In re Orlando A. CA2/3

INTRODUCTION

Appellant mother seeks to reverse the dependency court’s order terminating her

parental rights with respect to her three children. She contends that there was

insufficient evidence that her children were adoptable, and the court abused its

discretion by not placing the children with maternal aunt. We disagree and affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Elizabeth G. (mother) is the mother of Orlando A. (Orlando), born in July 2008,

Roxana A. (Roxana), born in September 2010, and Sonia A. (Sonia), born in

September 2011.1 This case began in September 2010, the day Roxana was born and

had a positive toxicology report for Benzodiazepine. Mother also tested positive for

Benzodiazepine but denied taking any drugs other than prescribed medication. Roxana

exhibited withdrawal symptoms and was in respiratory distress immediately after birth.

She was placed in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Mother disclosed that father, Jose A. (father), had a history of domestic violence.

She said that she continued to have contact with him because she needed him to support

his children financially. The Department of Children and Family Services (Department)

detained…