San Bernardino County Department of Children's Services v. Shawn R.
Opinion
lead Opinion
Gaut, J.
*1428 Opinion
1. Introduction
Defendant and appellant Shawn R. (father) is the natural father of Rebecca R. Father’s parental rights were terminated. He appeals, with the sole claim that the juvenile court failed to “ensure” that the San Bernardino County Department of Children’s Services (DCS) inquire of him whether he had any Indian ancestry for purposes of the Indian Child Welfare Act ( 25 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq.; ICWA). We affirm.
2. Factual and Procedural History
Rebecca was detained in 2003. Her mother, Stephanie L., was arrested for drug use and had a history of mental health problems. Father also had drug abuse issues, which prevented him from caring for the child. In over a year of reunification proceedings, father did little or nothing to complete his service plan and demonstrated no interest in the child. The court terminated his parental rights. Father appeals.
3. Analysis
No Reversal Is Required
Father now argues that the termination order should be set aside because, even though the trial court ordered DCS to inquire of him whether he had any Indian ancestry, there is no documentation in the record to show whether this was in fact done. No reversal is…