In re Sebastian D. CA4/2

BACKGROUND

This appeal involves four of the parents’ minor children: Christian D. (male, born

in October 2023), N.D. (male, born in November 2022), Esteban D. (male, born in

December 2021), and Sebastian D. (male, born in January 2021) (collectively, the

children).

The family came to the attention of the Los Angeles County Department of

Children and Family Services (the Los Angeles agency or the agency) in November 2022

when newborn N.D. and Mother tested positive for amphetamines at N.D.’s birth. A

social worker met with both parents at the hospital, and they denied that Mother used

drugs.

1 Because ICWA uses the term “Indian,” we use it as well “to reflect the statutory language.” (In re Dezi C. (2024) 16 Cal.5th 1112, 1125, fn. 1 (Dezi C.).) No disrespect is intended. 2 The social worker told the parents that she had concerns about N.D.’s safety and

asked them about possible placement options. Father suggested paternal grandmother

Maria D. and his half sister Jessica C. A social worker interviewed both of the

recommended paternal relatives, and both were willing to care for N.D.

The following day, Mother left the hospital without authorization while N.D.…