In Re Debra M.

HANSON (Thaxton), Acting P.J.

Appeal taken from an order of the juvenile court after a permanency planning hearing held pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 366.25. [1] The juvenile court ordered, among other things, that a minor, Debra M., born January 30, 1982, now five years of age, be referred to the Los Angeles County Department of Adoptions for adoptive planning. Debra's mother, Valerie M., has appealed to this court. For reasons which we shall explain, we regard the appeal as premature, and dismiss it.

Debra, the minor, first came to the attention of the juvenile court as the result of a petition filed December 9, 1983, shortly before her first birthday. The petition, which was sustained, alleged that Debra was a dependent child within the meaning of Welfare and Institutions Code section 300, and that her mother, Valerie, due to emotional instability, suicidal tendencies and drug abuse, was unable to care for her properly. The identity of Debra's father was unknown.

An order of suitable placement for Debra was made by the juvenile court on April 5, 1984. Debra was cared for by her aunt and uncle, Yolanda and Porfilo M. through much of her infancy;…