Contra Costa County Bureau of Children & Family Services v. Sandra S.

Opinion

GEMELLO, J.

Sandra S. appeals from the termination of her parental rights to her three children. The sole issue she raises is the agency’s failure to comply with the notice requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA; 25 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq.). We reverse and remand with directions for further proceedings.

Background

Sandra S. (Mother) is the mother of J.T. (born 2002), Cassandra T. (born 2003) and Mary T. (born 2005). In October 2004, the Contra Costa County Bureau of Children and Family Services (CFS) filed juvenile dependency petitions for J.T. and Cassandra pursuant to…