Dependent children: placement.

Under existing law, a child who is removed from the physical custody of his or her parent or parents in dependency proceedings may be placed with a parent, relative, legal guardian, or other specified persons or in specified placement homes or facilities. Existing law gives preferential consideration to a request by a relative of the dependant child for placement of the child with the relative, as specified. Existing law requires the county social worker and the court to consider certain factors in determining whether placement with a relative is appropriate, including, among others, the best interest of the child and the nature and duration of the relationship between the child and the…