Judge grants 180-day extension in Tavius and Terry Jones sibling cases; sets review and final dates, appoints guardian ad litem

A presiding judge in the High Plains Child Protection Court granted a motion to extend proceedings in two sibling child-protection cases — involving children identified on the record as Tavius Jones, Terry Jones Jr. and Lila (spelled on the record) — after counsel reported locating an alleged father whose status had been uncertain.

The judge said she found "extraordinary circumstances exist with respect to Terry Jones" and granted extensions in both related cases, explaining that it would be inappropriate to try siblings separately. The court set a new dismissal date on the record as "November seventh of 20 25," scheduled a final hearing for July 1, 2025, on the 9:00 a.m. docket, and left a May 6 hearing on the calendar as a review date.

Why it matters: The extension gives attorneys and social-service providers time to locate family, complete paternity testing and assess placement options. The court’s decision keeps siblings aligned in the same schedule so permanency planning can account for their shared interests.

Key orders and findings: DFPS counsel Daniel Trauth told the court the department opposed an extension, saying the mother’s prior engagement had been inconsistent and that other parents had not completed services. After discussion, the court ordered genetic testing for Mr. Terry Jones as to both Terry Jr. and Lila and instructed counsel and staff to move quickly to arrange testing and contact information. The judge also stated she would appoint a guardian ad litem for Terry Jones; later in the hearing the court identified and notified the guardian ad litem on the record, Jay Michaelson.

On the record the judge said she would "grant the extension in both cases" and set the new dismissal date and trial schedule. Several attorneys and Saint Francis Ministries staff described parents’ progress and obstacles: defense counsel for the mother reported she had entered a residential treatment program (Cenikor, as stated on the record) and planned follow-up services; counsel for other parents urged stricter timelines.

Process notes: The department initially opposed a long extension on the mother’s case because of prior missed visits and incomplete services, while counsel for the alleged father in Oregon asked for time to review medical or capacity issues and to coordinate with a durable power of attorney. The judge ordered genetic testing and appointed a guardian ad litem to ensure the out-of-state father’s interests are represented in communications and decision-making.

Orders on the record included: genetic testing on the located alleged father for both children; appointment of a guardian ad litem (Jay Michaelson) for Terry Jones; a review hearing on May 6 and a final setting for July 1, 2025; and a new dismissal date of November 7, 2025.

Next steps: DFPS and counsel were directed to exchange contact information, file orders for genetic testing, and notify the court of testing and service results ahead of the July 1 final setting.