In re J.L. CA1/1

I. BACKGROUND

In June 2013, the Alameda County Social Services Agency (Agency) filed dependency petitions in connection with E.L. and J.L. (twins), the two-year-old twin daughters of Father and Mother. The petitions alleged Mother was no longer willing and able to care for the twins as a result of financial difficulties, due in part to her substance abuse. (§ 300, subd. (g).) Mother was also alleged to suffer from poorly treated bipolar disorder. As detailed in our prior opinion in this matter, In re J.L. (Nov. 10, 2015, A144486) [nonpub. opn.] (J.L. I)), the twins had lived in Father’s home for the first 18 months of their lives. Mother left with them in May 2012, after Father was arrested on a charge of domestic violence against her, and they had no further contact with him until after commencement of these proceedings. Father learned of the proceedings in July 2013, but he did not seek visitation with the twins until December.2 Father’s status was elevated to presumed father in March 2014, just one week before the juvenile court terminated Mother’s reunification services and scheduled a section 366.26 permanency planning hearing. Although Father’s attorney made an unsuccessful…