In the Interest of I. W.

Johnson, Judge.

I. W.’s biological father appeals the juvenile court order finding nine-year-old I. W. deprived and ordering that long-term custody be granted to the child’s maternal aunt rather than to him. We find no error and affirm the juvenile court’s order.

The record shows that I. W’s mother died on December 1, 2008, and I. W began residing with her maternal aunt when her mother entered the hospital shortly before that time. The mother had never married I. W’s biological father, and the biological father had never legitimized I. W. In June 2009, the maternal aunt sought the assistance of…