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Judge continues placement for teen Zelenia Aguilar Lopez; department remains temporary managing conservator
Summary
At a High Plains Child Protection Court review, the judge continued Zelenia Aguilar Lopez's placement with her foster family, found a continuing danger to return the child home because parents' whereabouts are unknown, and set a further review for June 3.
A judge in the High Plains Child Protection Court continued the Texas Department as temporary managing conservator for 17-year-old Zelenia Aguilar Lopez and ordered continuation of her current foster placement after a review hearing held by Zoom.
The court found a continuing danger to return Zelenia home because both parents remain out of contact and their location is unknown; the judge continued the department as temporary managing conservator and scheduled the next review for June 3 at 9:00 a.m.
What the court heard A caseworker reported that Zelenia is doing well in her placement and has made academic progress: she was in ninth grade when the case began and is now a junior in a charter school and is on track to graduate in May. The caseworker said Zelenia completed PALS and possesses personal identification documents except for a birth certificate, which is being requested. The foster family reported the home is appropriate and supportive; Zelenia was described as comfortable there.
The court discussed transition planning because Zelenia will turn 18 in July. The caseworker and counsel noted options including extended care; extended-care eligibility would require school enrollment or work hours per the program rules. The foster placement indicated willingness to continue supporting Zelenia if she opts to remain in care beyond 18.
Court action and next steps The judge continued the department as temporary managing conservator and maintained Zelenia's placement, citing the unknown whereabouts of the parents as the basis for a continuing danger to return the child. The next review was scheduled for June 3 at 9:00 a.m. The court asked staff to ensure the child's birth certificate request is pursued because obtaining the record can take months; the caseworker confirmed the request has been submitted and that Zelenia also has a passport that she is using for identification.
Ending The judge emphasized planning for the teen's upcoming transition to adulthood and directed staff and counsel to continue working with Zelenia and placement to clarify school, work, and extended-care plans ahead of her 18th birthday.
