Los Angeles County Department of Children & Family Services v. Gale G.

*211 Opinion

Gale G. (mother) appeals the termination of her parental rights. She argues that legal guardianship was the appropriate permanent plan because her daughter, Jasmine, was placed with a relátive who could provide a stable home as a legal guardian. We conclude the trial court appropriately ordered adoption and affirm the judgment.

Factual and Procedural Summary

Jasmine was bom on October 31, 1994. 1 In July 1997, Jasmine’s paternal grandmother, Linda W., took custody of Jasmine after finding her alone at mother’s apartment. Linda W. contacted the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) two weeks later. Linda W. retained custody of Jasmine and was granted de facto parental status.

DCFS filed a petition under Welfare and Institutions Code section 300 alleging that mother left Jasmine alone in her apartment without making provisions for Jasmine’s care. 2 It also alleged that (1) mother failed to provide Jasmine with the basic necessities of life, thereby endangering Jasmine’s well being; (2) mother had a long history of alcohol abuse; (3) mother’s residence was in a dirty condition with piled-up dishes, clothes on the floor, and a limited…