J.W.
J.W. v. Superior Court CA2/5
Opinion
Opinion
Kim, J.
I. INTRODUCTION
This is the second time we have been asked to consider the adequacy of the efforts of the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (Department) to investigate father’s claims of Native American ancestry. On a previous appeal from the juvenile court’s jurisdictional findings and disposition orders, we concluded that the Department’s inquiry efforts were inadequate and remanded the matter to the juvenile court to ensure additional investigation of father’s Indian ancestry claims pursuant to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Father and mother of now two-year-old J.W. contend the Department’s investigation and notice efforts after remand remain inadequate and, therefore, the juvenile court’s findings that the Department has completed its ICWA investigation and
2 there is no reason to know J.W. is an Indian child are not supported by substantial evidence. We agree.
II. BACKGROUND
A. August 6, 2020 to November 16, 2020
On September 9, 2020, the Department filed a petition on behalf of then-one-month-old J.W. pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 300.1 The petition was preceded by an investigation by the Department, during…