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9/23/26 (unmodified opn. attached)","paragraph_id":"para_2","court_paragraph":1},{"text":"CERTIFIED FOR PUBLICATION","paragraph_id":"para_3"},{"text":"IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA","paragraph_id":"para_4"},{"text":"FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT","paragraph_id":"para_5"},{"text":"DIVISION TWO","paragraph_id":"para_6"},{"text":"In re A.H., a Person Coming Under the","paragraph_id":"para_7"},{"text":"Juvenile Court Law.","paragraph_id":"para_8"},{"text":"RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT","paragraph_id":"para_9"},{"text":"OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES,","paragraph_id":"para_10"},{"text":"Plaintiff,","paragraph_id":"para_11"},{"text":"v.","paragraph_id":"para_12"},{"text":"C.D. et al.,","paragraph_id":"para_13"},{"text":"Defendants;","paragraph_id":"para_14"},{"text":"THE SOBOBA BAND OF LUISENO","paragraph_id":"para_15"},{"text":"INDIANS,","paragraph_id":"para_16"},{"text":"Intervener and Appellant.","paragraph_id":"para_17"},{"text":"C.R.,","paragraph_id":"para_18"},{"text":"Objector and Respondent.","paragraph_id":"para_19"},{"text":"E086667","paragraph_id":"para_20"},{"text":"(Super. Ct. No. DPRI2300462)","paragraph_id":"para_21"},{"text":"ORDER MODIFYING OPINION","paragraph_id":"para_22"},{"text":"AND DENYING PETITION","paragraph_id":"para_23"},{"text":"FOR REHEARING","paragraph_id":"para_24"},{"text":"[NO CHANGE IN JUDGMENT]","paragraph_id":"para_25"},{"text":"The petition for rehearing is denied. The opinion filed in this matter on August 31,","paragraph_id":"para_26"},{"text":"2026, is modified as follows:","paragraph_id":"para_27"},{"text":"2","paragraph_id":"para_28"},{"text":"On page 11, last paragraph, first sentence shall be modified to read as follows:","paragraph_id":"para_29","court_paragraph":2},{"text":"Here, under section 827, subdivision (a)(1)(E), (F), and (K), the parties’ attorneys,","paragraph_id":"para_30"},{"text":"the juvenile court, and agencies providing treatment and supervision of the minor have","paragraph_id":"para_31"},{"text":"presumptive authority to receive and review Guardian’s psychological evaluation, which","paragraph_id":"para_32"},{"text":"the trial court ordered “for planning purposes.”","paragraph_id":"para_33"},{"text":"On page 13, after the 2nd full paragraph the following paragraphs shall be deleted:","paragraph_id":"para_34"},{"text":"Section 827, subdivision (a)(1)(K), provides the Tribe, its social services agency,","paragraph_id":"para_35"},{"text":"and social services workers, as members of A.H.s multidisciplinary personnel team with","paragraph_id":"para_36"},{"text":"presumptive authorization to view confidential juvenile documents, such as the","paragraph_id":"para_37"},{"text":"psychological evaluation under section 18961.7.","paragraph_id":"para_38"},{"text":"Section 18961.7, subdivision (a) provides that, “[n]otwithstanding any other law, a","paragraph_id":"para_39"},{"text":"county may establish a child abuse multidisciplinary personnel team within that county to","paragraph_id":"para_40"},{"text":"allow provider agencies to share confidential information in order for provider agencies","paragraph_id":"para_41"},{"text":"to investigate reports of suspected child abuse or neglect . . . or for the purpose of child","paragraph_id":"para_42"},{"text":"welfare agencies making a detention determination.” (Italics added.) Subdivision","paragraph_id":"para_43"},{"text":"(b)(1)(B)(vii) states that “[t]he team may include, but shall not be limited to:” “In the","paragraph_id":"para_44"},{"text":"case of an Indian child, a representative from the child’s tribe, including, but not limited","paragraph_id":"para_45"},{"text":"to, a tribal social worker, tribal social services director, or tribal mental health","paragraph_id":"para_46"},{"text":"professional.” Section 18961.7, subdivision (d) further states that “[a] person designated","paragraph_id":"para_47"},{"text":"as a team member pursuant to this subdivision may receive and disclose relevant","paragraph_id":"para_48"},{"text":"3","paragraph_id":"para_49"},{"text":"information and records, subject to the confidentiality provisions of subdivision (f).”","paragraph_id":"para_50","court_paragraph":3},{"text":"(Italics added.) Tribal representatives and social workers, as members of A.H.’s","paragraph_id":"para_51"},{"text":"multidisciplinary personnel team, thus were entitled to receive relevant confidential","paragraph_id":"para_52"},{"text":"records, such as the psychological evaluation, because the Tribe was presumptively","paragraph_id":"para_53"},{"text":"authorized to do so under section 827, subdivisions (a)(1)(K) and (f).","paragraph_id":"para_54"},{"text":"The following paragraphs shall come after the deleted paragraphs on page 13 and","paragraph_id":"para_55"},{"text":"shall read as follows:","paragraph_id":"para_56"},{"text":"Tribal child welfare and protective agencies and their social workers, which","paragraph_id":"para_57"},{"text":"provide supervision, oversight, and care for A.H., are thus entitled to receive relevant","paragraph_id":"para_58"},{"text":"confidential records, such as the psychological evaluation, because the Tribe is","paragraph_id":"para_59"},{"text":"presumptively authorized to do so under section 827, subdivisions (a)(1)(K) and (f).","paragraph_id":"para_60"},{"text":"The record shows that a Tribal social worker was involved in A.H.’s care and","paragraph_id":"para_61"},{"text":"supervision throughout the juvenile dependency proceedings and provided","paragraph_id":"para_62"},{"text":"recommendations used to develop the case plan. The record further shows that the Tribe","paragraph_id":"para_63"},{"text":"was actively involved in A.H.’s juvenile dependency case and monitored his case in","paragraph_id":"para_64"},{"text":"probate court for years, even before the dependency case was filed. The Tribe, which","paragraph_id":"para_65"},{"text":"intervened in this case, requested the juvenile court to order a psychological evaluation of","paragraph_id":"para_66"},{"text":"Guardian because of the Tribe’s concern that Guardian did not have the capability to","paragraph_id":"para_67"},{"text":"adequately care for A.H., thereby causing harm to A.H. and risking future serious harm if","paragraph_id":"para_68"},{"text":"placed with Guardian.","paragraph_id":"para_69"},{"text":"4","paragraph_id":"para_70"},{"text":"On page 16, first full paragraph is modified to read as follows:","paragraph_id":"para_71","court_paragraph":4},{"text":"Section 827, subdivision (a)(1) states that a “case file” may be inspected only by","paragraph_id":"para_72"},{"text":"specified individuals and entities, such as the child, the child’s parents, DPSS and its","paragraph_id":"para_73"},{"text":"staff, the parties’ attorneys, the court and persons or agencies providing treatment or","paragraph_id":"para_74"},{"text":"supervision of the child. (§ 827, subd. (a)(1)(A)-(W).)","paragraph_id":"para_75"},{"text":"On page 23, second full paragraph, last sentence, the reference to subdivision","paragraph_id":"para_76"},{"text":"(f)(2) shall be replaced with subdivision (f)(1).","paragraph_id":"para_77"},{"text":"The following paragraphs shall be deleted on page 24:","paragraph_id":"para_78"},{"text":"Federal law is consistent with state law authorizing release of the Guardian’s","paragraph_id":"para_79"},{"text":"psychological evaluation to the Tribe. Title 25 U.S.C. §1912(c) of ICWA, provides that","paragraph_id":"para_80"},{"text":"“[e]ach party to a foster care placement or termination of parental rights proceeding","paragraph_id":"para_81"},{"text":"under State law involving an Indian child shall have the right to examine all reports or","paragraph_id":"para_82"},{"text":"other documents filed with the court upon which any decision with respect to such action","paragraph_id":"para_83"},{"text":"may be based.”","paragraph_id":"para_84"},{"text":"Even though Guardian’s psychological evaluation was not filed with the court, it is","paragraph_id":"para_85"},{"text":"a report upon which the juvenile court and DPSS relied on in determining the case plan","paragraph_id":"para_86"},{"text":"and A.H.’s placement. Furthermore, the psychological evaluation was court-ordered and","paragraph_id":"para_87"},{"text":"summarized in DPSS’s 12-month status review report. It was also relied upon by DPSS","paragraph_id":"para_88"},{"text":"in evaluating the adequacy of services provided to Guardian, her compliance with the","paragraph_id":"para_89"},{"text":"case plan, and whether A.H. should be returned to Guardian’s custody and care. The","paragraph_id":"para_90"},{"text":"5","paragraph_id":"para_91"},{"text":"statute suggests that its purpose and intent is to allow juvenile dependency parties, which","paragraph_id":"para_92","court_paragraph":5},{"text":"includes the Tribe in this case, to have access to examine all reports or other documents","paragraph_id":"para_93"},{"text":"considered and relied upon by the court when deciding an Indian child’s placement or the","paragraph_id":"para_94"},{"text":"termination of parental rights. This is consistent with the proposition that the Tribe has a","paragraph_id":"para_95"},{"text":"right to view the psychological evaluation under section 827, subdivisions (a) and (f).","paragraph_id":"para_96"},{"text":"Except for these modifications, the opinion remains unchanged. These","paragraph_id":"para_97"},{"text":"modifications do not effect a change in the judgment.","paragraph_id":"para_98"},{"text":"CERTIFIED FOR PUBLICATION","paragraph_id":"para_99"},{"text":"CODRINGTON","paragraph_id":"para_100"},{"text":"J.","paragraph_id":"para_101"},{"text":"We concur:","paragraph_id":"para_102"},{"text":"RAMIREZ","paragraph_id":"para_103"},{"text":"P. J.","paragraph_id":"para_104"},{"text":"MILLER","paragraph_id":"para_105"},{"text":"J.","paragraph_id":"para_106"},{"text":"1","paragraph_id":"para_107"},{"text":"Filed 8/31/26 (unmodified opinion)","paragraph_id":"para_108","court_paragraph":1},{"text":"CERTIFIED FOR PUBLICATION","paragraph_id":"para_109"},{"text":"IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA","paragraph_id":"para_110"},{"text":"FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT","paragraph_id":"para_111"},{"text":"DIVISION TWO","paragraph_id":"para_112"},{"text":"In re A.H., a Person Coming Under the","paragraph_id":"para_113"},{"text":"Juvenile Court Law.","paragraph_id":"para_114"},{"text":"RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT","paragraph_id":"para_115"},{"text":"OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES,","paragraph_id":"para_116"},{"text":"Plaintiff,","paragraph_id":"para_117"},{"text":"v.","paragraph_id":"para_118"},{"text":"C.D. et al.,","paragraph_id":"para_119"},{"text":"Defendants;","paragraph_id":"para_120"},{"text":"THE SOBOBA BAND OF LUISENO","paragraph_id":"para_121"},{"text":"INDIANS,","paragraph_id":"para_122"},{"text":"Intervener and Appellant.","paragraph_id":"para_123"},{"text":"C.R.,","paragraph_id":"para_124"},{"text":"Objector and Respondent.","paragraph_id":"para_125"},{"text":"E086667","paragraph_id":"para_126"},{"text":"(Super. Ct. No. DPRI2300462)","paragraph_id":"para_127"},{"text":"OPINION","paragraph_id":"para_128"},{"text":"APPEAL from the Superior Court of Riverside County. Dorothy McLaughlin,","paragraph_id":"para_129"},{"text":"Judge, and Malvina Ovanezova, Temporary Judge. (Pursuant to Cal. Const., art VI, §21.)","paragraph_id":"para_130"},{"text":"Reversed with directions.","paragraph_id":"para_131"},{"text":"2","paragraph_id":"para_132"},{"text":"Berkey Williams, Michele Fahley, and Rovianne A. Leigh, for Intervener and","paragraph_id":"para_133","court_paragraph":2},{"text":"Appellant.","paragraph_id":"para_134"},{"text":"Marisa L.D. Conroy, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Objector and","paragraph_id":"para_135"},{"text":"Respondent.","paragraph_id":"para_136"},{"text":"I.","paragraph_id":"para_137"},{"text":"INTRODUCTION","paragraph_id":"para_138"},{"text":"The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians (Tribe) appeals the juvenile court’s June 9,","paragraph_id":"para_139"},{"text":"2025, order denying its request for disclosure of A.H.’s legal guardian’s psychological","paragraph_id":"para_140"},{"text":"evaluation report (psychological evaluation). The Tribe requested the psychological","paragraph_id":"para_141"},{"text":"evaluation because of concerns that the mental health of A.H.’s guardian was interfering","paragraph_id":"para_142"},{"text":"with her ability to care for A.H., who is an enrolled tribal citizen child. The Tribe","paragraph_id":"para_143"},{"text":"contends that the juvenile court’s denial of its request for the psychological evaluation","paragraph_id":"para_144"},{"text":"violated its presumptive right to view the report. The Tribe requests this court to order","paragraph_id":"para_145"},{"text":"release of the psychological evaluation to the Tribe.","paragraph_id":"para_146"},{"text":"We agree that the Tribe has a right to A.H.’s guardian’s psychological evaluation.","paragraph_id":"para_147"},{"text":"We therefore reverse the order denying the Tribe’s request for the psychological","paragraph_id":"para_148"},{"text":"evaluation, with directions the juvenile court order release of it to the Tribe.","paragraph_id":"para_149"},{"text":"II.","paragraph_id":"para_150"},{"text":"FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND","paragraph_id":"para_151"},{"text":"A.H. is an enrolled tribal citizen of the Tribe, as are his biological father and his","paragraph_id":"para_152"},{"text":"guardian, who is A.H.’s paternal grandmother (Guardian). The Tribe intervened in A.H.’s","paragraph_id":"para_153"},{"text":"3","paragraph_id":"para_154"},{"text":"guardianship proceedings in June 2022, and in the instant dependency proceedings in","paragraph_id":"para_155","court_paragraph":3},{"text":"January 2024. A.H.’s mother is an enrolled citizen of the Pala Band of Mission Indians.","paragraph_id":"para_156"},{"text":"At birth in 2010, A.H.’s biological parents were unable to properly care for him, resulting","paragraph_id":"para_157"},{"text":"in the Riverside Superior Court, Probate Division, granting Guardian’s petition for","paragraph_id":"para_158"},{"text":"guardianship over A.H. in January 2011.","paragraph_id":"para_159"},{"text":"During Guardian’s care of A.H., there were six child welfare referrals because of","paragraph_id":"para_160"},{"text":"her failure to properly care for A.H., culminating in the Riverside County Department of","paragraph_id":"para_161"},{"text":"Public Social Services (DPSS) filing on December 19, 2023, a petition for juvenile","paragraph_id":"para_162"},{"text":"dependency against A.H.’s mother, father, and Guardian, under Welfare and Institutions","paragraph_id":"para_163"},{"text":"Code section 300, subdivision (b)(1)1 (failure to protect). The Tribe’s social service","paragraph_id":"para_164"},{"text":"department had been involved with A.H. and Guardian since before 2020, when the","paragraph_id":"para_165"},{"text":"probate court brought to the Tribe’s attention Guardian’s issues caring for A.H.","paragraph_id":"para_166"},{"text":"During the guardianship proceedings, it became apparent to the Tribe that","paragraph_id":"para_167"},{"text":"Guardian and A.H. were closely bonded, but Guardian seemed incapable of","paragraph_id":"para_168"},{"text":"understanding A.H.’s need for educational and medical services or the probate court’s","paragraph_id":"para_169"},{"text":"orders to provide his medical and educational records. This led to the Tribe concluding","paragraph_id":"para_170"},{"text":"that the juvenile court should sustain the juvenile dependency petition allegations and","paragraph_id":"para_171"},{"text":"order a psychological evaluation of Guardian to determine whether she could properly","paragraph_id":"para_172"},{"text":"care for A.H.","paragraph_id":"para_173"},{"text":"1","paragraph_id":"para_174"},{"text":"Unless otherwise noted, all statutory references are to the Welfare & Institutions","paragraph_id":"para_175","court_paragraph":1},{"text":"Code.","paragraph_id":"para_176"},{"text":"4","paragraph_id":"para_177"},{"text":"The petition alleged that Guardian failed or was unable to supervise and protect","paragraph_id":"para_178","court_paragraph":4},{"text":"A.H. adequately, and was unable to provide regular care for A.H. because of mental","paragraph_id":"para_179"},{"text":"illness, a developmental disability, or substance abuse. The petition further alleged that","paragraph_id":"para_180"},{"text":"she demonstrated limited ability to parent A.H. due to instability in housing and failure to","paragraph_id":"para_181"},{"text":"meet A.H.’s educational and medical needs. Guardian allegedly failed to obtain","paragraph_id":"para_182"},{"text":"educational support services for A.H., to address his academic delays. In addition,","paragraph_id":"para_183"},{"text":"Guardian failed to ensure he maintained regular enrollment and attendance at school.","paragraph_id":"para_184"},{"text":"A.H. reportedly missed 75 percent of the prior school year.","paragraph_id":"para_185"},{"text":"At the January 4, 2024, detention hearing, the court found a prima facie case but","paragraph_id":"para_186"},{"text":"did not detain A.H. The court allowed him to remain with Guardian. In violation of","paragraph_id":"para_187"},{"text":"court orders, Guardian failed to appear in court with A.H. at hearings on January 4, and","paragraph_id":"para_188"},{"text":"29, 2024, and at the jurisdiction/disposition hearing on February 15, 2024. In addition,","paragraph_id":"para_189"},{"text":"she failed to contact her attorney, and A.H. missed several medical appointments related","paragraph_id":"para_190"},{"text":"to his heart condition. He also continued to miss the majority of school and was failing","paragraph_id":"para_191"},{"text":"his classes. Tribal Family Services was very concerned about A.H.’s welfare and safety.","paragraph_id":"para_192"},{"text":"As a consequence, on February 15, 2024, the jurisdiction/disposition hearing was","paragraph_id":"para_193"},{"text":"continued and A.H. was ordered detained.","paragraph_id":"para_194"},{"text":"In March 2024, DPSS filed a first amended petition, alleging that Guardian failed","paragraph_id":"para_195"},{"text":"to make A.H. available to the court and DPSS, and his whereabouts were unknown. The","paragraph_id":"para_196"},{"text":"amended petition added that Guardian failed to address A.H.’s ongoing medical needs","paragraph_id":"para_197"},{"text":"and health condition by not following up with critical medical appointments and failing","paragraph_id":"para_198"},{"text":"5","paragraph_id":"para_199"},{"text":"to give him his prescribed medication for his chronic heart condition. The Tribe’s","paragraph_id":"para_200","court_paragraph":5},{"text":"attorney reported that Guardian’s problematic conduct had been occurring for years, and","paragraph_id":"para_201"},{"text":"the Tribe had been trying for years to get a psychological evaluation of Guardian.","paragraph_id":"para_202"},{"text":"Upon locating Guardian, in March 2024, DPSS filed a second amended petition,","paragraph_id":"para_203"},{"text":"deleting the allegations that A.H. could not be located and that Guardian failed to provide","paragraph_id":"para_204"},{"text":"A.H. with his medication. In March 2025, The Tribe filed a declaration stating its","paragraph_id":"para_205"},{"text":"concerns with Guardian, including her failure to care for A.H.’s medical condition and","paragraph_id":"para_206"},{"text":"support his academic needs.","paragraph_id":"para_207"},{"text":"At the contested jurisdiction/disposition hearing on April 23, 2024, the court found","paragraph_id":"para_208"},{"text":"true the allegations in the second amended petition, removed A.H. from Guardian, and","paragraph_id":"para_209"},{"text":"ordered reunification services for Guardian. The court found ICWA applied. The parties","paragraph_id":"para_210"},{"text":"stipulated to the Tribe’s expert statement, in which the expert stated that the Tribe and","paragraph_id":"para_211"},{"text":"DPSS were working together to develop an appropriate case plan for A.H. and Guardian.","paragraph_id":"para_212"},{"text":"The Tribal expert agreed with the case plan and concluded that A.H. would suffer serious","paragraph_id":"para_213"},{"text":"emotional or physical harm if left in Guardian’s care.","paragraph_id":"para_214"},{"text":"The case plan required Guardian to participate in counseling, parenting, and on-","paragraph_id":"para_215"},{"text":"demand drug testing. The plan also required medical visits and medication management","paragraph_id":"para_216"},{"text":"for A.H. The Tribe’s attorney stated that over the course of the past four years, it became","paragraph_id":"para_217"},{"text":"apparent that Guardian was “not capable of understanding the importance and the need","paragraph_id":"para_218"},{"text":"for the educational and medical services to be provided.” The Tribe’s attorney further","paragraph_id":"para_219"},{"text":"stated that a psychological evaluation of Guardian was necessary to determine what was","paragraph_id":"para_220"},{"text":"6","paragraph_id":"para_221"},{"text":"causing Guardian’s inability to care properly for A.H. Guardian argued that there was no","paragraph_id":"para_222","court_paragraph":6},{"text":"allegation that she suffered from a mental disorder and denied she suffered from any such","paragraph_id":"para_223"},{"text":"disorder.","paragraph_id":"para_224"},{"text":"At the jurisdiction/disposition hearing on April 23, 2024, the court ordered a","paragraph_id":"para_225"},{"text":"psychological evaluation for Guardian, “for case planning purposes only.” Guardian did","paragraph_id":"para_226"},{"text":"not object to the psychological evaluation or to DPSS’s request that Guardian sign a","paragraph_id":"para_227"},{"text":"release of information. Guardian delayed scheduling and completing the psychological","paragraph_id":"para_228"},{"text":"evaluation until November 11, 2024.","paragraph_id":"para_229"},{"text":"In March 2025, the Tribe filed a declaration stating its concerns about Guardian,","paragraph_id":"para_230"},{"text":"including her failures to care for A.H.’s serious medical condition and support his","paragraph_id":"para_231"},{"text":"academic needs. The Tribe requested a copy of the psychological evaluation, including at","paragraph_id":"para_232"},{"text":"the 12-month review hearing on March 26, 2025. Guardian objected to its release to the","paragraph_id":"para_233"},{"text":"Tribe, noting it was not filed with the court. The Tribe stated it was not requesting that","paragraph_id":"para_234"},{"text":"the evaluation be filed with the court. The court denied without prejudice release of the","paragraph_id":"para_235"},{"text":"evaluation to the Tribe.","paragraph_id":"para_236"},{"text":"In April 2025, the Tribe renewed its request for the evaluation by filing a petition","paragraph_id":"para_237"},{"text":"request, relying on federal and state law (§ 827, subd. (f); Cal. Rules of Court, rule2","paragraph_id":"para_238"},{"text":"5.552; 25 U.S.C. §1912(c); 25 U.S.C. §3205; 42 U.S.C. §§ 1320d, et seq.,3","paragraph_id":"para_239"},{"text":"164.512).","paragraph_id":"para_240"},{"text":"2","paragraph_id":"para_241"},{"text":"All rule references are to the California Rules of Court.","paragraph_id":"para_242","court_paragraph":2},{"text":"3","paragraph_id":"para_243"},{"text":"The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), 42","paragraph_id":"para_244","court_paragraph":3},{"text":"United States Code section 1320d et seq.; Pub.L. No. 104-191 (Aug. 21, 1996) 110 Stat.","paragraph_id":"para_245"},{"text":"1936.","paragraph_id":"para_246"},{"text":"7","paragraph_id":"para_247"},{"text":"In May 2025, A.H. was removed from his nonrelative extended family member","paragraph_id":"para_248","court_paragraph":7},{"text":"placement because of unsupervised contact between A.H. and Guardian. Also,","paragraph_id":"para_249"},{"text":"concerning texts between Guardian and a DPSS social worker reportedly demonstrated","paragraph_id":"para_250"},{"text":"that Guadian had not addressed her worsening anger issues.","paragraph_id":"para_251"},{"text":"On June 5, 2025, the Tribe filed a motion to terminate guardianship pursuant to","paragraph_id":"para_252"},{"text":"section 728 and rule 5.620(e), based on increased concerns with Guardian’s ability to","paragraph_id":"para_253"},{"text":"provide safe, stable home and meet A.H.’s medical, social-emotional, mental health, and","paragraph_id":"para_254"},{"text":"educational needs. Guardian reportedly had a history of evading DPSS and the court,","paragraph_id":"para_255"},{"text":"including by hiding A.H. Guardian’s failure to take A.H., a “medically fragile child,” to","paragraph_id":"para_256"},{"text":"his cardiologist appointments and to pick up his medications resulted in A.H. being","paragraph_id":"para_257"},{"text":"admitted to the hospital to monitor his condition. Guardian also reportedly acted","paragraph_id":"para_258"},{"text":"impulsively and was unable to control her anger. In March 2024, she was ordered to","paragraph_id":"para_259"},{"text":"submit to alcohol and drug testing but did not complete testing until five months later.","paragraph_id":"para_260"},{"text":"Therefore, the test results were deemed unreliable. Dr. Garett, the psychological","paragraph_id":"para_261"},{"text":"evaluator, recommended Guardian participate in counseling and receive home support","paragraph_id":"para_262"},{"text":"services.","paragraph_id":"para_263"},{"text":"During the June 9, 2025, hearing on the petition for release of Guardian’s","paragraph_id":"para_264"},{"text":"psychological evaluation, Guardian objected to its release to the Tribe, noting that there","paragraph_id":"para_265"},{"text":"was no evidence that a “hard copy” of it had been provided to DPSS. It also had not been","paragraph_id":"para_266"},{"text":"filed with the court. Guardian’s counsel acknowledged that it had been provided to","paragraph_id":"para_267"},{"text":"Guardian’s counsel and county counsel. A.H. and DPSS did not object to release of the","paragraph_id":"para_268"},{"text":"8","paragraph_id":"para_269"},{"text":"report. At the hearing, the Tribe noted that DPSS’s 12-month report contained","paragraph_id":"para_270","court_paragraph":8},{"text":"information from the psychological evaluation, including recommendations. The Tribe","paragraph_id":"para_271"},{"text":"later noted that on November 11, 2024, Guardian completed her psychological evaluation","paragraph_id":"para_272"},{"text":"performed by Dr. Garett.","paragraph_id":"para_273"},{"text":"During the June 9, 2025, hearing, DPSS informed the court that it was likely that a","paragraph_id":"para_274"},{"text":"copy of the psychological evaluation was in the social worker’s possession. The Tribe","paragraph_id":"para_275"},{"text":"stated that it was requesting a copy of Guardian’s psychological evaluation for purposes","paragraph_id":"para_276"},{"text":"of monitoring and maintaining her guardianship, as the Tribe had done for many years.","paragraph_id":"para_277"},{"text":"But there was an apparent problem in continuing the guardianship because of Guardian’s","paragraph_id":"para_278"},{"text":"failure to address her mental health issues. The Tribe noted that its focus was on the","paragraph_id":"para_279"},{"text":"child, and it was entitled to the evaluation because the Tribe was a party entitled to","paragraph_id":"para_280"},{"text":"understand what was going on with Guardian and A.H. The Tribe added that the Health","paragraph_id":"para_281"},{"text":"Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)4","paragraph_id":"para_282"},{"text":"authorized disclosure of","paragraph_id":"para_283"},{"text":"confidential psychological records when there is a valid court order.","paragraph_id":"para_284"},{"text":"The juvenile court denied the Tribe’s request for the psychological evaluation on","paragraph_id":"para_285"},{"text":"the grounds that it was ordered “for case planning purposes only and not for any other","paragraph_id":"para_286"},{"text":"purpose, as well as the fact that there [weren’t] any compelling reasons to release the","paragraph_id":"para_287"},{"text":"information to the tribe.” The court added that “part of the goal is to have the","paragraph_id":"para_288"},{"text":"[d]epartment’s social worker to work with the tribal social worker to ensure that there’s","paragraph_id":"para_289"},{"text":"4","paragraph_id":"para_290"},{"text":"42 United States Code section 1320d et seq.; Pub.L. No. 104-191 (Aug. 21,","paragraph_id":"para_291","court_paragraph":4},{"text":"1996) 110 Stat. 1936.","paragraph_id":"para_292"},{"text":"9","paragraph_id":"para_293"},{"text":"active efforts done with the case plan and reuniting or even placement with this child. I","paragraph_id":"para_294","court_paragraph":9},{"text":"don’t think that psychological report will assist in seeing if whether or not the services","paragraph_id":"para_295"},{"text":"are working. They either are working, or they are not. The psychological evaluation will","paragraph_id":"para_296"},{"text":"not say, well, what’s the reason why? That is not how that works.”","paragraph_id":"para_297"},{"text":"III.","paragraph_id":"para_298"},{"text":"ACCESS TO PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION","paragraph_id":"para_299"},{"text":"UNDER SECTION 827","paragraph_id":"para_300"},{"text":"The Tribe contends the juvenile court erred in denying its request for Guardian’s","paragraph_id":"para_301"},{"text":"court-ordered psychological evaluation. Guardian argues that the Tribe waived this","paragraph_id":"para_302"},{"text":"contention by not objecting at the six and 12-month review hearings to the case plan and","paragraph_id":"para_303"},{"text":"the juvenile court’s finding of reasonable services.","paragraph_id":"para_304"},{"text":"We conclude there was no waiver. Even though the juvenile court ordered","paragraph_id":"para_305"},{"text":"Guardian’s psychological evaluation for “case planning purposes only,” there was no","paragraph_id":"para_306"},{"text":"waiver because objecting at the six and 12-month hearings to the case plan and","paragraph_id":"para_307"},{"text":"reasonableness of services, are matters that are irrelevant and not dispositive of whether","paragraph_id":"para_308"},{"text":"the Tribe has a right to the psychological evaluation. Furthermore, regardless of whether","paragraph_id":"para_309"},{"text":"the case plan and services were adequate, the Tribe has a continuing right to the","paragraph_id":"para_310"},{"text":"psychological evaluation, as discussed below. Therefore, the Tribe did not waive its","paragraph_id":"para_311"},{"text":"contention that it is entitled to the psychological evaluation by not objecting at the six and","paragraph_id":"para_312"},{"text":"12-month review hearings to the case plan and services.","paragraph_id":"para_313"},{"text":"10","paragraph_id":"para_314"},{"text":"In addition, without an opportunity to view the psychological evaluation, the Tribe","paragraph_id":"para_315","court_paragraph":10},{"text":"was deprived of knowing the findings and conclusions stated in the evaluation that may","paragraph_id":"para_316"},{"text":"have provided the Tribe with grounds to object to the case plan and services. We","paragraph_id":"para_317"},{"text":"therefore conclude there was no waiver of the Tribe’s contention it is entitled to the","paragraph_id":"para_318"},{"text":"psychological evaluation.","paragraph_id":"para_319"},{"text":"A. Release of the Psychological Evaluation Under Section 827","paragraph_id":"para_320"},{"text":"The Tribe contends that under section 827, it is presumptively entitled to the","paragraph_id":"para_321"},{"text":"evaluation, without being required to file a petition requesting release of the evaluation to","paragraph_id":"para_322"},{"text":"the Tribe. We agree that under section 827, subdivisions (a) and (f), the Tribe is","paragraph_id":"para_323"},{"text":"authorized to view Guardian’s psychological evaluation. We also agree that the Tribe","paragraph_id":"para_324"},{"text":"was not required to file a petition requesting a court order for authorization because the","paragraph_id":"para_325"},{"text":"Tribe is presumptively entitled to the evaluation under section 827, subdivision (a)(1)(K).","paragraph_id":"para_326"},{"text":"When construing statutes such as section 827, “[o]ur primary concern is giving","paragraph_id":"para_327"},{"text":"effect to the intended purpose of the provisions at issue. [Citation.] In doing so, we first","paragraph_id":"para_328"},{"text":"analyze provisions’ text in their relevant context, which is typically the best and most","paragraph_id":"para_329"},{"text":"reliable indicator of purpose. [Citations.] We start by ascribing to words their ordinary","paragraph_id":"para_330"},{"text":"meaning, while taking account of related provisions and the structure of the relevant","paragraph_id":"para_331"},{"text":"statutory and constitutional scheme. [Citations.] . . . Finally, we apply independent","paragraph_id":"para_332"},{"text":"judgment when construing constitutional and statutory provisions.” (California Cannabis","paragraph_id":"para_333"},{"text":"Coalition v. City of Upland (2017) 3 Cal.5th 924, 933-934.)","paragraph_id":"para_334"},{"text":"11","paragraph_id":"para_335"},{"text":"We accordingly look to the applicable statutes and the juvenile dependency","paragraph_id":"para_336","court_paragraph":11},{"text":"scheme as a whole, particularly as to tribes. There does not appear to be any case law","paragraph_id":"para_337"},{"text":"directly on point, but juvenile dependency statutory law, construed in the context of the","paragraph_id":"para_338"},{"text":"state and federal juvenile dependency scheme as a whole, is sufficiently clear that the","paragraph_id":"para_339"},{"text":"Tribe is entitled to view confidential juvenile records that are material to a dependency","paragraph_id":"para_340"},{"text":"case, such as the psychological evaluation.","paragraph_id":"para_341"},{"text":"We begin with the understanding that DPSS is the county agency with","paragraph_id":"para_342"},{"text":"administrative responsibility for providing child welfare services. As such, it is the","paragraph_id":"para_343"},{"text":"custodian of confidential child welfare and social services records pertaining to minors.","paragraph_id":"para_344"},{"text":"(§ 10850; Pen.Code, § 11167) The Legislature has enacted a statutory scheme governing","paragraph_id":"para_345"},{"text":"access to juvenile records. There is a strong public policy of confidentiality of juvenile","paragraph_id":"para_346"},{"text":"records. Section 827 sets forth detailed provisions to protect this confidentiality and","paragraph_id":"para_347"},{"text":"specifies who is authorized to inspect juvenile records. (J.E. v. Superior Court (2014)","paragraph_id":"para_348"},{"text":"223 Cal.App.4th 1329, 1337.) Section 827’s confidentiality provisions apply broadly to","paragraph_id":"para_349"},{"text":"petitions, reports, and other documents compiled in a juvenile dependency investigation","paragraph_id":"para_350"},{"text":"or proceeding. (§ 827, subd. (e); In re Elijah S. (2005) 125 Cal.App.4th 1532, 1549-1553","paragraph_id":"para_351"},{"text":"(Elijah S.).)","paragraph_id":"para_352"},{"text":"Here, under section 827, subdivision (a)(1)(E), (F), and (K), the parties’ attorneys,","paragraph_id":"para_353"},{"text":"the juvenile court, and the children’s multidisciplinary personnel team members have","paragraph_id":"para_354"},{"text":"presumptive authority to receive and review Guardian’s psychological evaluation, which","paragraph_id":"para_355"},{"text":"the trial court ordered “for planning purposes.” The trial court ordered a psychological","paragraph_id":"para_356"},{"text":"12","paragraph_id":"para_357"},{"text":"evaluation of Guardian’s ability to care for A.H. and provide a safe home environment for","paragraph_id":"para_358","court_paragraph":12},{"text":"him because there was evidence that she was not providing him with adequate, proper","paragraph_id":"para_359"},{"text":"care.","paragraph_id":"para_360"},{"text":"Although the Tribe is not listed in section 827, subdivision (a)(1) as one of the","paragraph_id":"para_361"},{"text":"persons authorized to inspect confidential juvenile case file records, subdivision (f)","paragraph_id":"para_362"},{"text":"provides presumptive authorization for the Tribe. Section 827, subdivision (f) states that","paragraph_id":"para_363"},{"text":"“[t]he persons described in subparagraphs (A), (E), (F), (H), (K), (L), (M), and (N) of","paragraph_id":"para_364"},{"text":"paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) include persons serving in a similar capacity for an","paragraph_id":"para_365"},{"text":"Indian tribe, reservation, or tribal court when the case file involves a child who is a","paragraph_id":"para_366"},{"text":"member of, or who is eligible for membership in, that tribe.”","paragraph_id":"para_367"},{"text":"Section 827, subdivision (a)(1), in relevant part, authorizes inspection of a","paragraph_id":"para_368"},{"text":"confidential case file by the following individuals:","paragraph_id":"para_369"},{"text":"“(E) The attorneys for the parties, judges, . . . and law enforcement officers who","paragraph_id":"para_370"},{"text":"are actively participating in . . . juvenile proceedings involving the minor.”","paragraph_id":"para_371"},{"text":"“(F)(i) The county counsel, city attorney, or any other attorney representing the","paragraph_id":"para_372"},{"text":"county child welfare agency in dependency proceedings. [¶] (ii) The county counsel or","paragraph_id":"para_373"},{"text":"city attorney representing the child welfare agency . . . in connection with the","paragraph_id":"para_374"},{"text":"administration or review of child welfare . . . services provided by the agency or","paragraph_id":"para_375"},{"text":"department to the subject of the case file or to that person’s sibling, parent, or legal","paragraph_id":"para_376"},{"text":"guardian.”","paragraph_id":"para_377"},{"text":"13","paragraph_id":"para_378"},{"text":"“(K) Members of children’s multidisciplinary personnel teams, persons, or","paragraph_id":"para_379","court_paragraph":13},{"text":"agencies providing treatment or supervision of the minor.”","paragraph_id":"para_380"},{"text":"Section 827, subdivisions (a)(1) and (f), provide the Tribe, its social services","paragraph_id":"para_381"},{"text":"agency, and its social workers with presumptive authorization to inspect A.H.’s","paragraph_id":"para_382"},{"text":"confidential juvenile case file, because the Tribe’s social services agency, social services","paragraph_id":"para_383"},{"text":"workers, and attorneys act in the same or similar capacity as does DPSS, its social","paragraph_id":"para_384"},{"text":"workers, and attorneys.","paragraph_id":"para_385"},{"text":"Section 827, subdivision (a)(1)(K), provides the Tribe, its social services agency,","paragraph_id":"para_386"},{"text":"and social services workers, as members of A.H.s multidisciplinary personnel team with","paragraph_id":"para_387"},{"text":"presumptive authorization to view confidential juvenile documents, such as the","paragraph_id":"para_388"},{"text":"psychological evaluation under section 18961.7.","paragraph_id":"para_389"},{"text":"Section 18961.7, subdivision (a) provides that, “[n]otwithstanding any other law, a","paragraph_id":"para_390"},{"text":"county may establish a child abuse multidisciplinary personnel team within that county to","paragraph_id":"para_391"},{"text":"allow provider agencies to share confidential information in order for provider agencies","paragraph_id":"para_392"},{"text":"to investigate reports of suspected child abuse or neglect . . . or for the purpose of child","paragraph_id":"para_393"},{"text":"welfare agencies making a detention determination.” (Italics added.) Subdivision","paragraph_id":"para_394"},{"text":"(b)(1)(B)(vii) states that “[t]he team may include, but shall not be limited to:” “In the","paragraph_id":"para_395"},{"text":"case of an Indian child, a representative from the child’s tribe, including, but not limited","paragraph_id":"para_396"},{"text":"to, a tribal social worker, tribal social services director, or tribal mental health","paragraph_id":"para_397"},{"text":"professional.” Section 18961.7, subdivision (d) further states that “[a] person designated","paragraph_id":"para_398"},{"text":"as a team member pursuant to this subdivision may receive and disclose relevant","paragraph_id":"para_399"},{"text":"14","paragraph_id":"para_400"},{"text":"information and records, subject to the confidentiality provisions of subdivision (f).”","paragraph_id":"para_401","court_paragraph":14},{"text":"(Italics added.) Tribal representatives and social workers, as members of A.H.’s","paragraph_id":"para_402"},{"text":"multidisciplinary personnel team, thus were entitled to receive relevant confidential","paragraph_id":"para_403"},{"text":"records, such as the psychological evaluation, because the Tribe was presumptively","paragraph_id":"para_404"},{"text":"authorized to do so under section 827, subdivisions (a)(1)(K) and (f).","paragraph_id":"para_405"},{"text":"The record shows that a Tribal social worker and representative attended","paragraph_id":"para_406"},{"text":"multidisciplinary personnel team meetings. The team was referred to as a Child and","paragraph_id":"para_407"},{"text":"Family Team, which met throughout the juvenile dependency proceedings and provided","paragraph_id":"para_408"},{"text":"recommendations used to develop the case plan. The record further shows that the Tribe","paragraph_id":"para_409"},{"text":"was actively involved in A.H.’s juvenile dependency case and monitored his probate case","paragraph_id":"para_410"},{"text":"for years, even before the dependency case was filed. The Tribe, which intervened in this","paragraph_id":"para_411"},{"text":"case, requested the juvenile court to order a psychological evaluation of Guardian","paragraph_id":"para_412"},{"text":"because of the Tribe’s concern that Guardian did not have the capability to adequately","paragraph_id":"para_413"},{"text":"care for A.H., thereby causing harm to A.H. and risking future serious harm if placed with","paragraph_id":"para_414"},{"text":"Guardian.","paragraph_id":"para_415"},{"text":"Under ICWA, tribes have the right to look after their Indian children based on the","paragraph_id":"para_416"},{"text":"tribes’ inherent sovereign authority over internal domestic affairs, such as child rearing","paragraph_id":"para_417"},{"text":"and protection of the health, safety, and welfare of its members or citizens. (§ 224, subd.","paragraph_id":"para_418"},{"text":"(a)(1); Santa Clara Pueblo v. Martinez (1978) 436 U.S. 49, 56.) Congress enacted ICWA","paragraph_id":"para_419"},{"text":"in 1978 in response to “rising concern in the mid–1970’s over the consequences to Indian","paragraph_id":"para_420"},{"text":"children, Indian families, and Indian tribes of abusive child welfare practices that resulted","paragraph_id":"para_421"},{"text":"15","paragraph_id":"para_422"},{"text":"in the separation of large numbers of Indian children from their families and tribes","paragraph_id":"para_423","court_paragraph":15},{"text":"through adoption or foster care placement, usually in non-Indian homes.” (Mississippi","paragraph_id":"para_424"},{"text":"Band of Choctaw Indians v. Holyfield (1989) 490 U.S. 30, 32; In re Isaiah W. (2016) 1","paragraph_id":"para_425"},{"text":"Cal.5th 1, 8.) ICWA therefore declared that “it is the policy of this Nation to protect the","paragraph_id":"para_426"},{"text":"best interests of Indian children and to promote the stability and security of Indian tribes","paragraph_id":"para_427"},{"text":"and families by the establishment of minimum Federal standards for the removal of","paragraph_id":"para_428"},{"text":"Indian children from their families and the placement of such children in foster or","paragraph_id":"para_429"},{"text":"adoptive homes which will reflect the unique values of Indian culture . . . .” (25 U.S.C.","paragraph_id":"para_430"},{"text":"§ 1902; In re Isaiah W., supra, at pp. 8-9.)","paragraph_id":"para_431"},{"text":"Consistent with these policies and legislative intent to allow Tribes to protect the","paragraph_id":"para_432"},{"text":"best interests of Indian children, we conclude that the Tribe was entitled to inspect","paragraph_id":"para_433"},{"text":"Guardian’s psychological evaluation without filing a petition request or obtaining a court","paragraph_id":"para_434"},{"text":"order. The juvenile court thus erred in requiring the Tribe to file a petition requesting the","paragraph_id":"para_435"},{"text":"evaluation and then denying it.","paragraph_id":"para_436"},{"text":"B. Filing the Psychological Evaluation in the Case File","paragraph_id":"para_437"},{"text":"Guardian argues that the Tribe has not established that section 827 applies because","paragraph_id":"para_438"},{"text":"there is no psychological evidence the evaluation was filed with the juvenile court in the","paragraph_id":"para_439"},{"text":"“case file.” In addition, it is unknown if the evaluation is in DPSS’s possession, if there","paragraph_id":"para_440"},{"text":"was a written, rather than verbal report, or if the written report still exists.","paragraph_id":"para_441"},{"text":"16","paragraph_id":"para_442"},{"text":"Section 827, subdivision (a)(1) states that a “case file” may be inspected only by","paragraph_id":"para_443","court_paragraph":16},{"text":"specified individuals and entities, such as the child, the child’s parents, DPSS and its","paragraph_id":"para_444"},{"text":"staff, the parties’ attorneys, the court, members of the child’s multidisciplinary personnel","paragraph_id":"para_445"},{"text":"team, and persons or agencies providing treatment or supervision of the child. (§ 827,","paragraph_id":"para_446"},{"text":"subd. (a)(1)(A)-(W).)","paragraph_id":"para_447"},{"text":"Consistent with section 827, rule 5.552 (a) similarly provides: “[A] living child’s","paragraph_id":"para_448"},{"text":"juvenile dependency case file may be obtained or inspected, and information from the file","paragraph_id":"para_449"},{"text":"may be disclosed, only in accordance with section[] 827 . . . . With the exception of those","paragraph_id":"para_450"},{"text":"persons permitted to inspect juvenile case files without court authorization under","paragraph_id":"para_451"},{"text":"section[] 827 . . . , every person or agency seeking to inspect or obtain . . . a living child’s","paragraph_id":"para_452"},{"text":"dependency case file must petition the court for authorization using . . . a Living Child’s","paragraph_id":"para_453"},{"text":"Juvenile Dependency Case File (form JV-570).” (Italics added.)","paragraph_id":"para_454"},{"text":"Guardian argues that subdivision (e) of section 827, does not require disclosure of","paragraph_id":"para_455"},{"text":"the psychological evaluation because there is no evidence in the record that the","paragraph_id":"para_456"},{"text":"evaluation was “retained by” by the social worker. Section 827, subdivision (e) provides:","paragraph_id":"para_457"},{"text":"“a ‘juvenile case file’ means a petition filed in a juvenile court proceeding, reports of the","paragraph_id":"para_458"},{"text":"probation officer, and all other records . . . filed in that case or made available to the","paragraph_id":"para_459"},{"text":"probation officer in making the probation officer’s report, or to the judge . . . , and","paragraph_id":"para_460"},{"text":"thereafter retained by the probation officer, judge . . . .”","paragraph_id":"para_461"},{"text":"17","paragraph_id":"para_462"},{"text":"This statute refers to “all other documents” in the “case file,” which would include","paragraph_id":"para_463","court_paragraph":17},{"text":"the psychological evaluation retained or available to judges and probation officers.","paragraph_id":"para_464"},{"text":"Probation officers are considered the equivalent of social workers under rule 5.502 (31),","paragraph_id":"para_465"},{"text":"which states that “‘Probation officer,’ in section 300 proceedings, includes a social","paragraph_id":"para_466"},{"text":"worker in the county agency responsible for the administration of child welfare.”","paragraph_id":"para_467"},{"text":"As explained in In re Ashley M. (2003) 114 Cal.App.4th 1, at page 8, “The duties","paragraph_id":"para_468"},{"text":"to furnish child welfare services and to provide reports and recommendations to the","paragraph_id":"para_469"},{"text":"juvenile court are actually placed by statute upon ‘the social worker.’ The juvenile court","paragraph_id":"para_470"},{"text":"law originally called for various tasks to be performed by the probation officer.","paragraph_id":"para_471"},{"text":"[Citation.] . . . Later, the Legislature authorized each county board of supervisors to","paragraph_id":"para_472"},{"text":"delegate the duties of the probation officer under the juvenile dependency laws to the","paragraph_id":"para_473"},{"text":"county welfare department. (§§ 272, 306.) Now, by statute, each county’s welfare","paragraph_id":"para_474"},{"text":"department is required to have a specialized unit for the administration of child welfare","paragraph_id":"para_475"},{"text":"services. (§§ 10800, 16500, 16501.) And most provisions of the juvenile dependency","paragraph_id":"para_476"},{"text":"law have been changed so that the term ‘probation officer’ is replaced by ‘social worker.’","paragraph_id":"para_477"},{"text":"(Stats.1998, ch. 1054.) The terms are now deemed interchangeable. (Cal. Rules of","paragraph_id":"para_478"},{"text":"Court, rule 1401(a)(21) & (29).) The term ‘social worker’ within the juvenile","paragraph_id":"para_479"},{"text":"dependency law obviously means the county’s social services agency to which the duties","paragraph_id":"para_480"},{"text":"formerly assigned to the probation officer have been delegated.”","paragraph_id":"para_481"},{"text":"Section 827, subdivision (e), which states that “all other records . . . filed in that","paragraph_id":"para_482"},{"text":"case or made available to the probation officer in making the probation officer’s report, or","paragraph_id":"para_483"},{"text":"18","paragraph_id":"para_484"},{"text":"to the judge . . . , and thereafter retained by the probation officer, judge . . . ,” would thus","paragraph_id":"para_485","court_paragraph":18},{"text":"encompass the court ordered psychological evaluation, which was available to the court","paragraph_id":"para_486"},{"text":"and DPSS social workers, and likely retained by DPSS.","paragraph_id":"para_487"},{"text":"It is undisputed that, consistent with the juvenile court’s common practice,","paragraph_id":"para_488"},{"text":"Guardian’s psychological evaluation was not filed with the court. There is evidence,","paragraph_id":"para_489"},{"text":"however, that DPSS was provided with Guardian’s written psychological evaluation,","paragraph_id":"para_490"},{"text":"DPSS reviewed it, and DPSS has a copy of it in its possession or has access to it from the","paragraph_id":"para_491"},{"text":"evaluator. Neither DPSS nor Guardian has provided any evidence to the contrary.","paragraph_id":"para_492"},{"text":"DPSS’s 12-month hearing report filed with the court summarizes information in the","paragraph_id":"para_493"},{"text":"psychological evaluation. DPSS states in the 12-month hearing report filed on March 13,","paragraph_id":"para_494"},{"text":"2025, that “[o]n November 11, 2024, [Guardian] completed a Psychological Evaluation","paragraph_id":"para_495"},{"text":"with Dr. Garett. Dr. Garett recommended that [Guardian] should complete ongoing","paragraph_id":"para_496"},{"text":"counseling with a Licensed Therapists[sic]. Dr. Garett indicated that [Guardian] will","paragraph_id":"para_497"},{"text":"have to display a stable attitude about [A.H.] regarding both his medical care and his","paragraph_id":"para_498"},{"text":"schooling in order to be a long-term Guardian of her grandson moving forward.”","paragraph_id":"para_499"},{"text":"DPSS further states in the report that, “[a]lthough [Guardian] has completed","paragraph_id":"para_500"},{"text":"Parenting Education, as well as [s]he completed a Psychological Evaluation, and","paragraph_id":"para_501"},{"text":"Medically Fragile training[,] [t]he Department remains concerned for [Guardian’s] mental","paragraph_id":"para_502"},{"text":"health stability as Dr. Garett recommended that she continue[] counseling and in home","paragraph_id":"para_503"},{"text":"support services. He also report[ed] that [Guardian] would need support to learn how to","paragraph_id":"para_504"},{"text":"cope with her current living situation while providing appropriate parenting for [A.H.],","paragraph_id":"para_505"},{"text":"19","paragraph_id":"para_506"},{"text":"including meeting all of his medical needs as [A.H.] is a medically fragile child.” In","paragraph_id":"para_507","court_paragraph":19},{"text":"addition, during the June 9, 2025, hearing on the Tribe’s petition for release of the","paragraph_id":"para_508"},{"text":"psychological evaluation, DPSS’s counsel informed the court that it was likely that a","paragraph_id":"para_509"},{"text":"copy of the psychological evaluation was in the DPSS social worker’s possession.","paragraph_id":"para_510"},{"text":"Guardian has not provided any persuasive authority for the proposition that section","paragraph_id":"para_511"},{"text":"827 does not apply merely because the psychological evaluation was not filed with the","paragraph_id":"para_512"},{"text":"court. If that were the case, parties could avoid disclosing reports to the Tribe simply by","paragraph_id":"para_513"},{"text":"not filing them with the court. Even though the psychological evaluation was not filed","paragraph_id":"para_514"},{"text":"with the juvenile court, its contents were summarized in DPSS’s 12-month hearing report","paragraph_id":"para_515"},{"text":"filed on March 13, 2025. Therefore, the Tribe was entitled to inspect it because the","paragraph_id":"para_516"},{"text":"evaluation was court-ordered, DPSS reviewed the psychological evaluation report, and","paragraph_id":"para_517"},{"text":"the report recommendations were relied upon by DPSS and the juvenile court.","paragraph_id":"para_518"},{"text":"Elijah S., supra, 125 Cal.App.4th at pages 1551-1552, supports this proposition.","paragraph_id":"para_519"},{"text":"In Elijah S., the court concluded that, on its face, the statutory definition of “juvenile case","paragraph_id":"para_520"},{"text":"file,” within the meaning of section 827, subdivision (e), “necessarily include reports or","paragraph_id":"para_521"},{"text":"other written statements by social workers, probation officers, child protective","paragraph_id":"para_522"},{"text":"investigators and public agency personnel involved in investigating a suspected case of","paragraph_id":"para_523"},{"text":"neglect or abuse concerning a child coming within the scope of section 300.” (Elijah S.,","paragraph_id":"para_524"},{"text":"supra, pp. 1551-1552.)","paragraph_id":"para_525"},{"text":"20","paragraph_id":"para_526"},{"text":"As noted in Elijah S., “[t]hese sorts of written reports and documentation are not","paragraph_id":"para_527","court_paragraph":20},{"text":"always required to be filed directly with the juvenile court, and are frequently under the","paragraph_id":"para_528"},{"text":"control of the applicable county agencies rather than in the possession of the juvenile","paragraph_id":"para_529"},{"text":"court. [Citations.]” (Elijah S., supra, 125 Cal.App.4th at p. 1552.) The Elijah S. court","paragraph_id":"para_530"},{"text":"added that, “By the same token, neither is there any indication that documents generated","paragraph_id":"para_531"},{"text":"or maintained by social workers, probation officers and public agency personnel with","paragraph_id":"para_532"},{"text":"respect to suspected cases of child neglect or abuse must be filed with the juvenile court","paragraph_id":"para_533"},{"text":"before they may be included in the definition of ‘juvenile case files’ subject to release","paragraph_id":"para_534"},{"text":"under section 827, subdivision (a)(2). We conclude that the term ‘juvenile case file,’ as","paragraph_id":"para_535"},{"text":"defined and used in section 827, ‘covers a wide range of records, including agency files","paragraph_id":"para_536"},{"text":"where no juvenile court proceedings have been instituted and the matter is handled","paragraph_id":"para_537"},{"text":"informally. [Citations.]’ (87 Ops.Cal.Atty.Gen.[72,] 75-76.)” (Elijah S., supra, at p.","paragraph_id":"para_538"},{"text":"1552.)","paragraph_id":"para_539"},{"text":"Although this case is a juvenile dependency case, unlike in Elijah S., which is a","paragraph_id":"para_540"},{"text":"juvenile delinquency case, nevertheless, Elijah S. supports the proposition that a material","paragraph_id":"para_541"},{"text":"document in a juvenile proceeding need not be filed with the court in order for it to be","paragraph_id":"para_542"},{"text":"subject to disclosure under section 827. According to Elijah S., not filing such a","paragraph_id":"para_543"},{"text":"document with the court does not preclude an authorized individual under section 827,","paragraph_id":"para_544"},{"text":"subdivision (a), such as the Tribe, from access to the confidential document. (Elijah S.,","paragraph_id":"para_545"},{"text":"supra, 125 Cal.App.4th at p. 1552.)","paragraph_id":"para_546"},{"text":"21","paragraph_id":"para_547"},{"text":"The Tribe notes that In re B.F. (2010) 190 Cal.App.4th 811 (B.F.) is the only","paragraph_id":"para_548","court_paragraph":21},{"text":"published case addressing disclosure of a psychological evaluation in a juvenile","paragraph_id":"para_549"},{"text":"dependency proceeding, but B.F. is not directly on point. The psychological evaluation","paragraph_id":"para_550"},{"text":"was of the children’s mother, not their guardian. Also, the children’s de facto parents, not","paragraph_id":"para_551"},{"text":"a tribe, were seeking the mother’s evaluation report. In addition, the psychological","paragraph_id":"para_552"},{"text":"evaluation in B.F. was filed with the juvenile court.","paragraph_id":"para_553"},{"text":"In B.F., supra, 190 Cal.App.4th 811, the court held that the de facto parents were","paragraph_id":"para_554"},{"text":"not entitled to the mother’s court-ordered psychological evaluation. The de facto parents","paragraph_id":"para_555"},{"text":"requested release of the mother’s psychological evaluation on the grounds it was","paragraph_id":"para_556"},{"text":"necessary in caring for the children, understanding the children’s psychological needs,","paragraph_id":"para_557"},{"text":"and gaining insight into the children’s family history of mental health issues. (Id. at pp.","paragraph_id":"para_558"},{"text":"815-817.) The court in B.F. disagreed, concluding that the juvenile court abused its","paragraph_id":"para_559"},{"text":"discretion in authorizing release of the evaluation because de facto parents are not listed","paragraph_id":"para_560"},{"text":"in section 827 as presumptively authorized to receive confidential juvenile records. The","paragraph_id":"para_561"},{"text":"B.F. court further concluded that there was no compelling reason to release the evaluation","paragraph_id":"para_562"},{"text":"to the de facto parents or that the release was in the children’s best interest. (B.F., supra,","paragraph_id":"para_563"},{"text":"at pp. 820-821.)","paragraph_id":"para_564"},{"text":"B.F., supra, 190 Cal.App.4th 811, is not dispositive. Here, the Tribe was entitled","paragraph_id":"para_565"},{"text":"to Guardian’s evaluation because the Tribe needed to review it for the purpose of carrying","paragraph_id":"para_566"},{"text":"out its responsibilities overseeing A.H.’s care, including determining why Guardian was","paragraph_id":"para_567"},{"text":"not properly caring for A.H. and whether there were additional services that might","paragraph_id":"para_568"},{"text":"22","paragraph_id":"para_569"},{"text":"remedy the problem so that A.H. could return to Guardian.","paragraph_id":"para_570","court_paragraph":22},{"text":"Unlike in B.F., the Tribe, which was requesting the psychological evaluation, was","paragraph_id":"para_571"},{"text":"not a third party. The Tribe was an intervening party and a sovereign Native American","paragraph_id":"para_572"},{"text":"government carrying out its social services responsibilities on behalf of the Tribe and its","paragraph_id":"para_573"},{"text":"child members. In addition, the Tribe was presumptively authorized to view the","paragraph_id":"para_574"},{"text":"evaluation under section 827, unlike the B.F. de facto parents. Rule 5.534(e) provides:","paragraph_id":"para_575"},{"text":"“The tribe of an Indian child is entitled to intervene as a party at any stage of a","paragraph_id":"para_576"},{"text":"dependency proceeding concerning the Indian child.”","paragraph_id":"para_577"},{"text":"Rule 5.534 also authorizes a tribe of an Indian child to intervene in a juvenile","paragraph_id":"para_578"},{"text":"dependency proceeding, and even if it does not, the court may permit an individual","paragraph_id":"para_579"},{"text":"affiliated with the tribe to “[e]xamine all court documents relating to the dependency","paragraph_id":"para_580"},{"text":"case.” (Rule 5.534(e)(2)(D).)","paragraph_id":"para_581"},{"text":"In addition, the Tribe, which intervened in A.H.’s juvenile dependency case, is","paragraph_id":"para_582"},{"text":"entitled to the psychological evaluation under section 224. Section 224, subdivision","paragraph_id":"para_583"},{"text":"(f)(1) which states: “In any proceeding in which the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of","paragraph_id":"para_584"},{"text":"1978 applies, the Indian child’s tribe shall have the right to examine all reports or other","paragraph_id":"para_585"},{"text":"documents filed with the court, including, but not limited to, the reports or other","paragraph_id":"para_586"},{"text":"documents upon which any decision to place the Indian child in the custody of someone","paragraph_id":"para_587"},{"text":"other than a parent or Indian custodian, or terminate parental rights, will be based.” This","paragraph_id":"para_588"},{"text":"statute refers to documents “filed with the court.”","paragraph_id":"para_589"},{"text":"23","paragraph_id":"para_590"},{"text":"Although Section 224, subdivision (f)(2) does not apply here because the Tribe","paragraph_id":"para_591","court_paragraph":23},{"text":"intervened in the instant case, and subdivision (f)(2) refers to a tribe that has not","paragraph_id":"para_592"},{"text":"intervened, we note that subdivision (f)(2) states that the tribe’s representatives “shall","paragraph_id":"para_593"},{"text":"have the right to inspect the case file . . . , and representatives of the Indian child’s","paragraph_id":"para_594"},{"text":"tribe . . . have the right to copies of documents contained in and information related to the","paragraph_id":"para_595"},{"text":"juvenile case file, subject to any other confidentiality laws.” (Italics added.)","paragraph_id":"para_596"},{"text":"Section 224, subdivision (f)(2) suggests that, although not stated in subdivision","paragraph_id":"para_597"},{"text":"(f)(1), the Tribe similarly has the right to “information related to the juvenile case file,”","paragraph_id":"para_598"},{"text":"including the psychological evaluation, even if it was not filed with the court. There does","paragraph_id":"para_599"},{"text":"not appear to be any logical reason why a Tribe that has not intervened would have the","paragraph_id":"para_600"},{"text":"right to such related information, but would not have the same right to related","paragraph_id":"para_601"},{"text":"information if it intervened. It is reasonable to conclude that the language that the Tribe","paragraph_id":"para_602"},{"text":"was entitled to “information related to the juvenile case file” likely was not included in","paragraph_id":"para_603"},{"text":"subdivision (f)(2) because it is sufficiently clear, and need not be stated, that the Tribe, as","paragraph_id":"para_604"},{"text":"an intervening party, is entitled to information related to the juvenile case file, including","paragraph_id":"para_605"},{"text":"the psychological evaluation.","paragraph_id":"para_606"},{"text":"Viewing sections 224, 827, ICWA, and the juvenile dependency statutes as a","paragraph_id":"para_607"},{"text":"whole, we conclude that, regardless of whether a tribe has intervened in a juvenile","paragraph_id":"para_608"},{"text":"dependency case or a document intrinsic to a juvenile dependency proceeding has been","paragraph_id":"para_609"},{"text":"filed with the court, the Legislature intended that an Indian child’s tribe is entitled to","paragraph_id":"para_610"},{"text":"receive copies of such “documents contained in and information related to the juvenile","paragraph_id":"para_611"},{"text":"24","paragraph_id":"para_612"},{"text":"case file.” (§ 224, subd. (f)(2).) Therefore, the Tribe was entitled to view the Guardian’s","paragraph_id":"para_613","court_paragraph":24},{"text":"psychological evaluation, which contained significant information related to A.H.’s","paragraph_id":"para_614"},{"text":"juvenile dependency proceeding. As reflected in DPSS’s 12-month hearing report, DPSS","paragraph_id":"para_615"},{"text":"relied on information in the psychological evaluation when considering whether A.H.","paragraph_id":"para_616"},{"text":"could be safely returned to Guardian.","paragraph_id":"para_617"},{"text":"Federal law is consistent with state law authorizing release of the Guardian’s","paragraph_id":"para_618"},{"text":"psychological evaluation to the Tribe. Title 25 U.S.C. §1912(c) of ICWA, provides that","paragraph_id":"para_619"},{"text":"“[e]ach party to a foster care placement or termination of parental rights proceeding","paragraph_id":"para_620"},{"text":"under State law involving an Indian child shall have the right to examine all reports or","paragraph_id":"para_621"},{"text":"other documents filed with the court upon which any decision with respect to such action","paragraph_id":"para_622"},{"text":"may be based.”","paragraph_id":"para_623"},{"text":"Even though Guardian’s psychological evaluation was not filed with the court, it is","paragraph_id":"para_624"},{"text":"a report upon which the juvenile court and DPSS relied on in determining the case plan","paragraph_id":"para_625"},{"text":"and A.H.’s placement. Furthermore, the psychological evaluation was court-ordered and","paragraph_id":"para_626"},{"text":"summarized in DPSS’s 12-month status review report. It was also relied upon by DPSS","paragraph_id":"para_627"},{"text":"in evaluating the adequacy of services provided to Guardian, her compliance with the","paragraph_id":"para_628"},{"text":"case plan, and whether A.H. should be returned to Guardian’s custody and care. The","paragraph_id":"para_629"},{"text":"statute suggests that its purpose and intent is to allow juvenile dependency parties, which","paragraph_id":"para_630"},{"text":"includes the Tribe in this case, to have access to examine all reports or other documents","paragraph_id":"para_631"},{"text":"considered and relied upon by the court when deciding an Indian child’s placement or the","paragraph_id":"para_632"},{"text":"termination of parental rights. This is consistent with the proposition that the Tribe has a","paragraph_id":"para_633"},{"text":"25","paragraph_id":"para_634"},{"text":"right to view the psychological evaluation under section 827, subdivisions (a) and (f).","paragraph_id":"para_635","court_paragraph":25},{"text":"HIPAA also does not prohibit disclosure of Guardian’s psychological evaluation to","paragraph_id":"para_636"},{"text":"the Tribe. HIPAA authorizes disclosure of personal health information as required by","paragraph_id":"para_637"},{"text":"law, including by a valid court order, as in the instant case. (§§ 224 & 827; rule 5.552(a);","paragraph_id":"para_638"},{"text":"25 U.S.C. §1912(c); 42 C.F.R. § 164.512.) Furthermore, as noted in Y.C. v. Superior","paragraph_id":"para_639"},{"text":"Court of San Mateo County (2021) 72 Cal.App.5th 241, 256, the juvenile court and DPSS","paragraph_id":"para_640"},{"text":"are not a “covered entity” subject to HIPAA because they are not a “health plan,” a","paragraph_id":"para_641"},{"text":"“healthcare clearinghouse,” or a “health care provider,” as defined in section 1320d of","paragraph_id":"para_642"},{"text":"Title 42 of the United States Code and sections 164.104. and 164.105 of Title 45 of the","paragraph_id":"para_643"},{"text":"Code of Federal Regulations. (See Y.C. v. Superior Court of San Mateo County, supra, at","paragraph_id":"para_644"},{"text":"p. 256.)","paragraph_id":"para_645"},{"text":"In addition, the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act of","paragraph_id":"para_646"},{"text":"1990 (ICPFVPA), 25 U.S.C. §3201, et seq., does not prohibit the release of Guardian’s","paragraph_id":"para_647"},{"text":"psychological evaluation to the Tribe. It states that State agencies, such as the DPSS,","paragraph_id":"para_648"},{"text":"may provide information and records to Tribal agencies that need to know the","paragraph_id":"para_649"},{"text":"information in performance of their duties. This includes the release of the psychological","paragraph_id":"para_650"},{"text":"evaluation to the Tribe under section 827, subdivisions (a) and (f).","paragraph_id":"para_651"},{"text":"26","paragraph_id":"para_652"},{"text":"Section 3205 of 25 U.S.C., states: “Pursuant to section 552a of Title 5, the Family","paragraph_id":"para_653","court_paragraph":26},{"text":"Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g), or any other provision of","paragraph_id":"para_654"},{"text":"law, agencies . . . of any State, or of the Federal Government that investigate and treat","paragraph_id":"para_655"},{"text":"incidents of abuse of children may provide information and records to those agencies of","paragraph_id":"para_656"},{"text":"any Indian tribe . . . or the Federal Government that need to know the information in","paragraph_id":"para_657"},{"text":"performance of their duties. For purposes of this section, Indian tribal governments shall","paragraph_id":"para_658"},{"text":"be treated the same as other Federal Government entities.” (Italics added.) Accordingly,","paragraph_id":"para_659"},{"text":"State agencies, such as DPSS, may provide information and records, such as the court-","paragraph_id":"para_660"},{"text":"ordered psychological evaluation, to Tribal agencies that need to know the information in","paragraph_id":"para_661"},{"text":"performance of their duties.","paragraph_id":"para_662"},{"text":"IV.","paragraph_id":"para_663"},{"text":"PSYCHOTHERAPIST-PATIENT PRIVILEGE","paragraph_id":"para_664"},{"text":"Guardian argues that releasing her psychological evaluation to the Tribe violates","paragraph_id":"para_665"},{"text":"her rights to privacy and confidentiality under section 827, subdivision (a)(3)(A) and the","paragraph_id":"para_666"},{"text":"psychotherapist-patient privilege (Evid. Code, § 1017, subd. (a)). We disagree.","paragraph_id":"para_667"},{"text":"Section 827, subdivision (a)(3)(A) provides in relevant part: “Access to juvenile","paragraph_id":"para_668"},{"text":"case files pertaining to matters within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court pursuant to","paragraph_id":"para_669"},{"text":"[s]ection 300 . . . shall be limited as follows: [¶] (A) If a juvenile case file, or any","paragraph_id":"para_670"},{"text":"portion thereof, is privileged or confidential pursuant to any other state law or federal","paragraph_id":"para_671"},{"text":"law or regulation, the requirements of that state law or federal law or regulation","paragraph_id":"para_672"},{"text":"prohibiting or limiting release of the juvenile case file or any portions thereof shall","paragraph_id":"para_673"},{"text":"27","paragraph_id":"para_674"},{"text":"prevail. Unless a person is listed in subparagraphs (A) to (P), inclusive, or (V) or (W) of","paragraph_id":"para_675","court_paragraph":27},{"text":"paragraph (1) and is entitled to access under the other state law or federal law or","paragraph_id":"para_676"},{"text":"regulation without a court order, all those seeking access, pursuant to other authorization,","paragraph_id":"para_677"},{"text":"to portions of, or information relating to the contents of, juvenile case files protected","paragraph_id":"para_678"},{"text":"under another state law or federal law or regulation, shall petition the juvenile court. . . .”","paragraph_id":"para_679"},{"text":"(Italics added.)","paragraph_id":"para_680"},{"text":"Although Guardian’s psychological evaluation might normally be subject to the","paragraph_id":"para_681"},{"text":"psychotherapist-patient privilege (Evid. Code, § 1017, subd. (a)), the privilege does not","paragraph_id":"para_682"},{"text":"apply here to the Tribe viewing the psychological evaluation because it was court-","paragraph_id":"para_683"},{"text":"ordered. (Evid. Code, § 1017, subd. (a) [“There is no privilege under this article if the","paragraph_id":"para_684"},{"text":"psychotherapist is appointed by order of a court to examine the patient.”].) As the court","paragraph_id":"para_685"},{"text":"in B.F. noted, “[b]ecause [the mother’s] evaluation was court-ordered, she could not have","paragraph_id":"para_686"},{"text":"expected it would be kept from the court, the Agency, or counsel for the Agency, for the","paragraph_id":"para_687"},{"text":"children or for the children’s fathers.” (B.F., supra, 190 Cal.App.4th at p. 821; see also","paragraph_id":"para_688"},{"text":"Y.C. v. Superior Court, supra, 72 Cal.App.5th at p. 258.) Likewise, Guardian could not","paragraph_id":"para_689"},{"text":"have reasonably expected her psychological evaluation would not be viewed by any of","paragraph_id":"para_690"},{"text":"the parties.","paragraph_id":"para_691"},{"text":"Furthermore, DPSS was required to disclose material information in dependency","paragraph_id":"para_692"},{"text":"proceedings under rule 5.546(d)(6) and (e). A court-ordered psychological examination","paragraph_id":"para_693"},{"text":"is a means of acquiring such information. (Evid. Code, § 730.) Guardian had no","paragraph_id":"para_694"},{"text":"reasonable expectation that the court-ordered psychological evaluation would not be","paragraph_id":"para_695"},{"text":"28","paragraph_id":"para_696"},{"text":"disclosed to the parties, including the Tribe, because Guardian’s mental state was at issue,","paragraph_id":"para_697","court_paragraph":28},{"text":"the court ordered the evaluation, the Tribe was a party, and the information elicited was","paragraph_id":"para_698"},{"text":"relevant to preventing harm to A.H. In addition, Guardian signed a release of","paragraph_id":"para_699"},{"text":"information, which would have encompassed the psychological evaluation, and","paragraph_id":"para_700"},{"text":"disclosure was in A.H.’s best interest. Disclosure of the evaluation would likely have","paragraph_id":"para_701"},{"text":"assisted the Tribe in monitoring and preventing harm to A.H., which outweighed any","paragraph_id":"para_702"},{"text":"invasion of Guardian’s privacy. (Laurie S. v. Superior Court (1994) 26 Cal.App.4th 195,","paragraph_id":"para_703"},{"text":"200-201.)","paragraph_id":"para_704"},{"text":"We therefore conclude that the Tribe has the right to view Guardian’s","paragraph_id":"para_705"},{"text":"psychological evaluation because it was court-ordered. The Tribe is a party entitled to","paragraph_id":"para_706"},{"text":"view the evaluation under state law, releasing the evaluation to the Tribe is consistent","paragraph_id":"para_707"},{"text":"with federal law, and the evaluation provides information necessary in carrying out","paragraph_id":"para_708"},{"text":"A.H.’s best interests. Section 827, subdivision (a)(3)(A) and the psychotherapist-patient","paragraph_id":"para_709"},{"text":"privilege do not preclude the Tribe from viewing the evaluation under section 827,","paragraph_id":"para_710"},{"text":"subdivisions (a)(1)(K) and (f).","paragraph_id":"para_711"},{"text":"Guardian argues that, even assuming the juvenile court erred in denying disclosure","paragraph_id":"para_712"},{"text":"of the psychological evaluation, such error was harmless because the Tribe collaborated","paragraph_id":"para_713"},{"text":"with DPSS in developing the case plan and the Tribe did not object to the juvenile court’s","paragraph_id":"para_714"},{"text":"findings and services. We disagree.","paragraph_id":"para_715"},{"text":"29","paragraph_id":"para_716"},{"text":"Without viewing the psychological evaluation, the Tribe was prevented from","paragraph_id":"para_717","court_paragraph":29},{"text":"obtaining material information regarding whether additional or different services and","paragraph_id":"para_718"},{"text":"efforts were necessary. Disclosure of the evaluation was necessary for the Tribe to","paragraph_id":"para_719"},{"text":"become fully informed of Guardian’s mental health condition in order to monitor A.H.’s","paragraph_id":"para_720"},{"text":"care and prevent serious physical or emotional harm to him. Also, without disclosure of","paragraph_id":"para_721"},{"text":"Guardian’s psychological evaluation, the Tribe was deprived of potentially significant","paragraph_id":"para_722"},{"text":"information as to whether Guardian fully addressed any mental health conditions that","paragraph_id":"para_723"},{"text":"might have placed A.H. at risk of harm if he were returned to her care. Guardian has thus","paragraph_id":"para_724"},{"text":"not established that nondisclosure of the psychological evaluation to the Tribe was","paragraph_id":"para_725"},{"text":"harmless error.","paragraph_id":"para_726"},{"text":"V.","paragraph_id":"para_727"},{"text":"DISPOSITION","paragraph_id":"para_728"},{"text":"The order denying the Tribe’s request for access to Guardian’s psychological","paragraph_id":"para_729"},{"text":"evaluation is reversed, with directions that the juvenile court order release of the","paragraph_id":"para_730"},{"text":"psychological evaluation to the Tribe.5","paragraph_id":"para_731"},{"text":"5","paragraph_id":"para_732"},{"text":"The Tribe’s motion filed in this court on September 30, 2025, requesting judicial","paragraph_id":"para_733","court_paragraph":5},{"text":"notice of an attached copy of the register of actions in Riverside County Superior Court,","paragraph_id":"para_734"},{"text":"probate division, case no. HEP1000034 (“Docket”), is granted under rule 8.252 and","paragraph_id":"para_735"},{"text":"Evidence Code sections 452, subdivision (d) (court records) and 459.","paragraph_id":"para_736"},{"text":"By separate order, this court denies Guardian’s motion filed on November 25,","paragraph_id":"para_737"},{"text":"2025, to dismiss the Tribe’s appeal on the ground it is moot. Guardian argues it is moot","paragraph_id":"para_738"},{"text":"because the Tribe did not object at the six and twelve month review hearings to the case","paragraph_id":"para_739"},{"text":"plan and the juvenile court’s findings that active efforts and reasonable services were","paragraph_id":"para_740"},{"text":"provided. Guardian concludes the appeal is moot because there is no effective relief this","paragraph_id":"para_741"},{"text":"[footnote continued on next page]","paragraph_id":"para_742"},{"text":"30","paragraph_id":"para_743"},{"text":"CERTIFIED FOR PUBLICATION","paragraph_id":"para_744","court_paragraph":30},{"text":"CODRINGTON","paragraph_id":"para_745"},{"text":"J.","paragraph_id":"para_746"},{"text":"We concur:","paragraph_id":"para_747"},{"text":"RAMIREZ","paragraph_id":"para_748"},{"text":"P. J.","paragraph_id":"para_749"},{"text":"MILLER","paragraph_id":"para_750"},{"text":"J.","paragraph_id":"para_751"},{"text":"court can provide. We disagree, and in a separate order, deny Guardian’s motion to","paragraph_id":"para_752"},{"text":"dismiss this appeal.","paragraph_id":"para_753"},{"text":"The Guardian’s motion filed in this court on July 30, 2026, requesting judicial","paragraph_id":"para_754"},{"text":"notice of the juvenile court’s minute order in this case, dated July 22, 2026, reflecting that","paragraph_id":"para_755"},{"text":"the juvenile court ordered A.H. returned to Guardian’s care, is granted under rule 8.252","paragraph_id":"para_756"},{"text":"and Evidence Code sections 452, subdivision (d) (court records) and 459.","paragraph_id":"para_757"},{"text":"By separate order, this court denies Guardian’s second motion, filed on July 30,","paragraph_id":"para_758"},{"text":"2026, to dismiss the Tribe’s appeal on the ground it is moot. Guardian argues it is moot","paragraph_id":"para_759"},{"text":"because on July 22, 2026, the juvenile court ordered A.H. returned to Guardian’s physical","paragraph_id":"para_760"},{"text":"care pursuant to a safety plan, but retained jurisdiction. 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