Bell v. Department of Social & Health Services
Cases that cite this one
2 later published cases cite this decision.
- Lotte Kassies v. Child and Family Services of San Bernardino (United States District Court for the Central District of California 2025)
- Freddy Dawoud v. Jessica Kronstadt (United States District Court for the Central District of California 2023)
This list shows which later cases cite this one. It does not say how they treated it, and no review of that has been done. Not a substitute for Shepard’s or KeyCite — verify before relying.
Opinion
MEMORANDUM **
Reginald Bell, Sr. appeals the district court’s dismissal of his action under 28 U.S.C. § 2241, challenging the constitutionality of the state’s termination of his parental rights and the placement of his children in foster facilities. We affirm.
The district court correctly ruled it lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate Bell’s claims. There is no federal habeas jurisdiction “to challenge the constitutionality of a state statute under which a State has obtained custody of children and terminated involuntarily the parental rights of their natural parent.” See Lehman v. Lycoming County Children’s Servs., 458 U.S. 502, 507, 102 S.Ct. 3231, 73 L.Ed.2d 928 (1982).
Moreover, we agree with the district court that even if there is jurisdiction, abstention would be appropriate. The court properly rejected Bell’s argument that state officials acted in bad faith and therefore the “extraordinary circumstances” exception of Younger v. Harris, 401 U.S. 37, 45, 91 S.Ct. 746, 27 L.Ed.2d 669 (1971), should apply. Bell’s vague allegations that his children were placed in foster care “as retribution for his past criminal acts” are not sufficient to make a credible showing of bad faith.
AFFIRMED.
This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by 9th Cir. R. 36-3.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.