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 hearing, arguing guardianship best meets the child’s needs and that adoption should be ruled out because of the existing parent–child relationship. The father’s attorney agreed the change reflected the parties’ wishes.

Caseworker testimony described the child as doing well in school and in his current placement. The caseworker said the caregiver had begun the licensing process needed to receive foster-care payments and that the caregiver had previously completed steps necessary to receive such payments. The caseworker recommended a change to guardianship and asked the court to allow discretion for unsupervised parenting time.

Father Cody Gage testified that he supports a guardianship, telling the court he is on felony probation and worried that a probation violation could result in jail time and a renewed disruption of the child’s stability. Gage said he is working long hours, has obtained a driver’s license and is seeking housing, and that he intends to remain part of the child’s life “as much as possible.”

Department counsel also reported that the child is receiving mental health services through a program identified in court as Dimensions of Wellness and noted an email from a treatment provider, Sally Welsh, in the file. The court heard that the child had one school suspension but otherwise appeared happy and well cared for by the caregiver.

After hearing testimony and reviewing exhibits, the judge ordered the permanency goal changed to juvenile guardianship, granted unsupervised parenting time, and set the next review and pharmacy-plan hearing for Tuesday, July 8 at 10:00 a.m. The court said it will continue periodic reviews to monitor the child’s stability and the father’s progress toward reunification-level goals.

Votes at a glance: The court ordered (1) change of permanency goal from reunification to juvenile guardianship — ordered by the judge; (2) unsupervised parenting time for the father — ordered by the judge; (3) next review hearing set for July 8 at 10:00 a.m.

Background: The department had previously listed reunification as the permanency goal. In court counsel and the caseworker said reunification had been pursued but that the parties now consider guardianship by the current placement to be in the child’s best interest because it preserves the parent–child relationship while providing the child stable housing and financial supports available to licensed caregivers.

The court’s order also required continued efforts and follow-up: the caregiver’s licensure process, documentation of the father’s compliance with probation and treatment, and pediatric and mental-health follow-up for the child. The court scheduled routine review hearings to evaluate progress and compliance with court-ordered services.