Court confirms disposition order, directs agency to investigate maternal grandfather for placement and continues father hearing

Lenawee County Probate & Juvenile Court — The court confirmed today an initial disposition order that will be used to measure the mother’s progress under a case service plan and set a follow-up review and hearing for Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 1:30 p.m.

Counsel for the respondent told the court the case service plan had been reviewed with the mother and that she was agreeable to its terms. "She indicates she's had opportunity to read it beforehand. She's agreeable with that," the attorney said.

The same attorney also told the court the child’s father, who is hard of hearing, asked that the child’s maternal grandfather be considered for placement. "Her father, who is hard of hearing, that's why I'm speaking up. He would like to be considered for placement of the child," the attorney said, and provided contact information to the worker for follow-up.

Miss Thomas, representing the agency interests in the case, said agency staff supported working toward reunification and requested a standard 90‑day review to assess progress. "Since everything is agreeable in the case service plan, we will continue to work towards that goal of reunification," she said.

The presiding judge directed the agency to investigate the placement request and to include the maternal grandfather in the next report. "The department or the agency rather has agreed to investigate as requested," the judge said, and left reporting on that inquiry to Miss Delagarza at the next review period.

The court continued the father/paternity hearing to allow for proof of publication and to address parentage questions related to the father. "I'm going to continue the punitive father hearing, to the next review date to allow for proof of publication to come through and address properly and thoroughly the issue of parentage as it relates to the father," the judge said, and set the next review/hearing for Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 1:30 p.m.

Participants also emphasized that the child should remain in the safest, least-restrictive setting while the mother begins services and that the court will measure progress against the disposition order during the next report period.

Clerical and scheduling logistics were handled at the close of the hearing, including confirmation that the parties received notice and arrangements to receive a copy of today’s order.

Provenance: Topic intro — Counsel: "She indicates she's had opportunity to read it beforehand. She's agreeable with that." (00:03–00:17) Topic finish — Court scheduling/adjournment: "We'll see you January 27 at 01:30." (04:13–04:15)