notice of proposed
removal of the child, the petition objecting to the proposed removal
filed by the caretaker shall be dismissed. If the caretaker was
designated as a prospective adoptive parent prior to this hearing,
the court shall inquire into any progress made by the caretaker
towards the adoption of the child since the caretaker was designated
as a prospective adoptive parent.
   (C) A determination by the court that the caretaker is a
designated prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) or
subparagraph (B) does not make the caretaker a party to the
dependency proceeding nor does it confer on the caretaker any
standing to object to any other action of the department or licensed
adoption agency, unless the caretaker has been declared a de facto
parent by the court prior to the notice of removal served pursuant to
paragraph (3).
   (D) If a petition objecting to the proposal to remove the child is
not filed, and the court, upon its own motion, does not set a
hearing, the child may be removed from the home of the designated
prospective adoptive parent without a hearing.
   (4) Notwithstanding paragraph (3), if the State Department of
Social Services or a licensed adoption agency determines that the
child must be removed from the home of the caretaker who is or may be
a designated prospective adoptive parent immediately, due to a risk
of physical or emotional harm, the agency may remove the child from
that home and is not required to provide notice prior to the removal.
However, as soon as possible and not longer than two court days
after the removal, the agency shall notify the court, the caretaker
who is or may be a designated prospective adoptive parent, the child'
s attorney, and the child, if the child is 10 years of age or older,
of the removal. Within five court days or seven calendar days,
whichever is longer, of the date of notification of the removal, the
child, the child's attorney, or the caretaker who is or may be a
designated prospective adoptive parent may petition for, or the court
on its own motion may set, a noticed hearing pursuant to paragraph
(3). The court may, for good cause, extend the filing period.
   (5) Except as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 366.28, an
order by the court issued after a hearing pursuant to this
subdivision shall not be appealable.
   (6) Nothing in this section shall preclude a county child
protective services agency from fully investigating and responding to
alleged abuse or neglect of a child pursuant to Section 11165.5 of
the Penal Code.
   (7) The Judicial Council shall prepare forms to facilitate the
filing of the petitions described in this subdivision, which shall
become effective on January 1, 2006.
  SEC. 2.4.  Section 366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
                                   366.26.  (a) This section applies
to children who are adjudged dependent children of the juvenile court
pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 360. The procedures specified
in this section are the exclusive procedures for conducting these
hearings; Part 2 (commencing with Section 3020) of Division 8 of the
Family Code is not applicable to these proceedings. Section 8714.7 of
the Family Code is applicable and available to all dependent
children meeting the requirements of that section, if the
postadoption contact agreement has been entered into voluntarily. For
children who are adjudged dependent children of the juvenile court
pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 360, this section and Sections
8604, 8605, 8606, and 8700 of the Family Code and Chapter 5
(commencing with Section 7660) of Part 3 of Division 12 of the Family
Code specify the exclusive procedures for permanently terminating
parental rights with regard to, or establishing legal guardianship
of, the child while the child is a dependent child of the juvenile
court.
   (b) At the hearing, which shall be held in juvenile court for all
children who are dependents of the juvenile court, the court, in
order to provide stable, permanent homes for these children, shall
review the report as specified in Section 361.5, 366.21, or 366.22,
shall indicate that the court has read and considered it, shall
receive other evidence that the parties may present, and then shall
make findings and orders in the following order of preference:
   (1) Terminate the rights of the parent or parents and order that
the child be placed for adoption and, upon the filing of a petition
for adoption in the juvenile court, order that a hearing be set. The
court shall proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of
the natural parents have been exhausted.
   (2) On making a finding under paragraph (3) of subdivision (c),
identify adoption as the permanent placement goal and order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days.
   (3) Appoint a legal guardian for the child and order that letters
of guardianship issue.
   (4) Order that the child be placed in long-term foster care,
subject to the periodic review of the juvenile court under Section
366.3.
   In choosing among the above alternatives, the court shall proceed
pursuant to subdivision (c).
   (c) (1) If the court determines, based on the assessment provided
as ordered under subdivision (i) of Section 366.21 or subdivision (b)
of Section 366.22, and any other relevant evidence, by a clear and
convincing standard, that it is likely the child will be adopted, the
court shall terminate parental rights and order the child placed for
adoption. The fact that the child is not yet placed in a preadoptive
home nor with a relative or foster family who is prepared to adopt
the child, shall not constitute a basis for the court to conclude
that it is not likely the child will be adopted. A finding under
subdivision (b) or paragraph (1) of subdivision (e) of Section 361.5
that reunification services shall not be offered, under subdivision
(e) of Section 366.21 that the whereabouts of a parent have been
unknown for six months or that the parent has failed to visit or
contact the child for six months or that the parent has been
convicted of a felony indicating parental unfitness, or, under
Section 366.21 or 366.22, that the court has continued to remove the
child from the custody of the parent or guardian and has terminated
reunification services, shall constitute a sufficient basis for
termination of parental rights unless the court finds a compelling
reason for determining that termination would be detrimental to the
child due to one or more of the following circumstances:
   (A) The parents or guardians have maintained regular visitation
and contact with the child and the child would benefit from
continuing the relationship.
   (B) A child 12 years of age or older objects to termination of
parental rights.
   (C) The child is placed in a residential treatment facility,
adoption is unlikely or undesirable, and continuation of parental
rights will not prevent finding the child a permanent family
placement if the parents cannot resume custody when residential care
is no longer needed.
   (D) The child is living with a relative or foster parent who is
unable or unwilling to adopt the child because of exceptional
circumstances, that do not include an unwillingness to accept legal
or financial responsibility for the child, but who is willing and
capable of providing the child with a stable and permanent
environment and the removal of the child from the physical custody of
his or her relative or foster parent would be detrimental to the
emotional well-being of the child. This subparagraph does not apply
to any child who is living with a nonrelative and who is either (i)
under six years of age or (ii) a member of a sibling group where at
least one child is under six years of age and the siblings are, or
should be, permanently placed together.
   (E) There would be substantial interference with a child's sibling
relationship, taking into consideration the nature and extent of the
relationship, including, but not limited to, whether the child was
raised with a sibling in the same home, whether the child shared
significant common experiences or has existing close and strong bonds
with a sibling, and whether ongoing contact is in the child's best
interest, including the child's long-term emotional interest, as
compared to the benefit of legal permanence through adoption.
   If the court finds that termination of parental rights would be
detrimental to the child pursuant to subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D),
or (E), it shall state its reasons in writing or on the record.
   (2) The court shall not terminate parental rights if at each
hearing at which the court was required to consider reasonable
efforts or services, the court has found that reasonable efforts were
not made or that reasonable services were not offered or provided.
   (3) If the court finds that termination of parental rights would
not be detrimental to the child pursuant to paragraph (1) and that
the child has a probability for adoption but is difficult to place
for adoption and there is no identified or available prospective
adoptive parent, the court may identify adoption as the permanent
placement goal and without terminating parental rights, order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days. During this 180-day
period, the public agency responsible for seeking adoptive parents
for each child shall, to the extent possible, ask each child who is
10 years of age or older, to identify any individuals, other than the
child's siblings, who are important to the child, in order to
identify potential adoptive parents. The public agency may ask any
other child to provide that information, as appropriate.  During the
180-day period, the public agency shall, to the extent possible,
contact other private and public adoption agencies regarding the
availability of the child for adoption. During the 180-day period,
the public agency shall conduct the search for adoptive parents in
the same manner as prescribed for children in Sections 8708 and 8709
of the Family Code. At the expiration of this period, another hearing
shall be held and the court shall proceed pursuant to paragraph (1)
or (3) of subdivision (b). For purposes of this section, a child may
only be found to be difficult to place for adoption if there is no
identified or available prospective adoptive parent for the child
because of the child's membership in a sibling group, or the presence
of a diagnosed medical, physical, or mental handicap, or the child
is the age of seven years or more.
   (4) (A) If the court finds that adoption of the child or
termination of parental rights is not in the best interest of the
child, because one of the conditions in subparagraph (A), (B), (C),
(D), or (E) of paragraph (1) or in paragraph (2) applies, the court
shall either order that the present caretakers or other appropriate
persons shall become legal guardians of the child or order that the
child remain in long-term foster care. Legal guardianship shall be
considered before long-term foster care, if it is in the best
interest of the child and if a suitable guardian can be found. A
child who is 10 years of age or older, shall be asked to identify any
individuals, other than the child's siblings, who are important to
the child, in order to identify potential guardians. The agency may
ask any other child to provide that information, as appropriate.
   (B) If the child is living with a relative or a foster parent who
is willing and capable of providing a stable and permanent
environment, but not willing to become a legal guardian, the child
shall not be removed from the home if the court finds the removal
would be seriously detrimental to the emotional well-being of the
child because the child has substantial psychological ties to the
relative caretaker or foster parents.
   (C) The court shall also make an order for visitation with the
parents or guardians unless the court finds by a preponderance of the
evidence that the visitation would be detrimental to the physical or
emotional well-being of the child.
   (5) If the court finds that the child should not be placed for
adoption, that legal guardianship shall not be established, and that
there are no suitable foster parents except exclusive-use homes
available to provide the child with a stable and permanent
environment, the court may order the care, custody, and control of
the child transferred from the county welfare department to a
licensed foster family agency. The court shall consider the written
recommendation of the county welfare director regarding the
suitability of the transfer. The transfer shall be subject to further
court orders.
   The licensed foster family agency shall place the child in a
suitable licensed or exclusive-use home that has been certified by
the agency as meeting licensing standards. The licensed foster family
agency shall be responsible for supporting the child and providing
appropriate services to the child, including those services ordered
by the court.  Responsibility for the support of the child shall not,
in and of itself, create liability on the part of the foster family
agency to third persons injured by the child. Those children whose
care, custody, and control are transferred to a foster family agency
shall not be eligible for foster care maintenance payments or child
welfare services, except for emergency response services pursuant to
Section 16504.
   (d) The proceeding for the appointment of a guardian for a child
who is a dependent of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile
court. If the court finds pursuant to this section that legal
guardianship is the appropriate permanent plan, it shall appoint the
legal guardian and issue letters of guardianship. The assessment
prepared pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 361.5, subdivision
(i) of Section 366.21, and subdivision (b) of Section 366.22 shall be
read and considered by the court prior to the appointment, and this
shall be reflected in the minutes of the court. The person preparing
the assessment may be called and examined by any party to the
proceeding.
   (e) The proceeding for the adoption of a child who is a dependent
of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile court if the court
finds pursuant to this section that adoption is the appropriate
permanent plan and the petition for adoption is filed in the juvenile
court. Upon the filing of a petition for adoption, the juvenile
court shall order that an adoption hearing be set. The court shall
proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of the natural
parents have been exhausted. The full report required by Section 8715
of the Family Code shall be read and considered by the court prior
to the adoption and this shall be reflected in the minutes of the
court. The person preparing the report may be called and examined by
any party to the proceeding. It is the intent of the Legislature,
pursuant to this subdivision, to give potential adoptive parents the
option of filing in the juvenile court the petition for the adoption
of a child who is a dependent of the juvenile court. Nothing in this
section is intended to prevent the filing of a petition for adoption
in any other court as permitted by law, instead of in the juvenile
court.
   (f) At the beginning of any proceeding pursuant to this section,
if the child or the parents are not being represented by previously
retained or appointed counsel, including, in the case of any child
who is not a lawful permanent resident or citizen of the United
States, counsel appointed pursuant to subdivision (i) of Section 317,
the court shall proceed as follows:
   (1) In accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 317, if a child
before the court is without counsel, the court shall appoint counsel
unless the court finds that the child would not benefit from the
appointment of counsel. The court shall state on the record its
reasons for that finding.
   (2) If a parent appears without counsel and is unable to afford
counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the parent, unless this
representation is knowingly and intelligently waived. The same
counsel shall not be appointed to represent both the child and his or
her parent. The public defender or private counsel may be appointed
as counsel for the parent.
   (3) Private counsel appointed under this section shall receive a
reasonable sum for compensation and expenses, the amount of which
shall be determined by the court. The amount shall be paid by the
real parties in interest, other than the child, in any proportions
the court deems just. However, if the court finds that any of the
real parties in interest are unable to afford counsel, the amount
shall be paid out of the general fund of the county.
   (g) The court may continue the proceeding for a period of time not
to exceed 30 days as necessary to appoint counsel, and to enable
counsel to become acquainted with the case.
   (h) (1) At all proceedings under this section, the court shall
consider the wishes of the child and shall act in the best interests
of the child.
   (2) In accordance with Section 349, the child shall be present in
court if the child or the child's counsel so requests or the court so
orders. If the child is 10 years of age or older and is not present
at a hearing held pursuant to this section, the court shall determine
whether the minor was properly notified of his or her right to
attend the hearing and inquire as to the reason why the child is not
present.
   (3) (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 exists:
   (i) The court determines that testimony in chambers is necessary
to ensure truthful testimony.
   (ii) The child is likely to be intimidated by a formal courtroom
setting.
   (iii) The child is afraid to testify in front of his or her parent
or parents.
   (B) 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.

   (C) 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 this subdivision.
   (i) (1) Any order of the court permanently terminating parental
rights under this section shall be conclusive and binding upon the
child, upon the parent or parents and upon all other persons who have
been served with a citation by publication or otherwise as provided
in this chapter. After making the order, the juvenile court shall
have no power to set aside, change, or modify it, except as provided
in paragraph (2), but nothing in this section shall be construed to
limit the right to appeal the order.
   (2) A child who has not been adopted after the passage of at least
three years from the date the court terminated parental rights and
for whom the court has determined that adoption is no longer the
permanent plan may petition the juvenile court to reinstate parental
rights pursuant to the procedure prescribed by Section 388. The child
may file the petition prior to the expiration of this three-year
period if the State Department of Social Services or licensed
adoption agency that is responsible for custody and supervision of
the child as described in subdivision (j) and the child stipulate
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted. A child over 12
years of age shall sign the petition in the absence of a showing of
good cause as to why the child could not do so. If it appears that
the best interests of the child may be promoted by reinstatement of
parental rights, the court shall order that a hearing be held and
shall give prior notice, or cause prior notice to be given, to the
social worker or probation officer and to the child's attorney of
record, or, if there is no attorney of record for the child, to the
child, and the child's tribe, if applicable, by means prescribed by
subdivision (c) of Section 297. The court shall order the child or
the social worker or probation officer to give prior notice of the
hearing to the child's former parent or parents whose parental rights
were terminated in the manner prescribed by subdivision (f) of
Section 294 where the recommendation is adoption. The juvenile court
shall grant the petition if it finds by clear and convincing evidence
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted and that
reinstatement of parental rights is in the child's best interest. If
the court reinstates parental rights over a child who is under 12
years of age and for whom the new permanent plan will not be
reunification with a parent or legal guardianship, the court shall
specify the factual basis for its findings that it is in the best
interest of the child to reinstate parental rights. This subdivision
is intended to be retroactive and applies to any child who is under
the jurisdiction of the juvenile court at the time of the hearing
regardless of the date parental rights were terminated.
   (j) If the court, by order or judgment, declares the child free
from the custody and control of both parents, or one parent if the
other does not have custody and control, the court shall at the same
time order the child referred to the State Department of Social
Services or a licensed adoption agency for adoptive placement by the
agency. However, a petition for adoption may not be granted until the
appellate rights of the natural parents have been exhausted. The
State Department of Social Services or licensed adoption agency shall
be responsible for the custody and supervision of the child and
shall be entitled to the exclusive care and control of the child at
all times until a petition for adoption is granted. With the consent
of the agency, the court may appoint a guardian of the child, who
shall serve until the child is adopted.
   (k) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the application of
any person who, as a relative caretaker or foster parent, has cared
for a dependent child for whom the court has approved a permanent
plan for adoption, or who has been freed for adoption, shall be given
preference with respect to that child over all other applications
for adoptive placement if the agency making the placement determines
that the child has substantial emotional ties to the relative
caretaker or foster parent and removal from the relative caretaker or
foster parent would be seriously detrimental to the child's
emotional well-being.
   As used in this subdivision, "preference" means that the
application shall be processed and, if satisfactory, the family study
shall be completed before the processing of the application of any
other person for the adoptive placement of the child.
   (l) (1) An order by the court that a hearing pursuant to this
section be held is not appealable at any time unless all of the
following apply:
   (A) A petition for extraordinary writ review was filed in a timely
manner.
   (B) The petition substantively addressed the specific issues to be
challenged and supported that challenge by an adequate record.
   (C) The petition for extraordinary writ review was summarily
denied or otherwise not decided on the merits.
   (2) Failure to file a petition for extraordinary writ review
within the period specified by rule, to substantively address the
specific issues challenged, or to support that challenge by an
adequate record shall preclude subsequent review by appeal of the
findings and orders made pursuant to this section.
   (3) The Judicial Council shall adopt rules of court, effective
January 1, 1995, to ensure all of the following:
   (A) A trial court, after issuance of an order directing a hearing
pursuant to this section be held, shall advise all parties of the
requirement of filing a petition for extraordinary writ review as set
forth in this subdivision in order to preserve any right to appeal
in these issues. This notice shall be made orally to a party if the
party is present at the time of the making of the order or by
first-class mail by the clerk of the court to the last known address
of a party not present at the time of the making of the order.
   (B) The prompt transmittal of the records from the trial court to
the appellate court.
   (C) That adequate time requirements for counsel and court
personnel exist to implement the objective of this subdivision.
   (D) That the parent or guardian, or their trial counsel or other
counsel, is charged with the responsibility of filing a petition for
extraordinary writ relief pursuant to this subdivision.
   (4) The intent of this subdivision is to do both of the following:

   (A) Make every reasonable attempt to achieve a substantive and
meritorious review by the appellate court within the time specified
in Sections 366.21 and 366.22 for holding a hearing pursuant to this
section.
   (B) Encourage the appellate court to determine all writ petitions
filed pursuant to this subdivision on their merits.
   (5) This subdivision shall only apply to cases in which an order
to set a hearing pursuant to this section is issued on or after
January 1, 1995.
   (m) Except for subdivision (j), this section shall also apply to
minors adjudged wards pursuant to Section 727.31.
   (n) The implementation and operation of the amendments to
paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) and subparagraph (A) of paragraph
(4) of subdivision (c) enacted at the 2005-06 Regular Session shall
be subject to appropriation through the budget process and by phase,
as provided in Section 366.35.
  SEC. 2.5.  Section 366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
   366.26.  (a) This section applies to children who are adjudged
dependent children of the juvenile court pursuant to subdivision (c)
of Section 360. The procedures specified in this section are the
exclusive procedures for conducting these hearings; Part 2
(commencing with Section 3020) of Division 8 of the Family Code is
not applicable to these proceedings. Section 8714.7 of the Family
Code is applicable and available to all dependent children meeting
the requirements of that section, if the postadoption contact
agreement has been entered into voluntarily. For children who are
adjudged dependent children of the juvenile court pursuant to
subdivision (c) of Section 360, this section and Sections 8604, 8605,
8606, and 8700 of the Family Code and Chapter 5 (commencing with
Section 7660) of Part 3 of Division 12 of the Family Code specify the
exclusive procedures for permanently terminating parental rights
with regard to, or establishing legal guardianship of, the child
while the child is a dependent child of the juvenile court.
   (b) At the hearing, which shall be held in juvenile court for all
children who are dependents of the juvenile court, the court, in
order to provide stable, permanent homes for these children, shall
review the report as specified in Section 361.5, 366.21, or 366.22,
shall indicate that the court has read and considered it, shall
receive other evidence that the parties may present, and then shall
make findings and orders in the following order of preference:
   (1) Terminate the rights of the parent or parents and order that
the child be placed for adoption and, upon the filing of a petition
for adoption in the juvenile court, order that a hearing be set. The
court shall proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of
the natural parents have been exhausted.
   (2) On making a finding under paragraph (3) of subdivision (c),
identify adoption as the permanent placement goal and order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days.
   (3) Appoint a legal guardian for the child and order that letters
of guardianship issue.
   (4) Order that the child be placed in long-term foster care,
subject to the periodic review of the juvenile court under Section
366.3.
   In choosing among the above alternatives, the court shall proceed
pursuant to subdivision (c).
   (c) (1) If the court determines, based on the assessment provided
as ordered under subdivision (i) of Section 366.21 or subdivision (b)
of Section 366.22, and any other relevant evidence, by a clear and
convincing standard, that it is likely the child will be adopted, the
court shall terminate parental rights and order the child placed for
adoption. The fact that the child is not yet placed in a preadoptive
home nor with a relative or foster family who is prepared to adopt
the child, shall not constitute a basis for the court to conclude
that it is not likely the child will be adopted. A finding under
subdivision (b) or paragraph (1) of subdivision (e) of Section 361.5
that reunification services shall not be offered, under subdivision
(e) of Section 366.21 that the whereabouts of a parent have been
unknown for six months or that the parent has failed to visit or
contact the child for six months or that the parent has been
convicted of a felony indicating parental unfitness, or, under
Section 366.21 or 366.22, that the court has continued to remove the
child from the custody of the parent or guardian and has terminated
reunification services, shall constitute a sufficient basis for
termination of parental rights unless the court finds a compelling
reason for determining that termination would be detrimental to the
child due to one or more of the following
                     circumstances:
   (A) The parents or guardians have maintained regular visitation
and contact with the child and the child would benefit from
continuing the relationship.
   (B) A child 12 years of age or older objects to termination of
parental rights.
   (C) The child is placed in a residential treatment facility,
adoption is unlikely or undesirable, and continuation of parental
rights will not prevent finding the child a permanent family
placement if the parents cannot resume custody when residential care
is no longer needed.
   (D) The child is living with a relative or foster parent who is
unable or unwilling to adopt the child because of exceptional
circumstances, that do not include an unwillingness to accept legal
or financial responsibility for the child, but who is willing and
capable of providing the child with a stable and permanent
environment and the removal of the child from the physical custody of
his or her relative or foster parent would be detrimental to the
emotional well-being of the child. This subparagraph does not apply
to any child who is living with a nonrelative and who is either (i)
under six years of age or (ii) a member of a sibling group where at
least one child is under six years of age and the siblings are, or
should be, permanently placed together.
   (E) There would be substantial interference with a child's sibling
relationship, taking into consideration the nature and extent of the
relationship, including, but not limited to, whether the child was
raised with a sibling in the same home, whether the child shared
significant common experiences or has existing close and strong bonds
with a sibling, and whether ongoing contact is in the child's best
interest, including the child's long-term emotional interest, as
compared to the benefit of legal permanence through adoption.
   If the court finds that termination of parental rights would be
detrimental to the child pursuant to subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D),
or (E), it shall state its reasons in writing or on the record.
   (2) The court shall not terminate parental rights if at each
hearing at which the court was required to consider reasonable
efforts or services, the court has found that reasonable efforts were
not made or that reasonable services were not offered or provided.
   (3) If the court finds that termination of parental rights would
not be detrimental to the child pursuant to paragraph (1) and that
the child has a probability for adoption but is difficult to place
for adoption and there is no identified or available prospective
adoptive parent, the court may identify adoption as the permanent
placement goal and without terminating parental rights, order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days. During this 180-day
period, the public agency responsible for seeking adoptive parents
for each child shall, to the extent possible, ask each child who is
10 years of age or older who is placed in a group home for six months
or longer from the date the child entered foster care, to identify
any individuals, other than the child's siblings, who are important
to the child, in order to identify potential adoptive parents. The
public agency may ask any other child to provide that information, as
appropriate. During the 180-day period, the public agency shall, to
the extent possible, contact other private and public adoption
agencies regarding the availability of the child for adoption. During
the 180-day period, the public agency shall conduct the search for
adoptive parents in the same manner as prescribed for children in
Sections 8708 and 8709 of the Family Code. At the expiration of this
period, another hearing shall be held and the court shall proceed
pursuant to paragraph (1) or (3) of subdivision (b). For purposes of
this section, a child may only be found to be difficult to place for
adoption if there is no identified or available prospective adoptive
parent for the child because of the child's membership in a sibling
group, or the presence of a diagnosed medical, physical, or mental
handicap, or the child is the age of seven years or more.
   (4) (A) If the court finds that adoption of the child or
termination of parental rights is not in the best interest of the
child, because one of the conditions in subparagraph (A), (B), (C),
(D), or (E) of paragraph (1) or in paragraph (2) applies, the court
shall either order that the present caretakers or other appropriate
persons shall become legal guardians of the child or order that the
child remain in long-term foster care. Legal guardianship shall be
considered before long-term foster care, if it is in the best
interest of the child and if a suitable guardian can be found. A
child who is 10 years of age or older who is placed in a group home
for six months or longer from the date the child entered foster care,
shall be asked to identify any individuals, other than the child's
siblings, who are important to the child, in order to identify
potential guardians. The agency may ask any other child to provide
that information, as appropriate.
   (B) If the child is living with a relative or a foster parent who
is willing and capable of providing a stable and permanent
environment, but not willing to become a legal guardian, the child
shall not be removed from the home if the court finds the removal
would be seriously detrimental to the emotional well-being of the
child because the child has substantial psychological ties to the
relative caretaker or foster parents.
   (C) The court shall also make an order for visitation with the
parents or guardians unless the court finds by a preponderance of the
evidence that the visitation would be detrimental to the physical or
emotional well-being of the child.
   (5) If the court finds that the child should not be placed for
adoption, that legal guardianship shall not be established, and that
there are no suitable foster parents except exclusive-use homes
available to provide the child with a stable and permanent
environment, the court may order the care, custody, and control of
the child transferred from the county welfare department to a
licensed foster family agency. The court shall consider the written
recommendation of the county welfare director regarding the
suitability of the transfer. The transfer shall be subject to further
court orders.
   The licensed foster family agency shall place the child in a
suitable licensed or exclusive-use home that has been certified by
the agency as meeting licensing standards. The licensed foster family
agency shall be responsible for supporting the child and providing
appropriate services to the child, including those services ordered
by the court.  Responsibility for the support of the child shall not,
in and of itself, create liability on the part of the foster family
agency to third persons injured by the child. Those children whose
care, custody, and control are transferred to a foster family agency
shall not be eligible for foster care maintenance payments or child
welfare services, except for emergency response services pursuant to
Section 16504.
   (d) The proceeding for the appointment of a guardian for a child
who is a dependent of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile
court. If the court finds pursuant to this section that legal
guardianship is the appropriate permanent plan, it shall appoint the
legal guardian and issue letters of guardianship. The assessment
prepared pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 361.5, subdivision
(i) of Section 366.21, and subdivision (b) of Section 366.22 shall be
read and considered by the court prior to the appointment, and this
shall be reflected in the minutes of the court. The person preparing
the assessment may be called and examined by any party to the
proceeding.
   (e) The proceeding for the adoption of a child who is a dependent
of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile court if the court
finds pursuant to this section that adoption is the appropriate
permanent plan and the petition for adoption is filed in the juvenile
court. Upon the filing of a petition for adoption, the juvenile
court shall order that an adoption hearing be set. The court shall
proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of the natural
parents have been exhausted. The full report required by Section 8715
of the Family Code shall be read and considered by the court prior
to the adoption and this shall be reflected in the minutes of the
court. The person preparing the report may be called and examined by
any party to the proceeding. It is the intent of the Legislature,
pursuant to this subdivision, to give potential adoptive parents the
option of filing in the juvenile court the petition for the adoption
of a child who is a dependent of the juvenile court. Nothing in this
section is intended to prevent the filing of a petition for adoption
in any other court as permitted by law, instead of in the juvenile
court.
   (f) At the beginning of any proceeding pursuant to this section,
if the child or the parents are not being represented by previously
retained or appointed counsel, including, in the case of any child
who is not a lawful permanent resident or citizen of the United
States, counsel appointed pursuant to subdivision (i) of Section 317,
the court shall proceed as follows:
   (1) In accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 317, if a child
before the court is without counsel, the court shall appoint counsel
unless the court finds that the child would not benefit from the
appointment of counsel. The court shall state on the record its
reasons for that finding.
   (2) If a parent appears without counsel and is unable to afford
counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the parent, unless this
representation is knowingly and intelligently waived. The same
counsel shall not be appointed to represent both the child and his or
her parent. The public defender or private counsel may be appointed
as counsel for the parent.
   (3) Private counsel appointed under this section shall receive a
reasonable sum for compensation and expenses, the amount of which
shall be determined by the court. The amount shall be paid by the
real parties in interest, other than the child, in any proportions
the court deems just. However, if the court finds that any of the
real parties in interest are unable to afford counsel, the amount
shall be paid out of the general fund of the county.
   (g) The court may continue the proceeding for not to exceed 30
days as necessary to appoint counsel, and to enable counsel to become
acquainted with the case.
   (h) (1) At all proceedings under this section, the court shall
consider the wishes of the child and shall act in the best interests
of the child.
   (2) In accordance with Section 349, the child shall be present in
court if the child or the child's counsel so requests or the court so
orders. If the child is 10 years of age or older and is not present
at a hearing held pursuant to this section, the court shall determine
whether the minor was properly notified of his or her right to
attend the hearing and inquire as to the reason why the child is not
present.
   (3) (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 exists:
   (i) The court determines that testimony in chambers is necessary
to ensure truthful testimony.
   (ii) The child is likely to be intimidated by a formal courtroom
setting.
   (iii) The child is afraid to testify in front of his or her parent
or parents.
   (B) 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.

   (C) 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 this subdivision.
   (i) (1) Any order of the court permanently terminating parental
rights under this section shall be conclusive and binding upon the
child, upon the parent or parents and upon all other persons who have
been served with a citation by publication or otherwise as provided
in this chapter. After making the order, the juvenile court shall
have no power to set aside, change, or modify it, except as provided
in paragraph (2), but nothing in this section shall be construed to
limit the right to appeal the order.
   (2) A child who has not been adopted after the passage of at least
three years from the date the court terminated parental rights and
for whom the court has determined that adoption is no longer the
permanent plan may petition the juvenile court to reinstate parental
rights pursuant to the procedure prescribed by Section 388. The child
may file the petition prior to the expiration of this three-year
period if the State Department of Social Services or licensed
adoption agency that is responsible for custody and supervision of
the child as described in subdivision (j) and the child stipulate
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted. A child over 12
years of age shall sign the petition in the absence of a showing of
good cause as to why the child could not do so. If it appears that
the best interests of the child may be promoted by reinstatement of
parental rights, the court shall order that a hearing be held and
shall give prior notice, or cause prior notice to be given, to the
social worker or probation officer and to the child's attorney of
record, or, if there is no attorney of record for the child, to the
child, and the child's tribe, if applicable, by means prescribed by
subdivision (c) of Section 297. The court shall order the child or
the social worker or probation officer to give prior notice of the
hearing to the child's former parent or parents whose parental rights
were terminated in the manner prescribed by subdivision (f) of
Section 294 where the recommendation is adoption. The juvenile court
shall grant the petition if it finds by clear and convincing evidence
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted and that
reinstatement of parental rights is in the child's best interest. If
the court reinstates parental rights over a child who is under 12
years of age and for whom the new permanent plan will not be
reunification with a parent or legal guardianship, the court shall
specify the factual basis for its findings that it is in the best
interest of the child to reinstate parental rights. This subdivision
is intended to be retroactive and applies to any child who is under
the jurisdiction of the juvenile court at the time of the hearing
regardless of the date parental rights were terminated.
   (j) If the court, by order or judgment, declares the child free
from the custody and control of both parents, or one parent if the
other does not have custody and control, the court shall at the same
time order the child referred to the State Department of Social
Services or a licensed adoption agency for adoptive placement by the
agency. However, a petition for adoption may not be granted until the
appellate rights of the natural parents have been exhausted. The
State Department of Social Services or licensed adoption agency shall
be responsible for the custody and supervision of the child and
shall be entitled to the exclusive care and control of the child at
all times until a petition for adoption is granted, except as
specified in subdivision (n). With the consent of the agency, the
court may appoint a guardian of the child, who shall serve until the
child is adopted.
   (k) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the application of
any person who, as a relative caretaker or foster parent, has cared
for a dependent child for whom the court has approved a permanent
plan for adoption, or who has been freed for adoption, shall be given
preference with respect to that child over all other applications
for adoptive placement if the agency making the placement determines
that the child has substantial emotional ties to the relative
caretaker or foster parent and removal from the relative caretaker or
foster parent would be seriously detrimental to the child's
emotional well-being.
   As used in this subdivision, "preference" means that the
application shall be processed and, if satisfactory, the family study
shall be completed before the processing of the application of any
other person for the adoptive placement of the child.
   (l) (1) An order by the court that a hearing pursuant to this
section be held is not appealable at any time unless all of the
following apply:
   (A) A petition for extraordinary writ review was filed in a timely
manner.
   (B) The petition substantively addressed the specific issues to be
challenged and supported that challenge by an adequate record.
   (C) The petition for extraordinary writ review was summarily
denied or otherwise not decided on the merits.
   (2) Failure to file a petition for extraordinary writ review
within the period specified by rule, to substantively address the
specific issues challenged, or to support that challenge by an
adequate record shall preclude subsequent review by appeal of the
findings and orders made pursuant to this section.
   (3) The Judicial Council shall adopt rules of court, effective
January 1, 1995, to ensure all of the following:
   (A) A trial court, after issuance of an order directing a hearing
pursuant to this section be held, shall advise all parties of the
requirement of filing a petition for extraordinary writ review as set
forth in this subdivision in order to preserve any right to appeal
in these issues. This notice shall be made orally to a party if the
party is present at the time of the making of the order or by
first-class mail by the clerk of the court to the last known address
of a party not present at the time of the making of the order.
   (B) The prompt transmittal of the records from the trial court to
the appellate court.
   (C) That adequate time requirements for counsel and court
personnel exist to implement the objective of this subdivision.
   (D) That the parent or guardian, or their trial counsel or other
counsel, is charged with the responsibility of filing a petition for
extraordinary writ relief pursuant to this subdivision.
   (4) The intent of this subdivision is to do both of the following:

   (A) Make every reasonable attempt to achieve a substantive and
meritorious review by the appellate court within the time specified
in Sections 366.21 and 366.22 for holding a hearing pursuant to this
section.
   (B) Encourage the appellate court to determine all writ petitions
filed pursuant to this subdivision on their merits.
   (5) This subdivision shall only apply to cases in which an order
to set a hearing pursuant to this section is issued on or after
January 1, 1995.
   (m) Except for subdivision (j), this section shall also apply to
minors adjudged wards pursuant to Section 727.31.
   (n) (1) Notwithstanding Section 8704 of the Family Code or any
other provision of law, the court, at a hearing held pursuant to this
section or anytime thereafter, may designate a current caretaker as
a prospective adoptive parent if the child has lived with the
caretaker for at least six months, the caretaker currently expresses
a commitment to adopt the child, and the caretaker has taken at least
one step to facilitate the adoption process. In determining whether
to make that designation, the court may take into consideration
whether the caretaker is listed in the preliminary assessment
prepared by the county department in accordance with subdivision (i)
of Section 366.21 as an appropriate person to be considered as an
adoptive parent for the child and the recommendation of the State
Department of Social Services or licensed adoption agency.
   (2) For purposes of this subdivision, steps to facilitate the
adoption process include, but are not limited to, the following:
   (A) Applying for an adoption homestudy.
   (B) Cooperating with an adoption homestudy.
   (C) Being designated by the court or the licensed adoption agency
as the adoptive family.
   (D) Requesting de facto parent status.
   (E) Signing an adoptive placement agreement.
   (F) Engaging in discussions regarding a postadoption contact
agreement.
   (G) Working to overcome any impediments that have been identified
by the State Department of Social Services and the licensed adoption
agency.
   (H) Attending classes required of prospective adoptive parents.
   (3) Prior to a change in placement and as soon as possible after a
decision is made to remove a child from the home of a designated
prospective adoptive parent, the agency shall notify the court, the
designated prospective adoptive parent or the current caretaker, if
that caretaker would have met the threshold criteria to be designated
as a prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) on the
date of service of this notice, the child's attorney, and the child,
if the child is 10 years of age or older, of the proposal in the
manner described in Section 16010.6.
   (A) Within five court days or seven calendar days, whichever is
longer, of the date of notification, the child, the child's attorney,
or the designated prospective adoptive parent may file a petition
with the court objecting to the proposal to remove the child, or the
court, upon its own motion, may set a hearing regarding the proposal.
The court may, for good cause, extend the filing period. A caretaker
who would have met the threshold criteria to be designated as a
prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) on the date of
service of the notice of proposed removal of the child may file,
together with the petition under this subparagraph, a petition for an
order designating the caretaker as a prospective adoptive parent for
purposes of this subdivision.
   (B) A hearing ordered pursuant to this paragraph shall be held as
soon as possible and not later than five court days after the
petition is filed with the court or the court sets a hearing upon its
own motion, unless the court for good cause is unable to set the
matter for hearing five court days after the petition is filed, in
which case the court shall set the matter for hearing as soon as
possible. At the hearing, the court shall determine whether the
caretaker has met the threshold criteria to be designated as a
prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1), and whether
the proposed removal of the child from the home of the designated
prospective adoptive parent is in the child's best interest, and the
child may not be removed from the home of the designated prospective
adoptive parent unless the court finds that removal is in the child's
best interest. If the court determines that the caretaker did not
meet the threshold criteria to be designated as a prospective
adoptive parent on the date of service of the notice of proposed
removal of the child, the petition objecting to the proposed removal
filed by the caretaker shall be dismissed. If the caretaker was
designated as a prospective adoptive parent prior to this hearing,
the court shall inquire into any progress made by the caretaker
towards the adoption of the child since the caretaker was designated
as a prospective adoptive parent.
   (C) A determination by the court that the caretaker is a
designated prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) or
subparagraph (B) does not make the caretaker a party to the
dependency proceeding nor does it confer on the caretaker any
standing to object to any other action of the department or licensed
adoption agency, unless the caretaker has been declared a de facto
parent by the court prior to the notice of removal served pursuant to
paragraph (3).
   (D) If a petition objecting to the proposal to remove the child is
not filed, and the court, upon its own motion, does not set a
hearing, the child may be removed from the home of the designated
prospective adoptive parent without a hearing.
   (4) Notwithstanding paragraph (3), if the State Department of
Social Services or a licensed adoption agency determines that the
child must be removed from the home of the caretaker who is or may be
a designated prospective adoptive parent immediately, due to a risk
of physical or emotional harm, the agency may remove the child from
that home and is not required to provide notice prior to the removal.
However, as soon as possible and not longer than two court days
after the removal, the agency shall notify the court, the caretaker
who is or may be a designated prospective adoptive parent, the child'
s attorney, and the child, if the child is 10 years of age or older,
of the removal. Within five court days or seven calendar days,
whichever is longer, of the date of notification of the removal, the
child, the child's attorney, or the caretaker who is or may be a
designated prospective adoptive parent may petition for, or the court
on its own motion may set, a noticed hearing pursuant to paragraph
(3). The court may, for good cause, extend the filing period.
   (5) Except as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 366.28, an
order by the court issued after a hearing pursuant to this
subdivision shall not be appealable.
   (6) Nothing in this section shall preclude a county child
protective services agency from fully investigating and responding to
alleged abuse or neglect of a child pursuant to Section 11165.5 of
the Penal Code.
   (7) The Judicial Council shall prepare forms to facilitate the
filing of the petitions described in this subdivision, which shall
become effective on January 1, 2006.
  SEC. 2.6.  Section 366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
   366.26.  (a) This section applies to children who are adjudged
dependent children of the juvenile court pursuant to subdivision (c)
of Section 360. The procedures specified herein are the exclusive
procedures for conducting these hearings; Part 2 (commencing with
Section 3020) of Division 8 of the Family Code is not applicable to
these proceedings. Section 8714.7 of the Family Code is applicable
and available to all dependent children meeting the requirements of
that section, if the postadoption contact agreement has been entered
into voluntarily. For children who are adjudged dependent children of
the juvenile court pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 360, this
section and Sections 8604, 8605, 8606, and 8700 of the Family Code
and Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 7660) of Part 3 of Division 12
of the Family Code specify the exclusive procedures for permanently
terminating parental rights with regard to, or establishing legal
                                          guardianship of, the child
while the child is a dependent child of the juvenile court.
   (b) At the hearing, which shall be held in juvenile court for all
children who are dependents of the juvenile court, the court, in
order to provide stable, permanent homes for these children, shall
review the report as specified in Section 361.5, 366.21, or 366.22,
shall indicate that the court has read and considered it, shall
receive other evidence that the parties may present, and then shall
make findings and orders in the following order of preference:
   (1) Terminate the rights of the parent or parents and order that
the child be placed for adoption and, upon the filing of a petition
for adoption in the juvenile court, order that a hearing be set. The
court shall proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of
the natural parents have been exhausted.
   (2) On making a finding under paragraph (3) of subdivision (c),
identify adoption as the permanent placement goal and order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days.
   (3) Appoint a legal guardian for the child and order that letters
of guardianship issue.
   (4) Order that the child be placed in long-term foster care,
subject to the periodic review of the juvenile court under Section
366.3.
   In choosing among the above alternatives the court shall proceed
pursuant to subdivision (c).
   (c) (1) If the court determines, based on the assessment provided
as ordered under subdivision (i) of Section 366.21 or subdivision (b)
of Section 366.22, and any other relevant evidence, by a clear and
convincing standard, that it is likely the child will be adopted, the
court shall terminate parental rights and order the child placed for
adoption. The fact that the child is not yet placed in a preadoptive
home nor with a relative or foster family who is prepared to adopt
the child, shall not constitute a basis for the court to conclude
that it is not likely the child will be adopted. A finding under
subdivision (b) or paragraph (1) of subdivision (e) of Section 361.5
that reunification services shall not be offered, under subdivision
(e) of Section 366.21 that the whereabouts of a parent have been
unknown for six months or that the parent has failed to visit or
contact the child for six months or that the parent has been
convicted of a felony indicating parental unfitness, or, under
Section 366.21 or 366.22, that the court has continued to remove the
child from the custody of the parent or guardian and has terminated
reunification services, shall constitute a sufficient basis for
termination of parental rights unless the court finds a compelling
reason for determining that termination would be detrimental to the
child due to one or more of the following circumstances:
   (A) The parents or guardians have maintained regular visitation
and contact with the child and the child would benefit from
continuing the relationship.
   (B) A child 12 years of age or older objects to termination of
parental rights.
   (C) The child is placed in a residential treatment facility,
adoption is unlikely or undesirable, and continuation of parental
rights will not prevent finding the child a permanent family
placement if the parents cannot resume custody when residential care
is no longer needed.
   (D) The child is living with a relative or foster parent who is
unable or unwilling to adopt the child because of exceptional
circumstances, that do not include an unwillingness to accept legal
or financial responsibility for the child, but who is willing and
capable of providing the child with a stable and permanent
environment and the removal of the child from the physical custody of
his or her relative or foster parent would be detrimental to the
emotional well-being of the child. This subparagraph does not apply
to any child who is living with a nonrelative and who is either (i)
under six years of age or (ii) a member of a sibling group where at
least one child is under six years of age and the siblings are, or
should be, permanently placed together.
   (E) There would be substantial interference with a child's sibling
relationship, taking into consideration the nature and extent of the
relationship, including, but not limited to, whether the child was
raised with a sibling in the same home, whether the child shared
significant common experiences or has existing close and strong bonds
with a sibling, and whether ongoing contact is in the child's best
interest, including the child's long-term emotional interest, as
compared to the benefit of legal permanence through adoption.
   If the court finds that termination of parental rights would be
detrimental to the child pursuant to subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D),
or (E), it shall state its reasons in writing or on the record.
   (2) The court shall not terminate parental rights if at each
hearing at which the court was required to consider reasonable
efforts or services, the court has found that reasonable efforts were
not made or that reasonable services were not offered or provided.
   (3) If the court finds that termination of parental rights would
not be detrimental to the child pursuant to paragraph (1) and that
the child has a probability for adoption but is difficult to place
for adoption and there is no identified or available prospective
adoptive parent, the court may identify adoption as the permanent
placement goal and without terminating parental rights, order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days. During this 180-day
period, the public agency responsible for seeking adoptive parents
for each child shall, to the extent possible, ask each child who is
10 years of age or older, to identify any individuals, other than the
child's siblings, who are important to the child, in order to
identify potential adoptive parents. The public agency may ask any
other child to provide that information, as appropriate.  During the
180-day period, the public agency shall, to the extent possible,
contact other private and public adoption agencies regarding the
availability of the child for adoption. During the 180-day period,
the public agency shall conduct the search for adoptive parents in
the same manner as prescribed for children in Sections 8708 and 8709
of the Family Code. At the expiration of this period, another hearing
shall be held and the court shall proceed pursuant to paragraph (1)
or (3) of subdivision (b). For purposes of this section, a child may
only be found to be difficult to place for adoption if there is no
identified or available prospective adoptive parent for the child
because of the child's membership in a sibling group, or the presence
of a diagnosed medical, physical, or mental handicap, or the child
is the age of seven years or more.
   (4) (A) If the court finds that adoption of the child or
termination of parental rights is not in the best interest of the
child, because one of the conditions in subparagraph (A), (B), (C),
(D), or (E) of paragraph (1) or in paragraph (2) applies, the court
shall either order that the present caretakers or other appropriate
persons shall become legal guardians of the child or order that the
child remain in long-term foster care. Legal guardianship shall be
considered before long-term foster care, if it is in the best
interests of the child and if a suitable guardian can be found. A
child who is 10 years of age or older, shall be asked to identify any
individuals, other than the child's siblings, who are important to
the child, in order to identify potential guardians. The agency may
ask any other child to provide that information, as appropriate.
   (B) If the child is living with a relative or a foster parent who
is willing and capable of providing a stable and permanent
environment, but not willing to become a legal guardian, the child
shall not be removed from the home if the court finds the removal
would be seriously detrimental to the emotional well-being of the
child because the child has substantial psychological ties to the
relative caretaker or foster parents.
   (C) The court shall also make an order for visitation with the
parents or guardians unless the court finds by a preponderance of the
evidence that the visitation would be detrimental to the physical or
emotional well-being of the child.
   (5) If the court finds that the child should not be placed for
adoption, that legal guardianship shall not be established, and that
there are no suitable foster parents except exclusive-use homes
available to provide the child with a stable and permanent
environment, the court may order the care, custody, and control of
the child transferred from the county welfare department to a
licensed foster family agency. The court shall consider the written
recommendation of the county welfare director regarding the
suitability of the transfer. The transfer shall be subject to further
court orders.
   The licensed foster family agency shall place the child in a
suitable licensed or exclusive-use home that has been certified by
the agency as meeting licensing standards. The licensed foster family
agency shall be responsible for supporting the child and providing
appropriate services to the child, including those services ordered
by the court.  Responsibility for the support of the child shall not,
in and of itself, create liability on the part of the foster family
agency to third persons injured by the child. Those children whose
care, custody, and control are transferred to a foster family agency
shall not be eligible for foster care maintenance payments or child
welfare services, except for emergency response services pursuant to
Section 16504.
   (d) The proceeding for the appointment of a guardian for a child
who is a dependent of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile
court. If the court finds pursuant to this section that legal
guardianship is the appropriate permanent plan, it shall appoint the
legal guardian and issue letters of guardianship. The assessment
prepared pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 361.5, subdivision
(i) of Section 366.21, and subdivision (b) of Section 366.22 shall be
read and considered by the court prior to the appointment, and this
shall be reflected in the minutes of the court. The person preparing
the assessment may be called and examined by any party to the
proceeding.
   (e) The proceeding for the adoption of a child who is a dependent
of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile court if the court
finds pursuant to this section that adoption is the appropriate
permanent plan and the petition for adoption is filed in the juvenile
court. Upon the filing of a petition for adoption, the juvenile
court shall order that an adoption hearing be set. The court shall
proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of the natural
parents have been exhausted. The full report required by Section 8715
of the Family Code shall be read and considered by the court prior
to the adoption and this shall be reflected in the minutes of the
court. The person preparing the report may be called and examined by
any party to the proceeding. It is the intent of the Legislature,
pursuant to this subdivision, to give potential adoptive parents the
option of filing in the juvenile court the petition for the adoption
of a child who is a dependent of the juvenile court. Nothing in this
section is intended to prevent the filing of a petition for adoption
in any other court as permitted by law, instead of in the juvenile
court.
   (f) At the beginning of any proceeding pursuant to this section,
if the child or the parents are not being represented by previously
retained or appointed counsel, the court shall proceed as follows:
   (1) In accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 317, if a child
before the court is without counsel, the court shall appoint counsel
unless the court finds that the child would not benefit from the
appointment of counsel. The court shall state on the record its
reasons for that finding.
   (2) If a parent appears without counsel and is unable to afford
counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the parent, unless this
representation is knowingly and intelligently waived. The same
counsel shall not be appointed to represent both the child and his or
her parent. The public defender or private counsel may be appointed
as counsel for the parent.
   (3) Private counsel appointed under this section shall receive a
reasonable sum for compensation and expenses, the amount of which
shall be determined by the court. The amount shall be paid by the
real parties in interest, other than the child, in any proportions
the court deems just. However, if the court finds that any of the
real parties in interest are unable to afford counsel, the amount
shall be paid out of the general fund of the county.
   (g) The court may continue the proceeding for a period of time not
to exceed 30 days as necessary to appoint counsel, and to enable
counsel to become acquainted with the case.
   (h) (1) At all proceedings under this section, the court shall
consider the wishes of the child and shall act in the best interests
of the child.
   (2) In accordance with Section 349, the child shall be present in
court if the child or the child's counsel so requests or the court so
orders. If the child is 10 years of age or older and is not present
at a hearing held pursuant to this section, the court shall determine
whether the minor was properly notified of his or her right to
attend the hearing and inquire as to the reason why the child is not
present.
   (3) (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 exists:
   (i) The court determines that testimony in chambers is necessary
to ensure truthful testimony.
   (ii) The child is likely to be intimidated by a formal courtroom
setting.
   (iii) The child is afraid to testify in front of his or her parent
or parents.
   (B) 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.

   (C) 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 this subdivision.
   (i) (1) Any order of the court permanently terminating parental
rights under this section shall be conclusive and binding upon the
child, upon the parent or parents and upon all other persons who have
been served with citation by publication or otherwise as provided in
this chapter. After making the order, the juvenile court shall have
no power to set aside, change, or modify it, except as provided in
paragraph (2), but nothing in this section shall be construed to
limit the right to appeal the order.
   (2) A child who has not been adopted after the passage of at least
three years from the date the court terminated parental rights and
for whom the court has determined that adoption is no longer the
permanent plan may petition the juvenile court to reinstate parental
rights pursuant to the procedure prescribed by Section 388. The child
may file the petition prior to the expiration of this three-year
period if the State Department of Social Services or licensed
adoption agency that is responsible for custody and supervision of
the child as described in subdivision (j) and the child stipulate
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted. A child over 12
years of age shall sign the petition in the absence of a showing of
good cause as to why the child could not do so. If it appears that
the best interests of the child may be promoted by reinstatement of
parental rights, the court shall order that a hearing be held and
shall give prior notice, or cause prior notice to be given, to the
social worker or probation officer and to the child's attorney of
record, or, if there is no attorney of record for the child, to the
child, and the child's tribe, if applicable, by means prescribed by
subdivision (c) of Section 297. The court shall order the child or
the social worker or probation officer to give prior notice of the
hearing to the child's former parent or parents whose parental rights
were terminated in the manner prescribed by subdivision (f) of
Section 294 where the recommendation is adoption. The juvenile court
shall grant the petition if it finds by clear and convincing evidence
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted and that
reinstatement of parental rights is in the child's best interest. If
the court reinstates parental rights over a child who is under 12
years of age and for whom the new permanent plan will not be
reunification with a parent or legal guardianship, the court shall
specify the factual basis for its findings that it is in the best
interest of the child to reinstate parental rights. This subdivision
is intended to be retroactive and applies to any child who is under
the jurisdiction of the juvenile court at the time of the hearing
regardless of the date parental rights were terminated.
   (j) If the court, by order or judgment, declares the child free
from the custody and control of both parents, or one parent if the
other does not have custody and control, the court shall at the same
time order the child referred to the State Department of Social
Services or a licensed adoption agency for adoptive placement by the
agency. However, a petition for adoption may not be granted until the
appellate rights of the natural parents have been exhausted. The
State Department of Social Services or licensed adoption agency shall
be responsible for the custody and supervision of the child and
shall be entitled to the exclusive care and control of the child at
all times until a petition for adoption is granted, except as
specified in subdivision (n). With the consent of the agency, the
court may appoint a guardian of the child, who shall serve until the
child is adopted.
   (k) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the application of
any person who, as a relative caretaker or foster parent, has cared
for a dependent child for whom the court has approved a permanent
plan for adoption, or who has been freed for adoption, shall be given
preference with respect to that child over all other applications
for adoptive placement if the agency making the placement determines
that the child has substantial emotional ties to the relative
caretaker or foster parent and removal from the relative caretaker or
foster parent would be seriously detrimental to the child's
emotional well-being.
   As used in this subdivision, "preference" means that the
application shall be processed and, if satisfactory, the family study
shall be completed before the processing of the application of any
other person for the adoptive placement of the child.
   (l) (1) An order by the court that a hearing pursuant to this
section be held is not appealable at any time unless all of the
following apply:
   (A) A petition for extraordinary writ review was filed in a timely
manner.
   (B) The petition substantively addressed the specific issues to be
challenged and supported that challenge by an adequate record.
   (C) The petition for extraordinary writ review was summarily
denied or otherwise not decided on the merits.
   (2) Failure to file a petition for extraordinary writ review
within the period specified by rule, to substantively address the
specific issues challenged, or to support that challenge by an
adequate record shall preclude subsequent review by appeal of the
findings and orders made pursuant to this section.
   (3) The Judicial Council shall adopt rules of court, effective
January 1, 1995, to ensure all of the following:
   (A) A trial court, after issuance of an order directing a hearing
pursuant to this section be held, shall advise all parties of the
requirement of filing a petition for extraordinary writ review as set
forth in this subdivision in order to preserve any right to appeal
in these issues. This notice shall be made orally to a party if the
party is present at the time of the making of the order or by
first-class mail by the clerk of the court to the last known address
of a party not present at the time of the making of the order.
   (B) The prompt transmittal of the records from the trial court to
the appellate court.
   (C) That adequate time requirements for counsel and court
personnel exist to implement the objective of this subdivision.
   (D) That the parent or guardian, or their trial counsel or other
counsel, is charged with the responsibility of filing a petition for
extraordinary writ relief pursuant to this subdivision.
   (4) The intent of this subdivision is to do both of the following:

   (A) Make every reasonable attempt to achieve a substantive and
meritorious review by the appellate court within the time specified
in Sections 366.21 and 366.22 for holding a hearing pursuant to this
section.
   (B) Encourage the appellate court to determine all writ petitions
filed pursuant to this subdivision on their merits.
   (5) This subdivision shall only apply to cases in which an order
to set a hearing pursuant to this section is issued on or after
January 1, 1995.
   (m) Except for subdivision (j), this section shall also apply to
minors adjudged wards pursuant to Section 727.31.
   (n) (1) Notwithstanding Section 8704 of the Family Code or any
other provision of law, the court, at a hearing held pursuant to this
section or anytime thereafter, may designate a current caretaker as
a prospective adoptive parent if the child has lived with the
caretaker for at least six months, the caretaker currently expresses
a commitment to adopt the child, and the caretaker has taken at least
one step to facilitate the adoption process. In determining whether
to make that designation, the court may take into consideration
whether the caretaker is listed in the preliminary assessment
prepared by the county department in accordance with subdivision (i)
of Section 366.21 as an appropriate person to be considered as an
adoptive parent for the child and the recommendation of the State
Department of Social Services or licensed adoption agency.
   (2) For purposes of this subdivision, steps to facilitate the
adoption process include, but are not limited to, the following:
   (A) Applying for an adoption homestudy.
   (B) Cooperating with an adoption homestudy.
   (C) Being designated by the court or the licensed adoption agency
as the adoptive family.
   (D) Requesting de facto parent status.
   (E) Signing an adoptive placement agreement.
   (F) Engaging in discussions regarding a postadoption contact
agreement.
   (G) Working to overcome any impediments that have been identified
by the State Department of Social Services and the licensed adoption
agency.
   (H) Attending classes required of prospective adoptive parents.
   (3) Prior to a change in placement and as soon as possible after a
decision is made to remove a child from the home of a designated
prospective adoptive parent, the agency shall notify the court, the
designated prospective adoptive parent or the current caretaker, if
that caretaker would have met the threshold criteria to be designated
as a prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) on the
date of service of this notice, the child's attorney, and the child,
if the child is 10 years of age or older, of the proposal in the
manner described in Section 16010.6.
   (A) Within five court days or seven calendar days, whichever is
longer, of the date of notification, the child, the child's attorney,
or the designated prospective adoptive parent may file a petition
with the court objecting to the proposal to remove the child, or the
court, upon its own motion, may set a hearing regarding the proposal.
The court may, for good cause, extend the filing period. A caretaker
who would have met the threshold criteria to be designated as a
prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) on the date of
service of the notice of proposed removal of the child may file,
together with the petition under this subparagraph, a petition for an
order designating the caretaker as a prospective adoptive parent for
purposes of this subdivision.
   (B) A hearing ordered pursuant to this paragraph shall be held as
soon as possible and not later than five court days after the
petition is filed with the court or the court sets a hearing upon its
own motion, unless the court for good cause is unable to set the
matter for hearing five court days after the petition is filed, in
which case the court shall set the matter for hearing as soon as
possible. At the hearing, the court shall determine whether the
caretaker has met the threshold criteria to be designated as a
prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1), and whether
the proposed removal of the child from the home of the designated
prospective adoptive parent is in the child's best interest, and the
child may not be removed from the home of the designated prospective
adoptive parent unless the court finds that removal is in the child's
best interest. If the court determines that the caretaker did not
meet the threshold criteria to be designated as a prospective
adoptive parent on the date of service of the notice of proposed
removal of the child, the petition objecting to the proposed removal
filed by the caretaker shall be dismissed. If the caretaker was
designated as a prospective adoptive parent prior to this hearing,
the court shall inquire into any progress made by the caretaker
towards the adoption of the child since the caretaker was designated
as a prospective adoptive parent.
   (C) A determination by the court that the caretaker is a
designated prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) or
subparagraph (B) does not make the caretaker a party to the
dependency proceeding nor does it confer on the caretaker any
standing to object to any other action of the department or licensed
adoption agency, unless the caretaker has been declared a de facto
parent by the court prior to the notice of removal served pursuant to
paragraph (3).
   (D) If a petition objecting to the proposal to remove the child is
not filed, and the court, upon its own motion, does not set a
hearing, the child may be removed from the home of the designated
prospective adoptive parent without a hearing.
   (4) Notwithstanding paragraph (3), if the State Department of
Social Services or a licensed adoption agency determines that the
child must be removed from the home of the caretaker who is
                                  or may be a designated prospective
adoptive parent immediately, due to a risk of physical or emotional
harm, the agency may remove the child from that home and is not
required to provide notice prior to the removal. However, as soon as
possible and not longer than two court days after the removal, the
agency shall notify the court, the caretaker who is or may be a
designated prospective adoptive parent, the child's attorney, and the
child, if the child is 10 years of age or older, of the removal.
Within five court days or seven calendar days, whichever is longer,
of the date of notification of the removal, the child, the child's
attorney, or the caretaker who is or may be a designated prospective
adoptive parent may petition for, or the court on its own motion may
set, a noticed hearing pursuant to paragraph (3). The court may, for
good cause, extend the filing period.
   (5) Except as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 366.28, an
order by the court issued after a hearing pursuant to this
subdivision shall not be appealable.
   (6) Nothing in this section shall preclude a county child
protective services agency from fully investigating and responding to
alleged abuse or neglect of a child pursuant to Section 11165.5 of
the Penal Code.
   (7) The Judicial Council shall prepare forms to facilitate the
filing of the petitions described in this subdivision, which shall
become effective on January 1, 2006.
   (o) The implementation and operation of the amendments to
paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) and subparagraph (A) of paragraph
(4) of subdivision (c) enacted at the 2005-06 Regular Session shall
be subject to appropriation through the budget process and by phase,
as provided in Section 366.35.
  SEC. 2.7.  Section 366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is
amended to read:
   366.26.  (a) This section applies to children who are adjudged
dependent children of the juvenile court pursuant to subdivision (c)
of Section 360. The procedures specified in this section are the
exclusive procedures for conducting these hearings; Part 2
(commencing with Section 3020) of Division 8 of the Family Code is
not applicable to these proceedings. Section 8714.7 of the Family
Code is applicable and available to all dependent children meeting
the requirements of that section, if the postadoption contact
agreement has been entered into voluntarily. For children who are
adjudged dependent children of the juvenile court pursuant to
subdivision (c) of Section 360, this section and Sections 8604, 8605,
8606, and 8700 of the Family Code and Chapter 5 (commencing with
Section 7660) of Part 3 of Division 12 of the Family Code specify the
exclusive procedures for permanently terminating parental rights
with regard to, or establishing legal guardianship of, the child
while the child is a dependent child of the juvenile court.
   (b) At the hearing, which shall be held in juvenile court for all
children who are dependents of the juvenile court, the court, in
order to provide stable, permanent homes for these children, shall
review the report as specified in Section 361.5, 366.21, or 366.22,
shall indicate that the court has read and considered it, shall
receive other evidence that the parties may present, and then shall
make findings and orders in the following order of preference:
   (1) Terminate the rights of the parent or parents and order that
the child be placed for adoption and, upon the filing of a petition
for adoption in the juvenile court, order that a hearing be set. The
court shall proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of
the natural parents have been exhausted.
   (2) On making a finding under paragraph (3) of subdivision (c),
identify adoption as the permanent placement goal and order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days.
   (3) Appoint a legal guardian for the child and order that letters
of guardianship issue.
   (4) Order that the child be placed in long-term foster care,
subject to the periodic review of the juvenile court under Section
366.3.
   In choosing among the above alternatives, the court shall proceed
pursuant to subdivision (c).
   (c) (1) If the court determines, based on the assessment provided
as ordered under subdivision (i) of Section 366.21 or subdivision (b)
of Section 366.22, and any other relevant evidence, by a clear and
convincing standard, that it is likely the child will be adopted, the
court shall terminate parental rights and order the child placed for
adoption. The fact that the child is not yet placed in a preadoptive
home nor with a relative or foster family who is prepared to adopt
the child, shall not constitute a basis for the court to conclude
that it is not likely the child will be adopted. A finding under
subdivision (b) or paragraph (1) of subdivision (e) of Section 361.5
that reunification services shall not be offered, under subdivision
(e) of Section 366.21 that the whereabouts of a parent have been
unknown for six months or that the parent has failed to visit or
contact the child for six months or that the parent has been
convicted of a felony indicating parental unfitness, or, under
Section 366.21 or 366.22, that the court has continued to remove the
child from the custody of the parent or guardian and has terminated
reunification services, shall constitute a sufficient basis for
termination of parental rights unless the court finds a compelling
reason for determining that termination would be detrimental to the
child due to one or more of the following circumstances:
   (A) The parents or guardians have maintained regular visitation
and contact with the child and the child would benefit from
continuing the relationship.
   (B) A child 12 years of age or older objects to termination of
parental rights.
   (C) The child is placed in a residential treatment facility,
adoption is unlikely or undesirable, and continuation of parental
rights will not prevent finding the child a permanent family
placement if the parents cannot resume custody when residential care
is no longer needed.
   (D) The child is living with a relative or foster parent who is
unable or unwilling to adopt the child because of exceptional
circumstances, that do not include an unwillingness to accept legal
or financial responsibility for the child, but who is willing and
capable of providing the child with a stable and permanent
environment and the removal of the child from the physical custody of
his or her relative or foster parent would be detrimental to the
emotional well-being of the child. This subparagraph does not apply
to any child who is living with a nonrelative and who is either (i)
under six years of age or (ii) a member of a sibling group where at
least one child is under six years of age and the siblings are, or
should be, permanently placed together.
   (E) There would be substantial interference with a child's sibling
relationship, taking into consideration the nature and extent of the
relationship, including, but not limited to, whether the child was
raised with a sibling in the same home, whether the child shared
significant common experiences or has existing close and strong bonds
with a sibling, and whether ongoing contact is in the child's best
interest, including the child's long-term emotional interest, as
compared to the benefit of legal permanence through adoption.
   If the court finds that termination of parental rights would be
detrimental to the child pursuant to subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D),
or (E), it shall state its reasons in writing or on the record.
   (2) The court shall not terminate parental rights if at each
hearing at which the court was required to consider reasonable
efforts or services, the court has found that reasonable efforts were
not made or that reasonable services were not offered or provided.
   (3) If the court finds that termination of parental rights would
not be detrimental to the child pursuant to paragraph (1) and that
the child has a probability for adoption but is difficult to place
for adoption and there is no identified or available prospective
adoptive parent, the court may identify adoption as the permanent
placement goal and without terminating parental rights, order that
efforts be made to locate an appropriate adoptive family for the
child within a period not to exceed 180 days. During this 180-day
period, the public agency responsible for seeking adoptive parents
for each child shall, to the extent possible, ask each child who is
10 years of age or older, to identify any individuals, other than the
child's siblings, who are important to the child, in order to
identify potential adoptive parents. The public agency may ask any
other child to provide that information, as appropriate.  During the
180-day period, the public agency shall, to the extent possible,
contact other private and public adoption agencies regarding the
availability of the child for adoption. During the 180-day period,
the public agency shall conduct the search for adoptive parents in
the same manner as prescribed for children in Sections 8708 and 8709
of the Family Code. At the expiration of this period, another hearing
shall be held and the court shall proceed pursuant to paragraph (1)
or (3) of subdivision (b). For purposes of this section, a child may
only be found to be difficult to place for adoption if there is no
identified or available prospective adoptive parent for the child
because of the child's membership in a sibling group, or the presence
of a diagnosed medical, physical, or mental handicap, or the child
is the age of seven years or more.
   (4) (A) If the court finds that adoption of the child or
termination of parental rights is not in the best interest of the
child, because one of the conditions in subparagraph (A), (B), (C),
(D), or (E) of paragraph (1) or in paragraph (2) applies, the court
shall either order that the present caretakers or other appropriate
persons shall become legal guardians of the child or order that the
child remain in long-term foster care. Legal guardianship shall be
considered before long-term foster care, if it is in the best
interest of the child and if a suitable guardian can be found. A
child who is 10 years of age or older, shall be asked to identify any
individuals, other than the child's siblings, who are important to
the child, in order to identify potential guardians. The agency may
ask any other child to provide that information, as appropriate.
   (B) If the child is living with a relative or a foster parent who
is willing and capable of providing a stable and permanent
environment, but not willing to become a legal guardian, the child
shall not be removed from the home if the court finds the removal
would be seriously detrimental to the emotional well-being of the
child because the child has substantial psychological ties to the
relative caretaker or foster parents.
   (C) The court shall also make an order for visitation with the
parents or guardians unless the court finds by a preponderance of the
evidence that the visitation would be detrimental to the physical or
emotional well-being of the child.
   (5) If the court finds that the child should not be placed for
adoption, that legal guardianship shall not be established, and that
there are no suitable foster parents except exclusive-use homes
available to provide the child with a stable and permanent
environment, the court may order the care, custody, and control of
the child transferred from the county welfare department to a
licensed foster family agency. The court shall consider the written
recommendation of the county welfare director regarding the
suitability of the transfer. The transfer shall be subject to further
court orders.
   The licensed foster family agency shall place the child in a
suitable licensed or exclusive-use home that has been certified by
the agency as meeting licensing standards. The licensed foster family
agency shall be responsible for supporting the child and providing
appropriate services to the child, including those services ordered
by the court.  Responsibility for the support of the child shall not,
in and of itself, create liability on the part of the foster family
agency to third persons injured by the child. Those children whose
care, custody, and control are transferred to a foster family agency
shall not be eligible for foster care maintenance payments or child
welfare services, except for emergency response services pursuant to
Section 16504.
   (d) The proceeding for the appointment of a guardian for a child
who is a dependent of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile
court. If the court finds pursuant to this section that legal
guardianship is the appropriate permanent plan, it shall appoint the
legal guardian and issue letters of guardianship. The assessment
prepared pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 361.5, subdivision
(i) of Section 366.21, and subdivision (b) of Section 366.22 shall be
read and considered by the court prior to the appointment, and this
shall be reflected in the minutes of the court. The person preparing
the assessment may be called and examined by any party to the
proceeding.
   (e) The proceeding for the adoption of a child who is a dependent
of the juvenile court shall be in the juvenile court if the court
finds pursuant to this section that adoption is the appropriate
permanent plan and the petition for adoption is filed in the juvenile
court. Upon the filing of a petition for adoption, the juvenile
court shall order that an adoption hearing be set. The court shall
proceed with the adoption after the appellate rights of the natural
parents have been exhausted. The full report required by Section 8715
of the Family Code shall be read and considered by the court prior
to the adoption and this shall be reflected in the minutes of the
court. The person preparing the report may be called and examined by
any party to the proceeding. It is the intent of the Legislature,
pursuant to this subdivision, to give potential adoptive parents the
option of filing in the juvenile court the petition for the adoption
of a child who is a dependent of the juvenile court. Nothing in this
section is intended to prevent the filing of a petition for adoption
in any other court as permitted by law, instead of in the juvenile
court.
   (f) At the beginning of any proceeding pursuant to this section,
if the child or the parents are not being represented by previously
retained or appointed counsel, including, in the case of any child
who is not a lawful permanent resident or citizen of the United
States, counsel appointed pursuant to subdivision (i) of Section 317,
the court shall proceed as follows:
   (1) In accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 317, if a child
before the court is without counsel, the court shall appoint counsel
unless the court finds that the child would not benefit from the
appointment of counsel. The court shall state on the record its
reasons for that finding.
   (2) If a parent appears without counsel and is unable to afford
counsel, the court shall appoint counsel for the parent, unless this
representation is knowingly and intelligently waived. The same
counsel shall not be appointed to represent both the child and his or
her parent. The public defender or private counsel may be appointed
as counsel for the parent.
   (3) Private counsel appointed under this section shall receive a
reasonable sum for compensation and expenses, the amount of which
shall be determined by the court. The amount shall be paid by the
real parties in interest, other than the child, in any proportions
the court deems just. However, if the court finds that any of the
real parties in interest are unable to afford counsel, the amount
shall be paid out of the general fund of the county.
   (g) The court may continue the proceeding for a period of time not
to exceed 30 days as necessary to appoint counsel, and to enable
counsel to become acquainted with the case.
   (h) (1) At all proceedings under this section, the court shall
consider the wishes of the child and shall act in the best interests
of the child.
   (2) In accordance with Section 349, the child shall be present in
court if the child or the child's counsel so requests or the court so
orders. If the child is 10 years of age or older and is not present
at a hearing held pursuant to this section, the court shall determine
whether the minor was properly notified of his or her right to
attend the hearing and inquire as to the reason why the child is not
present.
   (3) (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 exists:
   (i) The court determines that testimony in chambers is necessary
to ensure truthful testimony.
   (ii) The child is likely to be intimidated by a formal courtroom
setting.
   (iii) The child is afraid to testify in front of his or her parent
or parents.
   (B) 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.

   (C) 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 this subdivision.
   (i) (1) Any order of the court permanently terminating parental
rights under this section shall be conclusive and binding upon the
child, upon the parent or parents and upon all other persons who have
been served with a citation by publication or otherwise as provided
in this chapter. After making the order, the juvenile court shall
have no power to set aside, change, or modify it, except as provided
in paragraph (2), but nothing in this section shall be construed to
limit the right to appeal the order.
   (2) A child who has not been adopted after the passage of at least
three years from the date the court terminated parental rights and
for whom the court has determined that adoption is no longer the
permanent plan may petition the juvenile court to reinstate parental
rights pursuant to the procedure prescribed by Section 388. The child
may file the petition prior to the expiration of this three-year
period if the State Department of Social Services or licensed
adoption agency that is responsible for custody and supervision of
the child as described in subdivision (j) and the child stipulate
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted. A child over 12
years of age shall sign the petition in the absence of a showing of
good cause as to why the child could not do so. If it appears that
the best interests of the child may be promoted by reinstatement of
parental rights, the court shall order that a hearing be held and
shall give prior notice, or cause prior notice to be given, to the
social worker or probation officer and to the child's attorney of
record, or, if there is no attorney of record for the child, to the
child, and the child's tribe, if applicable, by means prescribed by
subdivision (c) of Section 297. The court shall order the child or
the social worker or probation officer to give prior notice of the
hearing to the child's former parent or parents whose parental rights
were terminated in the manner prescribed by subdivision (f) of
Section 294 where the recommendation is adoption. The juvenile court
shall grant the petition if it finds by clear and convincing evidence
that the child is no longer likely to be adopted and that
reinstatement of parental rights is in the child's best interest. If
the court reinstates parental rights over a child who is under 12
years of age and for whom the new permanent plan will not be
reunification with a parent or legal guardianship, the court shall
specify the factual basis for its findings that it is in the best
interest of the child to reinstate parental rights. This subdivision
is intended to be retroactive and applies to any child who is under
the jurisdiction of the juvenile court at the time of the hearing
regardless of the date parental rights were terminated.
   (j) If the court, by order or judgment, declares the child free
from the custody and control of both parents, or one parent if the
other does not have custody and control, the court shall at the same
time order the child referred to the State Department of Social
Services or a licensed adoption agency for adoptive placement by the
agency. However, a petition for adoption may not be granted until the
appellate rights of the natural parents have been exhausted. The
State Department of Social Services or licensed adoption agency shall
be responsible for the custody and supervision of the child and
shall be entitled to the exclusive care and control of the child at
all times until a petition for adoption is granted, except as
specified in subdivision (n). With the consent of the agency, the
court may appoint a guardian of the child, who shall serve until the
child is adopted.
   (k) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the application of
any person who, as a relative caretaker or foster parent, has cared
for a dependent child for whom the court has approved a permanent
plan for adoption, or who has been freed for adoption, shall be given
preference with respect to that child over all other applications
for adoptive placement if the agency making the placement determines
that the child has substantial emotional ties to the relative
caretaker or foster parent and removal from the relative caretaker or
foster parent would be seriously detrimental to the child's
emotional well-being.
   As used in this subdivision, "preference" means that the
application shall be processed and, if satisfactory, the family study
shall be completed before the processing of the application of any
other person for the adoptive placement of the child.
   (l) (1) An order by the court that a hearing pursuant to this
section be held is not appealable at any time unless all of the
following apply:
   (A) A petition for extraordinary writ review was filed in a timely
manner.
   (B) The petition substantively addressed the specific issues to be
challenged and supported that challenge by an adequate record.
   (C) The petition for extraordinary writ review was summarily
denied or otherwise not decided on the merits.
   (2) Failure to file a petition for extraordinary writ review
within the period specified by rule, to substantively address the
specific issues challenged, or to support that challenge by an
adequate record shall preclude subsequent review by appeal of the
findings and orders made pursuant to this section.
   (3) The Judicial Council shall adopt rules of court, effective
January 1, 1995, to ensure all of the following:
   (A) A trial court, after issuance of an order directing a hearing
pursuant to this section be held, shall advise all parties of the
requirement of filing a petition for extraordinary writ review as set
forth in this subdivision in order to preserve any right to appeal
in these issues. This notice shall be made orally to a party if the
party is present at the time of the making of the order or by
first-class mail by the clerk of the court to the last known address
of a party not present at the time of the making of the order.
   (B) The prompt transmittal of the records from the trial court to
the appellate court.
   (C) That adequate time requirements for counsel and court
personnel exist to implement the objective of this subdivision.
   (D) That the parent or guardian, or their trial counsel or other
counsel, is charged with the responsibility of filing a petition for
extraordinary writ relief pursuant to this subdivision.
   (4) The intent of this subdivision is to do both of the following:

   (A) Make every reasonable attempt to achieve a substantive and
meritorious review by the appellate court within the time specified
in Sections 366.21 and 366.22 for holding a hearing pursuant to this
section.
   (B) Encourage the appellate court to determine all writ petitions
filed pursuant to this subdivision on their merits.
   (5) This subdivision shall only apply to cases in which an order
to set a hearing pursuant to this section is issued on or after
January 1, 1995.
   (m) Except for subdivision (j), this section shall also apply to
minors adjudged wards pursuant to Section 727.31.
   (n) (1) Notwithstanding Section 8704 of the Family Code or any
other provision of law, the court, at a hearing held pursuant to this
section or anytime thereafter, may designate a current caretaker as
a prospective adoptive parent if the child has lived with the
caretaker for at least six months, the caretaker currently expresses
a commitment to adopt the child, and the caretaker has taken at least
one step to facilitate the adoption process. In determining whether
to make that designation, the court may take into consideration
whether the caretaker is listed in the preliminary assessment
prepared by the county department in accordance with subdivision (i)
of Section 366.21 as an appropriate person to be considered as an
adoptive parent for the child and the recommendation of the State
Department of Social Services or licensed adoption agency.
   (2) For purposes of this subdivision, steps to facilitate the
adoption process include, but are not limited to, the following:
   (A) Applying for an adoption homestudy.
   (B) Cooperating with an adoption homestudy.
   (C) Being designated by the court or the licensed adoption agency
as the adoptive family.
   (D) Requesting de facto parent status.
   (E) Signing an adoptive placement agreement.
   (F) Engaging in discussions regarding a postadoption contact
agreement.
   (G) Working to overcome any impediments that have been identified
by the State Department of Social Services and the licensed adoption
agency.
   (H) Attending classes required of prospective adoptive parents.
   (3) Prior to a change in placement and as soon as possible after a
decision is made to remove a child from the home of a designated
prospective adoptive parent, the agency shall notify the court, the
designated prospective adoptive parent or the current caretaker, if
that caretaker would have met the threshold criteria to be designated
as a prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) on the
date of service of this notice, the child's attorney, and the child,
if the child is 10 years of age or older, of the proposal in the
manner described in Section 16010.6.
   (A) Within five court days or seven calendar days, whichever is
longer, of the date of notification, the child, the child's attorney,
or the designated
  prospective adoptive parent may file a petition with the court
objecting to the proposal to remove the child, or the court, upon its
own motion, may set a hearing regarding the proposal. The court may,
for good cause, extend the filing period. A caretaker who would have
met the threshold criteria to be designated as a prospective
adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) on the date of service of
the notice of proposed removal of the child may file, together with
the petition under this subparagraph, a petition for an order
designating the caretaker as a prospective adoptive parent for
purposes of this subdivision.
   (B) A hearing ordered pursuant to this paragraph shall be held as
soon as possible and not later than five court days after the
petition is filed with the court or the court sets a hearing upon its
own motion, unless the court for good cause is unable to set the
matter for hearing five court days after the petition is filed, in
which case the court shall set the matter for hearing as soon as
possible. At the hearing, the court shall determine whether the
caretaker has met the threshold criteria to be designated as a
prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1), and whether
the proposed removal of the child from the home of the designated
prospective adoptive parent is in the child's best interest, and the
child may not be removed from the home of the designated prospective
adoptive parent unless the court finds that removal is in the child's
best interest. If the court determines that the caretaker did not
meet the threshold criteria to be designated as a prospective
adoptive parent on the date of service of the notice of proposed
removal of the child, the petition objecting to the proposed removal
filed by the caretaker shall be dismissed. If the caretaker was
designated as a prospective adoptive parent prior to this hearing,
the court shall inquire into any progress made by the caretaker
towards the adoption of the child since the caretaker was designated
as a prospective adoptive parent.
   (C) A determination by the court that the caretaker is a
designated prospective adoptive parent pursuant to paragraph (1) or
subparagraph (B) does not make the caretaker a party to the
dependency proceeding nor does it confer on the caretaker any
standing to object to any other action of the department or licensed
adoption agency, unless the caretaker has been declared a de facto
parent by the court prior to the notice of removal served pursuant to
paragraph (3).
   (D) If a petition objecting to the proposal to remove the child is
not filed, and the court, upon its own motion, does not set a
hearing, the child may be removed from the home of the designated
prospective adoptive parent without a hearing.
   (4) Notwithstanding paragraph (3), if the State Department of
Social Services or a licensed adoption agency determines that the
child must be removed from the home of the caretaker who is or may be
a designated prospective adoptive parent immediately, due to a risk
of physical or emotional harm, the agency may remove the child from
that home and is not required to provide notice prior to the removal.
However, as soon as possible and not longer than two court days
after the removal, the agency shall notify the court, the caretaker
who is or may be a designated prospective adoptive parent, the child'
s attorney, and the child, if the child is 10 years of age or older,
of the removal. Within five court days or seven calendar days,
whichever is longer, of the date of notification of the removal, the
child, the child's attorney, or the caretaker who is or may be a
designated prospective adoptive parent may petition for, or the court
on its own motion may set, a noticed hearing pursuant to paragraph
(3). The court may, for good cause, extend the filing period.
   (5) Except as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 366.28, an
order by the court issued after a hearing pursuant to this
subdivision shall not be appealable.
   (6) Nothing in this section shall preclude a county child
protective services agency from fully investigating and responding to
alleged abuse or neglect of a child pursuant to Section 11165.5 of
the Penal Code.
   (7) The Judicial Council shall prepare forms to facilitate the
filing of the petitions described in this subdivision, which shall
become effective on January 1, 2006.
   (o) The implementation and operation of the amendments to
paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) and subparagraph (A) of paragraph
(4) of subdivision (c) enacted at the 2005-06 Regular Session shall
be subject to appropriation through the budget process and by phase,
as provided in Section 366.35.
  SEC. 3.  (a) Section 2.1 of this bill incorporates amendments to
Section 366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code proposed by both
this bill and AB 1338. It shall only become operative if (1) both
bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2006,
(2) each bill amends Section 366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions
Code, (3) AB 1412 and SB 218 are not enacted or as enacted do not
amend that section, and (4) this bill is enacted after AB 1338, in
which case Sections 2, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7 of this bill
shall not become operative.
   (b) Section 2.2 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section
366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code proposed by both this
bill and AB 1412. It shall only become operative if (1) both bills
are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2006, (2)
each bill amends Section 366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code,
(3) AB 1338 and SB 218 are not enacted or as enacted do not amend
that section, and (4) this bill is enacted after AB 1412, in which
case Sections 2, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7 of this bill shall
not become operative.
   (c) Section 2.3 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section
366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code proposed by both this
bill and SB 218. It shall only become operative if (1) both bills are
enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2006, (2) each
bill amends Section 366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, (3)
AB 1338 and AB 1412 are not enacted or as enacted do not amend that
section, and (4) this bill is enacted after SB 218, in which case
Sections 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7 of this bill shall not
become operative.
   (d) Section 2.4 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section
366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code proposed by this bill, AB
1338, and AB 1412. It shall only become operative if (1) all three
bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2006,
(2) all three bills amend Section 366.26 of the Welfare and
Institutions Code, (3) SB 218 is not enacted or as enacted does not
amend that section and (4) this bill is enacted after AB 1338 and AB
1412, in which case Sections 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7 of
this bill shall not become operative.
   (e) Section 2.5 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section
366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code proposed by this bill, AB
1338, and SB 218. It shall only become operative if (1) all three
bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2006,
(2) all three bills amend Section 366.26 of the Welfare and
Institutions Code, (3) AB 1412 is not enacted or as enacted does not
amend that section and (4) this bill is enacted after AB 1338 and SB
218, in which case Sections 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, and 2.7 of
this bill shall not become operative.
   (f) Section 2.6 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section
366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code proposed by this bill, AB
1412, and SB 218. It shall only become operative if (1) all three
bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2006,
(2) all three bills amend Section 366.26 of the Welfare and
Institutions Code, (3) AB 1338 is not enacted or as enacted does not
amend that section and (4) this bill is enacted after AB 1412 and SB
218, in which case Sections 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, and 2.7 of
this bill shall not become operative.
   (g) Section 2.7 of this bill incorporates amendments to Section
366.26 of the Welfare and Institutions Code proposed by this bill, AB
1338, AB 1412, and SB 218. It shall only become operative if (1) all
four bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1,
2006, (2) all four bills amend Section 366.26 of the Welfare and
Institutions Code, and (3) this bill is enacted after AB 1338, AB
1412, and SB 218 in which case Sections 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5,
and 2.6 of this bill shall not become operative.