In re J.V. CA2/4
Appellant F.R. (mother) appeals the order terminating her parental rights over three of her children, sons Jo., Je., and Ja. Mother contends only that the court and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) failed to comply with the inquiry and notice obligations imposed by the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq., ICWA). We agree. DCFS did not make inquiry of mother’s father, despite being told that Indian heritage passed through him and that mother knew how to reach him. Additionally, the notices DCFS sent to potentially affiliated Indian tribes included at best incomplete and at worst inaccurate information about mother’s grandmother. We accordingly remand the matter to allow DCFS and the juvenile court to fully comply with ICWA and related California law and otherwise conditionally affirm the order.
Comments on In re J.V. CA2/4