In the Interest of T.D.E.

This appeal requires us to determine the physical and legal custody status of the child, T.E., before the filing of the child in need of assistance petition, since the custody status governs the “goals of a child’s placement and the next step in juvenile proceedings.” In re B.L., 470 N.W.2d 343, *448345 (Iowa 1991). The mother believes she had sole legal and physical custody prior to the child in need of assistance action and thus custody must be returned to her absent specific findings that transfer of custody was warranted. We conclude however that because the father acknowledged the child…