In re Z.A. CA2/7

INTRODUCTION

In this appeal from an order terminating parental rights, Ruth D. contends that the parent-child relationship exception to adoption (Welf. & Inst. Code,1 § 366.26, subd. (c)(1)(B)(i)) applied and precluded the juvenile court from terminating her parental rights over her daughter Z.A. We affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

A. The Events Preceding Dependency Proceedings Ruth D. and Juan A., Sr., (Juan Sr.)2 are the parents of Brandon A. (Brandon), Juan A. (Juan)3 and Z.A., as well as two adult children. On October 27, 2011 officers from the Los Angeles Police Department took Brandon and Juan, 12 and 11 respectively at the time, into protective custody and held them at the police station. The boys had been left alone overnight, and their parents’ whereabouts were unknown. A children’s social worker (CSW) from the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (the Department) spoke to Brandon and Juan at the police station. Brandon stated that his mother often left home to visit friends in “the Valley.” On October 26, 2011 Ruth D. left around 6:00 p.m. and took Z.A., then four years old, with her. Brandon and Juan stayed home with Juan Sr.…