Judge asks parties to confirm parents' move and transportation status before September review

The commissioner asked parties to confirm whether the parents' reported move and transportation needs were current and to notify the court and opposing counsel promptly. The question arose after petitioner counsel said the parents had moved to Cowlitz County and the mother had been visiting five days a week.

Dana Nelson told the court she understood the parents "moved to Cowlitz to be closer to the kids and that the last time I spoke with her, she was visiting them 5 days a week." The department said it had been ordered to provide additional transportation assistance at the last review hearing but had not yet confirmed current living arrangements; Madeline Ebel said she would check with the social worker and attorneys.

The department mentioned a permanency planning review hearing "September 19" in argument, while the commissioner later referenced a review hearing set for September 9 in the same proceeding. The commissioner asked that any new information about housing or transportation be shared quickly so the court and parties can be prepared for the September review hearing.