Alabama - Decision-Making for the Permanent Placement of Children

Schedule of Hearings
Statute: §§ 12-15-62; 12-15-65

Within 12 months of a court order placing the child in foster care
Within 30 days of a determination that reasonable efforts to reunify the family are not required

Persons Entitled to Attend Hearings
Statute: §§ 12-15-62; 12-15-65

The Department of Human Resources
The parties and their counsel

Determinations Made at Hearings
Statute: §§ 12-15-62; 12-15-65
To determine the permanency plan for the child, which may include a return to the parent, placement for adoption, or referral for legal custody
If the court orders the child to be removed from home, a determination must be made regarding:

Whether continuing the placement of the child is in the child's best interest
Whether reasonable efforts have been made to prevent the removal of the child or to reunify the family

Permanency Options
Statute: §§ 12-15-71; 26-18-8

Permit the child to remain with the parents, guardian, or other custodian
Transfer legal custody of the child to the department with orders to proceed with an adoptive placement
Transfer legal custody of the child to a relative or other individual who can properly care for the child