Dependency case = petitioners assert a child is abused or neglected

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To Assist Parents in Dependency Cases

Preliminary protective Hearings

The first hearing in a dependency case is the Preliminary Protective Hearing. At that hearing the Court will consider three things: 1) Probable Cause, 2) Relative Placements, 3) Visitation. Probable Cause means the Judge must determine if there is a reasonable basis to examine the case. This does not mean the Judge determines whether the children are dependent. It is a very low standard for the Petitioner to meet. Relative Placements are relatives or people with a substantial relationship who may be available for the child(ren) to stay with while the case is open. Visitation means when and how the parent can see the child(ren). A parent should also be aware that these are informal hearings meaning the rules of evidence do not apply.

ADJUDICATION HEARING

This is typically the second hearing in a dependency case. This is the actual trial in which the Petitioner (usually DFCS) has to prove that the child(ren) is dependent. This is a formal trial where the rules of evidence do apply. If the Court rules no dependency exists, the case will close. If the Court rules that the child(ren) is dependent, than the it will make findings of facts which will guide the creation of a case plan for reunification.

DISPOSITION HEARING

This is typically the third hearing in a dependency case. At this point, the Court will have ruled the child(ren) is dependent. However, this is not the time to lose hope! If a child(ren) is found dependent, the goal of the Court is going to be to return the child to the custody of the parent. It does so by creating a "case plan" . A case plan is simply a list of things the Court wants the parent to do to address the concerns the Court has. If the parent completes the case plan, the child(ren) should come home. If the parent does not complete the case plan within the time parameters, dire consequences may occur, including Termination of Parental Rights.