Alameda County Social Services Agency v. Cristian L.

Opinion

PARRILLI, J.

Cristian L. appeals from an order terminating his parental rights and finding his son Brian P. likely to be adopted. Cristian contends the order is not supported by substantial evidence. We conclude a parent may challenge the sufficiency of evidence supporting a child’s adoptability, despite the parent’s failure to raise the argument below. Because substantial evidence does not support the juvenile court’s finding of adoptability, we reverse.

Background

Brian was bom in 1997. He was declared a dependent of the juvenile court on November 3, 1999. On March 2, 2001, the court…