Department of Social Services v. Ronald P.

Opinion

RICHARDSON, J.

What degree of proof should be required in proceedings brought under section 232, subdivision (a), of the Civil Code (all further statutory references are to this code unless otherwise cited) which describes the circumstances under which a parent-child relationship may be permanently severed? We will adopt the standard of “clear and convincing” evidence and sustain the trial court’s decision to sever the relationship between the subject, Angelia P., and her parents, the appellants.

Angelia was born on September 30, 1974. On January 8, 1975, she was brought to a hospital…