In re J.C. CA2/8
A father appeals an order terminating parental rights over his daughter, J.C. He challenges, not the merits of the termination decision, but the juvenile court’s earlier determination the Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq.) (the Act) does not apply. We affirm.
The father argues both the juvenile court and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services failed to discharge their initial duties of inquiry under the Act and related California law. Citing Welfare and Institutions Code section 224.2, subdivision (b), he argues the Department learned of extended family members on his side yet erred by not asking them about the child’s possible Indian heritage. The father’s arguments fail.
We review findings under the Act for substantial evidence. (In re Josiah T. (2021) 71 Cal.App.5th 388, 401 (Josiah T.).) Substantial evidence supports findings that the Act did not apply and that the duty of inquiry was met here.
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