Department of Children & Family Services v. Maria L.

*1246 Opinion

Introduction

Defendant Maria L. appeals from orders of the juvenile court (1) discontinuing her visitation with the children, (2) denying a continuance of the hearing regarding termination of parental rights, (3) denying her counsel’s request to be relieved, and (4) terminating her parental rights to her children, Melvin and Xena A. (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.26.) 1 Appellant contends the juvenile court committed various errors.

We conclude that to the extent appellant purports to appeal from the first three orders enumerated above, the appeal is untimely and is dismissed. Although we conclude the trial court erred in staying the order terminating parental rights pending completion of an adoptive home study, we find the error to be harmless. Finding no other error regarding the order terminating parental rights, we affirm that order.

Factual and Procedural Background

In April 1997, Melvin (born in February 1995) and Xena (bom in July 1996) were declared dependents of the juvenile court pursuant to a section 300 petition filed on their behalf in February 1997 by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (Department). 2 The children…