In re Shyann K. CA2/3

INTRODUCTION

Appellants Helen F. (mother) and Christopher E. (father) appeal a dispositional and jurisdictional order of the juvenile court. The order sustained the juvenile dependency petition of respondent Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (the Department), declared Shyann K. and Deja K. dependents of the court, and removed the children from mother‟s and father‟s physical custody. We conclude that there was substantial evidence supporting the juvenile court‟s jurisdiction findings. We further conclude that the parents‟ appeal of the dispositional order is moot because the children have been returned to their custody. Finally, we reject mother‟s argument that the Department failed to comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA)(25 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq.). Accordingly, we affirm the juvenile court‟s order.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

1. The Children’s Family Helen is the biological mother of Shyann and Deja. Shyann‟s presumed father is Ricky K. Deja‟s presumed father is Christopher. Shyann and Deja were 14 and 12 years old, respectively, when this action commenced. Mother and the children have had no contact with Ricky since…