State v. S. T. S.

Summary

The Oregon Court of Appeals held that an appeal from a juvenile court jurisdiction judgment was not moot even though the juvenile court later dismissed jurisdiction, because the findings could affect future DHS investigations and carry social stigma. On the merits, the court affirmed the juvenile court's finding that father's domestic violence against mother created a current risk of harm to the children, supporting jurisdiction.

Holdings

1. The appeal is not moot because the juvenile court's finding of jurisdiction has collateral consequences, including effect on father's DHS record and social stigma, which together establish sufficient practical effects on the parties' rights.
2. The juvenile court's finding of jurisdiction was appropriate because there was evidence to support the finding that father's domestic violence created a current risk of harm to the children.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the appeal is moot after the juvenile court dismissed jurisdiction.
2. Whether the juvenile court erred in taking jurisdiction over the children based on father's domestic violence, specifically whether the state proved a current risk of harm to the children.

Disposition

affirmed