In re Skyler M. CA1/2

INTRODUCTION

Brittany M. (mother) appeals from the juvenile court’s order terminating her parental rights with respect to her now 7-year-old daughter, Bethany M., and her 4-year- old son, Skyler M. She contends that the dependency court erred in concluding that the beneficial parental relationship exception to the termination of parental rights did not apply. Finding no error, we affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND1

In October 2012, the Napa County Department of Health and Human Services (Department) received three general neglect referrals regarding then 5-year-old Bethany

1 Only the mother has appealed the juvenile court’s termination of parental rights, accordingly the following discussion only includes facts relevant to her appeal.

1 and 19-month-old Skyler. On October 11, 2012, the Department conducted an unannounced visit to the family home. Social workers found the home dirty and in a state of disrepair, with dog feces and dirty litter boxes on the floor; doors broken with holes in them; and marijuana, butane, unidentified chemicals, and apparent drug paraphernalia (such as sharp cutting blades and broken light bulbs) within reach of the children. The home had…