Court reviews foster placement and case service plan at initial disposition hearing

At an initial disposition hearing in Lenawee County Probate & Juvenile Court, attorneys and agency staff updated the court on the status of an infant in foster care and discussed a case service plan that lists reunification as the permanency goal.

Carson Howitt, the guardian ad litem, told the court he met the child on Oct. 14, 2025, and described the infant as “just over 3 weeks old” who “appeared to be a big baby.” Howitt said he observed no developmental delays but noted the child was sleeping during visits, which limited fuller observation. He reported the child is placed with foster parents and three foster siblings, ages 17, 8 and 9, and said, “I do believe that this placement is currently in her best interest.” Howitt recommended continued supervised visitation and that the mother be connected with a parenting coach and other hands‑on parenting help.

Britney Delagarza, the department foster‑care worker assigned to the case, testified…