Merced County Department of Human Services v. Josephine G.

Josephine G. appeals from the order terminating her parental rights and ordering a permanent plan of adoption for her son, Juan H. 1 Josephine claims the evidence was insufficient to support a finding that Juan was likely to be adopted. Juan raises the same issue and additionally argues it would be detrimental to terminate his visitation with his mother, the court failed to consider his wishes regarding termination, and the juvenile court erred in not appointing counsel to represent him. The only issue we discuss in the published portion of our opinion is consideration of the child’s wishes. We affirm.

*171 Facts and Proceedings

Juan was bom to Josephine on December 8, 1987. In July of 1989, Juan was declared a dependent child of the court because Josephine had left him with an unwilling caretaker and had failed to provide him with food or clothing. (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 300, subds. (b) and (g).) Reunification services were ordered, and Juan was placed in an out-of-home placement. Josephine’s underlying problem was abuse of alcohol.

Josephine partially complied with the service plan agreement and maintained visitation with Juan. The visits were appropriate, and Juan…