In re Christopher L.
Filed 4/20/06 In re Christopher L. CA2/2
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL REPORTS
California Rules of Court, rule 977(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 977(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 977.
IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT
DIVISION TWO
| In re CHRISTOPHER L., a Person Coming Under the Juvenile Court Law. | B184739 (Los Angeles County Super. Ct. No. CK01537) |
| LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES, Plaintiff and Respondent, v. ROBIN L., Defendant and Appellant. |
APPEAL from an order of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County. Albert J. Garcia, Judge. Affirmed.
Lori A Fields, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, for Defendant and Appellant.
Raymond G. Fortner, Jr., County Counsel, Larry Cory, Assistant County Counsel, and Fred Klink, Deputy County Counsel, for Plaintiff and Respondent.
____________________
Appellant Robin L. (mother) appeals the order terminating her parental rights to her son, Christopher L. (Christopher), pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 366.26.[1] Mother contends that Christopher is not generally adoptable because of his developmental delays and highly specialized needs. Thus, although his foster parent, Sandra F. (Sandra), is willing to adopt Christopher, mother argues that there is insufficient evidence of adoptability. Also, mother asserts that the section 366.26, subdivisions (c)(1)(B) and (c)(1)(A) exceptions apply because Christopher objected to termination of parental rights, and because she maintained regular visitation and contact with Christopher and he would benefit from continuing their relationship. Upon review, we find that substantial evidence supports the juvenile court's rulings.
We affirm.
FACTS
Background
Christopher was born in June 1989 with mild mental retardation. He and his younger sister, Jennifer S. (Jennifer), were dependents of the juvenile court for a brief time in 1994.[2]
The detention and section 300 petition
In 1998, Christopher came to the attention of the Department of Children and Family Services (the Department) after social workers investigated allegations that he was being subjected to emotional abuse by Harley S. (father). According to the referral, father tried to shoot Christopher. At the time of the home call, father appeared intoxicated and was belligerent. He denied threatening his son with a gun. Christopher was detained. The Department filed a petition pursuant to section 300 on behalf of Christopher. The petition alleged that Christopher was exposed to severe violent confrontations between his parents that endangered his physical and emotional health and safety. Jurisdiction/disposition hearing
At the combined jurisdiction and disposition hearing in April 1998, the juvenile court sustained portions of the section 300 petition, declared Christopher a dependent of the juvenile court, and ordered family reunification services, individual counseling and conjoint counseling.
1998
Christopher was placed in foster care with Josie G. and adjusted quickly. He said he liked his new home. Still, he wanted to return to his parents. He was aggressive at first, especially when interacting with other children in the home. He took Tegretol for a seizure disorder.
Mother, pursuant to the court's order, participated in individual counseling, anger management training, and attended Al-Anon meetings. She completed parenting education classes.
Upon meeting with mother, the social worker noted scratches and red marks on mother's skin, specifically her face and hands. The social worker believed these marks to be self-inflicted and a result of a nervous disorder. Mother appeared thin and undernourished. She admitted to rarely eating and revealed that she had no income.
The juvenile court authorized weekend overnight visits. Shortly thereafter, the juvenile court modified visitation after learning of six occasions, between July and October 1998, where sheriff's deputies received complaints regarding disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, domestic disputes, assaults, and alcohol use at the family home. Christopher had behavior problems and was suspended from school because of a temper tantrum. The police officer at the school likened Christopher's behavior to that of a â€
