Schedule of Hearings

Statute: §§ 587-72; 587-73

Case review hearing within 6 months after a service plan is ordered by the court and every 6 months until court jurisdiction is terminated

If aggravated circumstances are present or the child has been in placement for 12 consecutive months, or for 15 of the last 22 months, a permanency plan hearing is held within 30 days

Persons Entitled to Attend Hearings

Statute: § 587-72

The parties

Foster parents

Determinations Made at Hearings

Statute: §§ 587-72; 587-73

At the case review hearing, the court will determine whether:

The child's family is presently able to provide a safe home

The parents have complied with the service plan

At the permanency plan hearing, the court will determine:

That the parent is not willing or able to provide a safe and suitable home, even with a service plan
That the proposed permanent plan will achieve a goal that is in the child's best interest
If a child is age 14 or older, that the child is supportive of the permanent plan

Permanency Options

Statute: §§ 587-72; 587-73

Return to parent

Adoption

Guardianship

Permanent custody with an agency until the child is adopted, placed under a guardianship, or reaches the age of majority