Judge changes permanency goal for child from reunification to juvenile guardianship, grants unsupervised parenting time

A Lenawee County Probate & Juvenile Court judge on an undisclosed date changed the permanency goal for a child identified in court as Cody Junior from reunification with his father, Cody Gage, to juvenile guardianship with the child’s current placement and caregiver, and granted the father unsupervised parenting time.

The judge said the guardianship goal recognizes the child’s stability in his current home while preserving the father’s relationship: “The juvenile guardianship reflects that we’re all optimistic that Mr. Cody Gage is going to continue to be successful in stabilizing,” the judge said. The court also approved unsupervised parenting time, citing no current risk of harm and the benefit of developing the parent–child bond.

The department had filed a court report and supporting documents, which were offered into evidence. Department counsel requested the goal change at the permanency planning…