In re Dixie M. CA2/3

INTRODUCTION

Theodore M., maternal grandfather of Dixie M., appeals from the order of the juvenile court denying his petition for modification seeking to have the child placed with him. (Welf. & Inst. Code, §§ 388 & 361.3.)1 We affirm.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

1. Dixie’s dependency The Department of Children and Family Services (the Department) removed Dixie from her mother in November 2012 when Dixie was 15 days old, and placed her with Mr. and Mrs. G., where she has been ever since. Throughout the dependency, Dixie’s mother was difficult to locate and had almost no contact with the Department.2 When Dixie was detained, mother named maternal cousin, M.M., as a possible relative placement for the baby. Mother did not mention her own father, Theodore. At some point, the Department learned of Theodore’s existence. On February 20, 2013, Theodore informed the dependency investigator that he would like Dixie to be released to his care. At the time, the Department was in the midst of genetically testing the father of Dixie’s older sister who be given custody if he were proven to be Dixie’s father. The test results were negative and so on May 31, 2013, the investigator…