Derek W. v. Santa Barbara County Child Protective Services
Opinion
Lead Opinion
Yegan, J.
David W. petitions for a writ of error coram vobis to vacate the judgment terminating his parental rights to his son, Derek, on the ground that the juvenile court failed to comply with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), 25 United States Code Annotated section 1901 et seq. 1 We have issued an order to show cause. We now deny the petition.
Facts and Procedural History
Derek, who is of “mixed race but dark skinned,” was born in 1989, addicted to cocaine and amphetamine. He was removed from the custody of his parents, Adele B. and David W., and placed in foster care with Stephanie and John K., who are Caucasian. Derek has lived with the K.’s since he was nine days old. Derek suffers from developmental delay, a respiratory condition similar to asthma, and has behavioral and emotional difficulties. Reunification efforts with David W. failed.
In 1992, the court selected long-term foster care as the permanent plan for Derek W., after determining that he was unlikely to be adopted due to his multiple special needs. We affirmed that order in a nonpublished opinion. (In re Derek W. (Apr. 28, 1992) B059107 [nonpub. opn.].) In 1998, the K.’s asked to adopt Derek and the court…