In re A.L. CA6

I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In August 2011, the minor was placed into protective custody after her adoptive parents, G.L. and T.L. (parents), brought her to the Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children‟s Services (Department) and indicated they were no longer willing to care for her. The parents reported that the minor, then nine years old, was “lying, manipulating, stealing, [having] tantrums, destroying property, hurting the household pet (dog), hitting her sibling, [demonstrating] sexualized behavior, acting out sexually towards her younger sibling and [displaying] daily defiant behavior.” The minor had previously been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and reactive attachment disorder/rule. When interviewed by the Department, the minor reported that her parents “are „having problems with me‟ and are „tired of me.‟ She reported that her mother stated . . . „I will be happy when you are gone, cause [sic] I can‟t stand you anymore.‟ ” The minor was placed in a foster home and the parents indicated they were unwilling to accept reunification services. In September 2011, however, the parents changed their minds and requested family reunification…