San Diego County v. Stacy Z.
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Kremer, J.
Stacy Z. appeals an order after a selection and implementation hearing under Welfare and Institutions Code 1 section 366.26 terminating her parental rights to minor child Daniel D. and referring him for adoption. Stacy contends delay resulting from dilatory tactics by the San Diego County Department of Social Services (the Department) violated her right to custody and Daniel’s extended family’s right to association. Stacy also contends the court abused its discretion in referring the matter for hearing under section 366.26 since it assertedly improperly failed to return Daniel to his maternal grandmother or consider preferential placement of Daniel with other extended family members in a timely manner. Stacy *1827 further contends the court erred in not according the maternal grandmother standing as a de facto parent and denied due process by not appointing counsel to represent the maternal grandmother once her custodial rights were challenged. Stacy seeks reversal of the order and placement of Daniel with his maternal grandmother. We affirm the order.
I
Factual and Procedural Background
On April 6, 1990, Daniel was born to Stacy.