Decision-Making for the Permanent Placement of Children Virginia

Schedule of Hearings

Statute: §§ 16.1-281; 16.1-282.1

A hearing within 75 days of removal to review and approve the foster care plan

A permanency hearing within 11 months of the dispositional hearing

Persons Entitled to Attend Hearings

Statute: § 16.1-281

The parent

The child if age 12 years or older

The guardian ad litem

The parent's attorney

Any other person standing in loco parentis

Foster parents

Determinations Made at Hearings

Statute: § 16.1-281

Whether the parent has made marked progress toward reunification with the child

Whether reasonable efforts have been made

Permanency Options

Statute: § 16.1-281

Return to parent

Transfer custody to a fit and willing relative

Adoption

Permanent foster care

Independent living for a child age 16 years or
older

Another planned permanent living arrangement