Court orders therapeutic parenting time, grants alternative service and sets March 24 trial in Lenawee County juvenile case

At an initial disposition hearing in Lenawee County Probate & Juvenile Court, the judge granted the department’s request for alternative service for the absent mother, left the child in his current placement with his uncle, ordered therapeutic parenting time (with supervision) for the father, and set the adjudication/trial date for March 24 at 11:00 a.m.

The court heard reports from the guardian ad litem and the department, testimony from the father and from the lead foster‑care worker, and argument from counsel before issuing directions to the agency and visitation providers. Carson Howard, the child’s guardian ad litem, said he met the child on Jan. 8 and described him as "doing really well" and recommended the child remain in his current placement while therapeutic visitation is arranged. Brandy Delazar, the lead foster care worker, told the court the permanency goal remains reunification but listed barriers including prior domestic violence incidents, housing and financial instability, and substance abuse.

The department had asked the court to allow alternative service to notify the mother, whose…