In re Alyssa P. CA2/7
Melissa L. appeals from the juvenile court’s order terminating her parental rights to Alyssa P. and Laura L. Melissa argues the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services did not comply with the requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq.) (ICWA) and related California law because the Department did not ask Alyssa’s and Laura’s known relatives about possible Indian ancestry. She also argues the court did not comply with its duty to ensure the Department conducted an adequate inquiry.
We agree with both contentions. Because the Department breached its duty of inquiry under ICWA and Welfare and Institutions Code section 224.2, subdivision (b), and because the court breached its duty to ensure the Department conducted an adequate inquiry, substantial evidence did not support the court’s finding ICWA did not apply.
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