Dept. of Human Services v. R. M. E.

Under ORS 419B.387 “If the court finds in an evidentiary hearing that treatment or training is needed by a parent to correct the circumstances that resulted in wardship or to prepare the parent to resume the care of the ward, the court may order the parent to participate in the treatment or training if the participation is in the ward’s best interests.”

Mother appealed a court order that would require her to complete a psychological evaluation. The mother assigned error to the juvenile court order to complete the evaluation, she argued that DHS did not establish that she needed an evaluation under ORS 419B.387. Under ORS 419B.387 “If the court finds in an evidentiary hearing that treatment or training is needed by a parent to correct the circumstances that resulted in wardship or to prepare the parent to resume the care of the ward, the court may order the parent to participate in the treatment or training if the participation is in the ward’s best interests.” The Court reasoned that the record was sufficient to support the juvenile court’s decision to order a psychological evaluation. The Court reasoned that the record showed the mother to be impulsive and have escalated reactions, and the evaluation would allow DHS an ability for further services to help support a reunification in the future. Affirmed.