In Re Guardianship of Saul H. California Supreme Court Ruling Summary (August 18, 2022) [pdf]

This document provides and overview for state court judges issuing Special Immigrant Juvenile Predicate Orders of the California Supreme Court ruling on August 15, 2022, in In re Guardianship of Saul H. The Court overturned a state probate trial court that refused to issue a predicate order to an immigrant child who suffered abuse and neglect perpetrated by his parents. Despite the uncontroverted evidence about the abuse and neglect by Saul’s parents, the probate court denied his request of SIJS findings. Saul appealed and the Court of Appeals affirmed, but on the California Supreme Court reversed, with all justices concurring. In In re Guardianship of Saul H., the California Supreme Court provides very helpful clarification and direction that will assist trial courts and appellate courts in California and nationally for state courts carrying out their Congressionally assigned role issuing predicate orders that are a required of immigrant children filing SIJS applications. The training tool for state court judges and lawyers summarizes the California Supreme Courts ruling.