Decision-Making for the Permanent Placement of Children California

Schedule of Hearings

Statute: Welf. & Inst. § 366.21

Review hearing--6 months after the initial dispositional hearing

Permanency hearing--12 months after the child enters foster care; may be continued for 6 months

Hearing within 120 days if the child is under age 3 or part of a sibling group, or the whearabouts of the parents are unknown, or the parent has been convicted of a felony indicating parental unfitness

Persons Entitled to Attend Hearings

Statute: Welf. & Inst. § 366.21

The social worker

The parent or legal guardian

Determinations Made at Hearings

Statute: Welf. & Inst. § 366.21

Whether the child can be returned home

The permanent plan for the child

Whether reasonable services have been provided or offered to the parent

The efforts or progress demonstrated by the parent and the extent to which the parent has utilized the services provided

Permanency Options

Statute: Welf. & Inst. §§ 366.21; 16501.1

Reunification

Adoption

Placement with an appropriate and willing relative

Legal guardianship

Long-term foster care, subject to periodic review
by the court

Another planned permanent living arrangement