In the Interest of C. B.

Phipps, Judge.

Jason and Michaelene Bardo, uncle and aunt to four-year-old C. B., appeal the juvenile court’s order that placed the boy in the custody of the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) after the parental rights of Jason Bardo’s brother (“the father”) were terminated. The Bardos contend that the court erred in awarding custody to DFCS, rather than placing the boy in their custody pursuant to the father’s purported earlier surrender to them of his parental rights to the boy. They also contend that the court erred in basing its disposition in part on ex parte communications…