In Re Baby Girl D.

Carolyn D., mother of the minor, appeals from a postpermanency planning order continuing the minor's placement in a foster-adoptive home. The mother contends that the trial court erred in not placing the minor with the mother's aunt, who was already caring for the mother's other child (the minor's half-sister, also a dependent of the court). We conclude that the trial court was under no duty to accord the mother's aunt preferential consideration as a "relative." The continued placement with the foster parents was a result of the mother's and her aunt's own failure to object to placement decisions until the child had bonded to her foster family. We find no error and affirm.

Baby Girl D. was born on December 11, 1985, severely addicted to heroin. She was taken into protective custody the following day and a petition was filed on December 16, 1985, under section 300, subdivision (a) of the Welfare and Institutions Code. [1] On January 3, 1986, she was declared a dependent of the court and reunification services were ordered for the mother, particularly drug counseling. On March 9, 1986, the minor was transferred from an emergency "satellite" home to her present…