Alma S. v. Dep't of Child Safety

JUSTICE LOPEZ, opinion of the Court:

¶ 1 This case concerns the inquiry juvenile courts must make to determine whether parental severance is in the "best interests of the child" for purposes of A.R.S. § 8-533(B). We hold that courts must consider the totality of the circumstances existing at the time of the severance determination, including the child's adoptability and the parent's rehabilitation.

I. BACKGROUND

¶ 2 Alma S. ("Mother") was involved in a relationship with Esdras R. ("Father"). I.R. is the biological child of Mother and Father, and J.R. is Mother's biological child but not…