ONLY ON ABC7NEWS.COM: Livermore girl who lost mom on Christmas Day to stay with CPS

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. (KGO) -- There's a strange twist in the case of that little girl in Livermore whose mother died on Christmas Day from complications of diabetes. A judge decided that the 6-year old should remain under the care of Child Protective Services, despite requests from her father and grandmother to release her. It's a story you'll see only on ABC7 News.

The 6-year-old girl quickly won over the hearts of police and firefighters in Livermore after they discovered her mom had died on Christmas. The day after, they delivered boxes of gifts. Child Protective Services has asked to not show her face.

Her grandmother Gayle Dodson, who lives in Florida, went to court on Wednesday to ask for custody of the little girl.

"We have a large network of family that will love her and guide her and we are capable of doing that," said Dodson.

The child's estranged father, who lives in Colorado, also petitioned for custody. He would not talk to ABC7 News about the case.

The mom, 39-year old Angela Alves moved from Florida to California two years ago. Police say Alves had run away from a domestic violence situation with the girl's father.

"I am fearful because I understand that the state of California usually will give a child to the biological parent," said Dodson.

The 6-year-old is now living with a foster family, and on Wednesday a judge from the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center ruled the child will remain with that family until all the parties involved, including her father, are investigated. It was not the outcome her father or her grandmother wanted.

The little girl's family argued that leaving her in foster care would do more damage than good. Another custody hearing is set for Jan. 20.

Livermore firefighters and police did more than just deliver these gifts, they were able to set up a GoFundMe account to help raise money for the family's expenses. Click here if you'd like to help.