In Re Nanette M.

Nita M. appeals from a judgment declaring her daughter Nanette free from her custody and control pursuant to Civil Code section 232, subdivisions (a)(2) and (a)(7). Nita challenges the sufficiency of the evidence as to each of the court’s findings. We affirm.

Factual and Procedural Background

Nita has two children: a son, Timothy, born in 1979; and a daughter, Nanette, born in 1986. This case involves an adjudication of Nita’s right to custody and control of Nanette.

Nita has a history of mental infirmity dating back to the time of her son’s birth, although authorities did not learn of her problems until 1984. At that time, she and Timothy were in a shopping mall where a security guard noted scratches about the boy’s throat and called police. The officers questioned Timothy and learned Nita had lost control, grabbed him by the throat, and scratched him with her fingernails.

Timothy was taken into protective custody. Upon learning more about the family situation, including the fact that Nita had been diagnosed as schizophrenic, the department of social services (DSS) successfully petitioned to have Timothy declared a dependent of the court. Nita’s parents eventually…