Opinion ID: 1864697
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Initial Dispositional Order.

Text: We do not reach the merits of the issues arising from the initial order placing B.B. at the State Training School because the subsequent order recommitting B.B. to that institution renders moot the propriety of his prior placement there. An issue is moot if it no longer presents a justiciable controversy because it has become academic or nonexistent. In re Meek, 236 N.W.2d 284, 288 (Iowa 1975). An opinion by this court that the initial order was inappropriate or unconstitutional would not secure B.B.'s release from the State Training School because he is held there under the authority of the second order. Under these circumstances, our decision with respect to the first dispositional order would be of no effect in the underlying controversy. See id. We conclude the first two issues raised by B.B. are moot and not reviewable on the merits in this appeal. We proceed to decide whether the cap placed on the number of group foster care placements unconstitutionally limited the juvenile court's power to place B.B. in group foster care at the time the court recommitted B.B. to the State Training School.