In re Kieran S. CA2/7

INTRODUCTION

Amber C. appeals from the juvenile court’s orders under Welfare and Institutions Code section 3881 denying her request for additional reunification services and under section 366.26 terminating her parental rights to her son Kieran S. Amber argues the court erred in ruling the parental-benefit exception to adoption under section 366.26, subdivision (c)(1)(B)(i), did not apply. We affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

A. The Juvenile Court Sustains a Petition Under Section 300, and We Affirm (Twice) Kieran’s parents are Amber and Victor S. (not a party to this appeal). In April 2019, when Kieran was two months old, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services received a referral stating Amber and Victor used drugs

Statutory references are to the Welfare and Institutions Code.

2 in Kieran’s presence. Amber tested positive for amphetamine, methamphetamine, opiates, and morphine, but she denied using methamphetamine. She claimed that her positive test results were falsified and that she did not use any drugs while caring for Kieran. Amber did not cooperate with the Department; instead, she absconded with Kieran. The Department filed…