San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency v. Rebecca M.

J.—Rebecca M. appeals the judgment terminating her parental rights over 14-year-old Desiree M. and 12-year-old Denise M. 1 Rebecca contends that Desiree and Denise were not properly notified of the continued Welfare and Institutions Code 2 section 366.26 hearing, and that the juvenile court did not make the statutorily required inquiry into the reason for their absence from that hearing. We affirm.

I. BACKGROUND

In September 2007, when Desiree was 12 years old and Denise was 10 years old, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (the *332 Agency) filed dependency petitions based on allegations that Rebecca had physically abused Desiree, and had a history of hitting both girls. Desiree and Denise were initially detained at Polinsky Children’s Center, and later, with a relative. In November, the girls were placed with maternal aunt Teresa P.

In January 2009, the court set a section 366.26 hearing for May 20. Desiree and Denise were given notice of the May hearing. The notice informed them of their right to be present and also informed them that the Agency was recommending that parental rights be terminated. In a report filed on May 7, the social worker…