Sonoma County Social Services Agency v. Rosalie G.

*510 Opinion

Appellant Emmanuelle Rose timely appeals from an order denying her standing to participate in juvenile court proceedings with respect to a minor child, Hirenia C., as to whom appellant claims to be both a “person having an interest in a . . . dependent child,” within the meaning of section 388 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, 1 and a de facto parent. we reverse and remand for an evidentiary hearing to determine the merits of appellant’s petition for visitation rights.

Factual and Procedural Background

The following undisputed facts were before the juvenile court when it issued the order that is challenged in this appeal:

Hirenia C. was born on June 13, 1987, and placed approximately two weeks later in a foster care home which was shared by appellant and her “partner,” Angela Ranaldi. Appellant herself is identified in court records as the person whose home was “found by this Court to be a fit and proper home” in which Hirenia could be and, in fact, was placed as of June 26, 1987. 3 Appellant and Ms. Ranaldi decided to pursue adoption of Hirenia, and—at the recommendation of a social worker—agreed that only Ms. Ranaldi’s name would be used in proceedings to…