In Re Zachary D.
Opinion
Opinion
BLEASE, Acting P.J.
In this appeal we consider the application of recent legislation which authorizes the entry of a kinship adoption agreement between an adopting parent who is a relative of the child and a birth parent, pursuant to which the court may, in an adoption decree, grant post adoption privileges to a birth parent. (Fam.Code, §§ 8714.5 et seq.; Stats.1997, ch. 793, § 4.)
Dorie D., the mother of Zachary, appeals from an order of the juvenile court terminating her parental rights pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 366.26. [1] She contends the court committed reversible error in failing to provide her with notice and an opportunity to enter into a kinship adoption agreement with her parents, prospective adoptive parents who had custody of Zachary, before terminating her parental rights.
We will conclude the provision of such notice and opportunity in the section 366.26 proceeding, though desirable in an appropriate case, is not required. Appellant is not disadvantaged by this ruling. The kinship adoption statutes do not preclude entry into a kinship adoption agreement after termination of parental rights and before entry of an adoption decree.