In re K.K. CA4/3

STATEMENT OF FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Because of the limited nature of this appeal, we focus on the facts relevant to the ICWA inquiry. Prior to detention, the mother had a lengthy child welfare history, with numerous reports. The incident that led to detention occurred when the mother arrived at the child’s school two hours late to pick her up. The child was six years old at the time. The reporting party stated that the mother appeared to be under the influence, and the police detained the child on an emergency basis. K.K.’s father was deceased. SSA filed a petition pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, subdivision (b).1 With regard to ICWA, a few days before the detention hearing, on October 12 and 14, the maternal grandmother, maternal grandfather, and the mother denied Native American ancestry. The mother, who was adopted by the maternal grandparents, reported no knowledge of Native American heritage through her biological family.

1 Subsequent statutory references are to the Welfare and

Institutions Code unless otherwise indicated.

2 On October 16, 2024, the mother completed the ICWA-020 form, checking the box that said, “None of the above apply,”…