In Re Lorenzo C.

Deon C. appeals from the order terminating his parental rights (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.26) to his son, Lorenzo C. [1] We will affirm. We hold in part that a social service agency has no burden to acquire and introduce at the permanency planning hearing evidence specifically directed to the issue of whether the minor would benefit from continued contact with a parent. (§ 366.26, subd. (c)(1)(A).) [2]

In August 1994, the Kern County Superior Court, sitting as the juvenile court, adjudged Lorenzo C., born April 7, 1994, a dependent under section 360, subdivision (c), and removed the infant from his parents' physical custody. At birth, Lorenzo tested positive for cocaine and, thereafter, his mother had no contact with him. The father suffered from alcohol abuse to such a degree that he was periodically incapable of providing the infant with adequate care.

At a January 30, 1995, review hearing, the court ordered Lorenzo returned to his father's care, with the provision of family maintenance services. The father had completed a parenting skills class, participated in an alcohol recovery program, and commenced counseling. It was undisputed that the father…