In re Z.G.

Orange County Social Services Agency (SSA) sought to remove Z.G. and I.L. (Children) from the custody of their parents (Parents), C.G. (Mother) and H.L. (Father), after Children’s sibling, H.L., Jr. (Junior), died. The juvenile court found Parents’ “neglect” was a cause of Junior’s death. (Welf. & Inst. Code, §§ 300, subd. (1), 361.5, subd. (b)(4); all further statutory references are to this code.) Even so, and although Parents essentially did nothing to move the family towards reunification, the court found reunification was in the “best interest” of Children. (§ 361.5, subd. (c).)

Parents appeal from the jurisdiction and disposition orders and argue there is insufficient evidence to support the court’s finding their neglect was a cause of Junior’s death. Thus, they contend the court erred by concluding Children were subject to jurisdiction under section 300, subdivision (1), and that Parents were subject to the reunification services bypass provisions of section 361.5, subdivision (b)(4).

Children appeal from the disposition order and contend there is insufficient evidence to support the finding reunification with Parents is in the best interest of Children. Hence,…