In re I.R.

The minors appeal from orders of the juvenile court placing them in long-term foster care after finding an exception to the preference for adoption applied. (Welf. & Inst. Code, §§ 366.26, 395.) We granted appellants’ application to stay proceedings in the juvenile court until further order of this court.

Appellants contend, and respondent El Dorado County Department of Human Services (Department) agrees, that the juvenile court’s findings are not supported by substantial evidence and that the juvenile court abused its discretion in ordering a permanent plan of long-term foster care for the minors. On review, it appears the court relied on facts and circumstances that were not relevant to the issues before it. This resulted in findings and orders not supported by relevant evidence and an abuse of discretion in ordering long-term foster care. Accordingly, we shall reverse and, based on the statutory limitations and the relevant evidence in the record, direct the juvenile court to terminate parental rights. The previously granted stay is vacated.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In September 2011, the Department filed nondetaining petitions on six-month-old I.R. and…