In Re Baby Boy

[EDITORS' NOTE: THIS PAGE CONTAINS HEADNOTES. HEADNOTES ARE NOT AN OFFICIAL PRODUCT OF THE COURT, THEREFORE THEY ARE NOT DISPLAYED.] *Page 1110 OPINION A baby born to a drug addicted mother and an "identity unknown" father became a dependent of the juvenile court and was placed in foster care. Eight months later, the "alleged" father learned of the baby's existence, went to see the social worker, appeared in court as directed, asked for a paternity test, and stated his desire to support and care for the child he believes is his. The dependency court, determined to proceed as planned before the man's appearance, denied the request for a paternity test and terminated parental rights as to the "identity unknown" father as well as the man who appeared in court. We reverse. FACTS A. Gladys V. has four children, the youngest of whom (Baby Boy V.) is the subject of this appeal. The two oldest children, Richard V. (born in May 1999) and Alexa V. (born in November 2000), have the same father, Lorenzo A. Gladys K. (born in December 2002) has a different father (Anthony K.). Four *Page 1111 hours after Baby V. was born (in February 2005), Gladys V. walked out of the hospital after telling a…