Ventura County Human Services Agency v. B.G.

Opinion

Since the start of these dependency proceedings, the juvenile court and Ventura County Human Services Agency (HSA) have believed the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) ( 25 U.S.C. § 1901 et seq.) does not apply. Evidence submitted for the first time on appeal, however, establishes that the children, who are of Eskimo descent, are Indian children under ICWA. We discuss the remedy.

The father (father) and the mother (mother) appeal from the order terminating parental rights to their two minor children (minors) and selecting adoption as the permanent plan. (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.26.)^[1] Three years ago, father submitted a Judicial Council form ICWA-020 claiming possible Eskimo heritage. HSA informed the juvenile court that ICWA does not apply to Eskimo families. The juvenile court agreed and found ICWA inapplicable. HSA concedes this was error. The federal definition of “Indian” includes “Eskimos and other aboriginal peoples of Alaska.” ( 25 U.S.C. § 479 ; see In re B.R. (2009) 176 Cal.App.4th 773 , 783 [ 97 Cal.Rptr.3d 890 ].)

To avoid a remand to ensure ICWA notice compliance, HSA sent form ICWA-030 notices to four native entities, including the Noorvik Native Community (NNC), a federally recognized Alaskan Indian tribe. NNC responded by confirming minors are lineal descendants of their paternal grandmother, who is a tribe member. It stated minors “have a chance at getting enrolled within [NNC]” and provided application information. Father subsequently submitted a letter from NNC, dated November 5, 2014, which states: “The [NNC] has accepted the enrollment application from [father and minors]. [All three] are lineal descendants of a tribe member. [Father and minors] are now enrolled members of the [NNC].”^[2]

ICWA reflects a congressional determination that it is in the best interests of Indian children to retain tribal ties and cultural heritage and in the

Before terminating parental rights to an Indian child, the juvenile court must satisfy ICWA requirements. (In re Jonathon S. (2005) 129 Cal.App.4th 334 , 339 [ 28 Cal.Rptr.3d 495 ] (Jonathon S.).) Among other things, it must find that “active efforts” were made to provide services designed to prevent the breakup of the Indian family, and that the parents’ continued custody of the minors “is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage.” ( 25 U.S.C. § 1912 (d), (f); see Jonathon S., at p. 339.) The latter finding shall be “supported by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, including testimony of qualified expert witnesses.” ( 25 U.S.C. § 1912 (f); see Jonathon S., at p. 339; In re Riva M. (1991) 235 Cal.App.3d 403 , 410 [ 286 Cal.Rptr. 592 ].) “These heightened requirements . . . apply regardless of whether the tribe [chooses] to intervene [in the case].” (Jonathon S., at p. 339; see Riva M., at p. 410.)

Having found ICWA inapplicable, the juvenile court did not consider these requirements before terminating parental rights. (See 25 U.S.C. § 1912 (d), (f); Jonathon S., supra, 129 Cal.App.4th at p. 339.) NNC also was not afforded an opportunity to intervene. (See 25 U.S.C. § 1912 (a); In re Kahlen W. (1991) 233 Cal.App.3d 1414 , 1425-1426 [ 285 Cal.Rptr. 507 ].) Accordingly, as HSA now concedes, the order terminating parental rights must be reversed and the matter remanded for a new section 366.26 hearing in compliance with ICWA.^[3] (Jonathon S., at pp. 342-343; In re Jonathan D. (2001) 92 Cal.App.4th 105 , 111 [ 111 Cal.Rptr.2d 628 ]; see In re Francisco W. (2006) 139 Cal.App.4th 695 , 709-711 [ 43 Cal.Rptr.3d 171 ].)

We recognize our decision further delays permanency for minors, “but cannot conclude that the prospect of such a delay excuses noncompliance at the expense of those that ICWA is intended to protect.” (In re Alice M. (2008)