In Re Justin G.

The natural mother of a young child appeals from a judgment (order) declaring the child free from her custody and control. (Civ. Code, § 232, subd. (a)(1).)

A few months after Justin’s birth, mother and child took up residence in the maternal grandmother’s home and remained there from early June to early August 1980.

In the first week of August mother left grandmother’s home without leaving an address or telephone number. Justin was left with mother’s 12-year-old sister. Mother told her sister she did not care what happened to Justin and she did not want the responsibility of the child. Grandmother eventually was able to contact mother and mother suggested Justin be put up for adoption. Thereafter, grandmother located the C.’s and Justin was placed with them in late August 1980. The C.’s, after being assured mother would not change her mind, retained an attorney to commence adoption proceedings. On September 11, 1980, in the attorney’s office, mother signed a consent to adoption, which consent did not comply with the requirements of the law. (§ 226.1.) In December 1980 mother was asked to sign the formal consent to adoption by Family Court Services. On January 3, 1981,…