Applies To: This policy applies to Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) caseworkers.
Policy Number & Title: 43055. Permanency Planning Hearings-Timelines
Effective Date: May 31, 2002
Policy
Permanency planning hearings must occur:
- By the 12th month of placement for all children or youth in out-of-home care even if reunification with parents or guardians is the primary plan and the parents or guardians are making significant progress.
- Within one year of each previous permanency planning hearing as long as the child or youth remains in out-of-home care without a permanency plan being achieved. A child or youth in a long-term care agreement is not considered to have permanency achieved, therefore, permanency planning hearings continue.
- If, following 90 days of service delivery after disposition, the parents or guardians have failed to make progress or engage in services in resolving the issues that brought the child or youth into care. This may coincide with the initial review hearing which is to be scheduled for in-court review six months from OPD or 90 days from the entry of the dispositional order, whichever comes first.
- Within 30 days after the court has determined that reunification services for the family are no longer required in a case with a finding of aggravated circumstances. In those cases, the caseworker must identify a primary or alternate permanency planning goal other than reunification with the legal parents or guardians.
Original Date: May 31, 2002
Revised Date:
Review Date:
Approved by: