IN RE: JOEY G. (2012)

. (In re Marcus G., supra, 73 Cal.App.4th at pp. 1012–1013.)   The joint assessment report must contain the joint recommendation of the probation and child welfare departments and also include 1) a description of the nature of the referral, 2) the age of the child, 3) the history of any physical, sexual or emotional abuse of the child, 4) the prior record of the child's parents for abuse of this or any other child, 5) the prior record of the child for out-of-control or delinquent behavior, 6) the parents' cooperation with the child's school, 7) the child's functioning at school, 8) the nature of the child's home environment, 9) the history of involvement of any agencies or professionals with the child and his or her family, 10) any services or community agencies that are available to assist the child and his or her family, 11) a statement by any counsel currently representing the child, and 12) a statement by any court appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteer currently appointed for the child.  (D.M., supra, 173 Cal.App.4th at p. 1124.)

Additionally, it is the juvenile court facing the problem of dual jurisdiction that must determine whether the minor should be treated either as a dependent child under section 300 or a delinquent minor under section 601 or section 602.  (In re Marcus G., supra, 73 Cal.App.4th at p. 1013.)

We note there is limited case law regarding the issue before us.   In fact, we found only two reported decisions substantially dealing with section 241.1.   In In re Marcus G., the Court of Appeal concluded there was no report as specified in section 241.1.  (In re Marcus G., supra, 73 Cal.App.4th at p. 1015.)  D.M., supra, 173 Cal.App.4th at page 1124, involved a report that satisfied the section 241.1 requirements but was ultimately deemed unnecessary.   Here, we determine a joint report under section 241.1 was required and the probation officer's report did not suffice.

In re Marcus G., supra, 73 Cal.App.4th 1008, involved a similar issue as here in which a minor, who had been declared a dependent and was living in foster care, was later declared a ward of the court after he was arrested for robbery.   When the court addressed the issue of the minor's dual jurisdiction, it noted the record did not show the procedures set forth in section 241.1 were followed.  (In re Marcus G., supra, at pp. 1013–1014.)   It concluded the juvenile court was not presented with a joint assessment by the probation and welfare departments as required by section 241.1.   The court determined that at most, the juvenile court was presented with a report and declaration by the social worker outlining the duplicative services that would be provided if dependency jurisdiction were maintained.  (In re Marcus G., supra, at p. 1014.)   However, the juvenile court was not presented with an assessment in light of the factors specified in section 241.1 and nothing in the social worker's report indicated how the probation department would address the minor's hyperactivity, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder and emotional problems.  (In re Marcus G., supra, at p. 1015.)

More recently, Division Three of this district discussed requirements of a section 241.1 report, although it ultimately determined no section 241.1 report was required because the minor was not a ward when the juvenile court assumed jurisdiction over her as a dependent child.  (D.M., supra, 173 Cal.App.4th 1117, 1124.)   The court determined the report properly listed the 12 criteria set forth in section 241.1 and specified how all but one favored dependency rather than wardship.  (D.M., supra, at p. 1125.)   The report expressly mentioned the social worker “ ‘conferred’ “ with the minor's current and former probation officers and because the parties agreed dependency status was more appropriate than wardship, there was no need for the two agencies to submit separate recommendations.  (Ibid.) Because of the prereport consultation between the social worker and the probation officers, and their joint preference for dependency status, the court could reasonably infer the report reflected both organizations' joint conclusion concerning the relevance of the 12 criteria.  (Ibid.)

Here, we determine the procedures set forth in section 241.1 were not followed.   As a threshold matter, the record does not show a joint report was created and presented to the court in accordance with section 241.1.   Further, although the People reference the probation officer's report, this report was not sufficient under section 241.1.   The report was created by the probation officer alone and did not include a joint recommendation from both the probation officer and the social worker as required by the statute.   For example, there is no evidence the probation officer and the social worker agreed on the appropriate status for Joey nor does the record contain any evidence that such an agreement existed between the two agencies, negating the requirement for separate recommendations.   The telephone conversation between the probation officer and the social worker referenced in the probation officer's report was not a joint agreement between the two agencies regarding what status would most benefit Joey and the public.   During the conversation, the social worker merely stated his own opinions regarding the history of Joey's behavior in his placements and Joey's failure to take advantage of the services offered to him.   He did not provide any suggestions or guidance for how to determine Joey's status or how to proceed.

Additionally, the probation officer's report did not address all 12 criteria that the statute requires.   It failed to consider the minor's parents' prior record for abuse of this minor or any other child, the parents' cooperation with the minor's school, a statement by any counsel currently representing the child, and a statement by any CASA volunteer currently appointed for the child.   The criteria that were mentioned in the report also did not specify how each one favored dependency or wardship even though in its entirety, the report recommended the minor be declared a ward of the court.   Simply put, the report falls far short of the requirements of section 241.1.

Even if the probation officer's report had satisfied the requirements set forth in section 241.1, we nevertheless would not be satisfied, on the record before us, that the report served its purpose under the statute.   The record provides no indication the court was even presented with the probation officer's report.   Further, it is unclear in the record whether the court reviewed the report before making its determination.

In summary, the report fails to satisfy the requirements of section 241.1.   In addition, there is no indication the court even considered the report.   As such, the court abused its discretion when it found Joey a ward of the court.

II

2011 AMENDMENT—PENAL CODE SECTION 487

Joey argues and the Attorney General concedes, this matter must be remanded because the threshold dollar amount for grand theft increased and Joey should receive the benefit of the amended statute.   We agree.

Where the Legislature amends a statute lessening the punishment for a crime, and this amendment becomes effective after the crime is committed, but before final judgment, the amended statute should apply retroactively.  (In re Estrada (1965) 63 Cal.2d 740, 745.)   In the absence of a saving clause or other indicia of a contrary legislative intent, amendments that mitigate punishment by increasing the dollar amount for certain crimes or enhancements should be applied retroactively as well.  (People v. Nasalga (1996) 12 Cal.4th 784, 793.)   Therefore, the proper remedy is dismissal of the count and reversal of the judgment, with remand to the juvenile court, because a true finding cannot stand on appeal when it rests on conduct that is no longer sanctioned.   (People v. Collins (1978) 21 Cal.3d 208, 214.)

DISPOSITION

The judgment is reversed and remanded.

WE CONCUR:

McINTYRE, J. O'ROURKE, J.