In re E.V. CA2/2

BACKGROUND

1. The Family As a minor, mother was a dependent of the court and spent time living with a foster family. Mother stated she had maintained a positive relationship with her previous foster parents (caregivers) as well as with her immediate family, including two older siblings and her mother (maternal

2 grandmother). Mother also considered father’s parents (paternal grandparents) a part of her support network. Daughter is mother’s third and youngest child. Mother’s two older children, both sons (half siblings), also were dependents of the court. The juvenile court terminated mother’s parental rights as to her oldest son, who was adopted by caregivers. As to mother’s younger son, the court ordered legal guardianship with caregivers. Caregivers are also daughter’s prospective adoptive parents. When the underlying proceedings began, daughter’s father S.V. (father) was incarcerated pending trial on murder and other charges. Eventually, while the underlying proceedings were pending, father was convicted of murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and carrying a loaded firearm. During these proceedings, father declined to provide any background information to…