In re: Linda Cano
Barrera case
Linda Barrera Cano, 11, was taken from her mother, Felipa Barrera, and placed in foster care after her immigrant mother was ordered to learn English in six months or risk losing her daughter after allegations of neglect. The mother, who speaks Mixteco, a native dialect, but not Spanish, was given a Spanish translator for legal proceedings. During the proceedings, she asked the judge for counseling. Instead, the judge gave her a deadline of six months to learn English at a fourth-grade level.
A judge later ruled that Linda move in with her father. Barrera, who does not live with Linda's father, was granted supervised visitation. The ruling called for Linda's foster parents to retain legal custody while she lives with her father.
