Outline
The California JV 445 form plays a crucial role in the post-permanency hearing process for children in the foster care system. This document is used by the court to outline findings and orders after a hearing where the parental rights of a child have been terminated, and a permanent plan of adoption is established. It includes essential information such as the names of the child, the parties involved, and the judicial officers present. The form ensures that all necessary parties, including social workers and advocates, are acknowledged and that their reports are considered in the court's decision-making process. Key aspects of the JV 445 include details about the child’s current placement, the appropriateness of that placement, and the efforts made by the county agency to finalize the child’s permanent plan. It also addresses the child's educational and health needs, ensuring that they receive adequate services. Ultimately, the JV 445 form serves as a comprehensive record that facilitates the transition of the child into a stable and loving adoptive home, while also safeguarding their rights and well-being.
Sample - California Jv 445 Form
1. Postpermanency hearing
Form Approved for Optional Use
Judicial Council of California
JV-445 [Rev. October 1, 2021]
FINDINGS AND ORDERS AFTER POSTPERMANENCY HEARING—
PARENTAL RIGHTS TERMINATED; PERMANENT PLAN OF ADOPTION
(Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.3)
Welfare and Institutions Code,
§§ 366.3(f), 16501.1;
Cal. Rules of Court, rule 5.740
www.courts.ca.gov
Page 1 of 5
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF
BRANCH NAME:
CITY AND ZIP CODE:
STREET ADDRESS:
MAILING ADDRESS:
CHILD'S NAME:
FOR COURT USE ONLY
CASE NUMBER:
FINDINGS AND ORDERS AFTER POSTPERMANENCY HEARING—
PARENTAL RIGHTS TERMINATED; PERMANENT PLAN OF ADOPTION
(Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.3)
ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY
STATE: ZIP CODE:CITY:
STREET ADDRESS:
FIRM NAME:
NAME:
TELEPHONE NO.: FAX NO.:
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
ATTORNEY FOR (name):
STATE BAR NUMBER:
JV-445
h.
Party (name): Present Attorney (name): Present
Appointed
today
(1)
Child:
(2)
Legal guardian:
(3)
Indian custodian:
(4)
De facto parent:
(5)
County agency social worker:
(6)
Tribal representative:
(7)
Other (specify):
i.
Others present in courtroom:
(1)
(2)
(3)
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer (name):
Other (name):
Other (name):
2. The court has read and considered and admits into evidence:
BASED ON THE FOREGOING AND ON ALL OTHER EVIDENCE RECEIVED, THE COURT FINDS AND ORDERS:
3.
a.
Notice of the date, time, and location of the hearing was given as required by law.
For child 10 years of age or older who is not present: The child was properly notified under Welf. & Inst. Code,
§ 349(d) of his or her right to attend the hearing, was given an opportunity to be present, and there is no good cause for a
continuance to enable the child to be present.
b.
a.
Date:
b.
Department:
c.
Judicial officer (name):
d.
Court clerk (name):
e.
Court reporter (name):
f.
Bailiff (name):
g.
Interpreter (name and language):
4.
a.
The child an Indian child, and notice of the proceeding and the right of the tribe to
intervene was provided as required by law. Proof of such notice was filed with this court.
b.
There is reason to believe that the child may be of Indian ancestry, and notice of the proceedings was provided to the
Bureau of Indian Affairs as required by law. Proof of such notice was filed with this court.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
(dated):
Report of social worker
(dated):
Report of CASA volunteer
(dated):
Case plan
(specify):
Other
(specify):
Other
is
may be
The child is 16 years of age or older and the agency made the following ongoing and intensive
efforts to return the child to a safe home or finalize the permanent plan:
A Court Appointed Special Advocate is appointed for the child.
JV-445
CASE NUMBER:
CHILD'S NAME:
5.
6. The child's out-of-home placement is necessary.
The matter is continued to the date and time indicated in item 32 for a report by the county
agency on the progress made in locating an appropriate placement.
a.
(1)
returning the child to California and locating an appropriate placement within California.
locating an out-of-state placement that is the most appropriate placement for the child and in the best interest of
the child.
(2)
(3)
Other(specify):
Case plan development
Placement
7.
The child's current placement is appropriate.
9.
The child's current placement is not appropriate. The county agency must locate an appropriate placement for the child.
does not continue to be the most appropriate placement for the child and is not in the best interest of the child. The
matter is continued to the date and time indicated in item 32 for a report by the county
agency on the progress made toward
b.
b.
Other(specify):
10.
The child is placed outside the state of California and that out-of-state placement
continues to be the most appropriate placement for the child and is in the best interest of the child.
a.
11.
The child was actively involved in the case plan development, including the child's plan for permanent placement.
a.
The child was not actively involved in the case plan development, including the child's plan for permanent placement, and
b.
the county agency is ordered to actively involve the child in the case plan development, including the plan for
permanent placement, and to submit to the court an updated case plan within 30 days of the date of this hearing.
(1)
the county agency is not required to actively involve the child because the child is unable, unavailable, or unwilling to
participate.
(2)
12.
Child 12 years of age or older:
written oral
written oral
Page 2 of 5
JV-445 [Rev. October 1, 2021]
FINDINGS AND ORDERS AFTER POSTPERMANENCY HEARING—
PARENTAL RIGHTS TERMINATED; PERMANENT PLAN OF ADOPTION
(Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.3)
The child was given the opportunity to review the case plan, sign it, and receive a copy.
a.
The child was not given the opportunity to review the case plan, sign it, and receive a copy, and
b.
the county agency is ordered to provide the child with the opportunity to review the case plan, sign it, and receive a
copy. The county agency is further ordered to submit to the court within 30 days of the date of this hearing written
confirmation that the child was provided with this opportunity.
(1)
the county agency is not required to actively involve the child because the child is unable, unavailable, or unwilling to
participate.
(2)
Efforts
13. The county agency
a.
has
b.
has not
complied with the case plan by making reasonable efforts, including whatever steps are necessary to make and to finalize the
permanent placement of the child.
14.
has
has not
8. For a child placed in a short-term residential therapeutic program, the court has considered the evidence and documentation
submitted under Welfare and Institutions Code section 366.1(l) when determining the continuing necessity for and
appropriateness of the placement.
15.
Child not yet placed with prospective adoptive parent or a guardian
The county agency exercised due diligence to locate an appropriate relative with whom the child
could be placed. Each relative whose name has been submitted to the department been
evaluated.
a.
b. The child has identified the following as an individual important to him or her:
(name):
(2)
(1)
(name):
The county agency made efforts to identify individuals who are important to the child, consistent
with the child's best interest.
c.
The county agency made efforts to maintain the child's relationships with the individuals who
are important to the child, consistent with the child's best interest.
d.
has
has not
has has not
has has not
has has not
Page 3 of 5
JV-445 [Rev. October 1, 2021]
FINDINGS AND ORDERS AFTER POSTPERMANENCY HEARING—
PARENTAL RIGHTS TERMINATED; PERMANENT PLAN OF ADOPTION
(Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.3)
(1)
To identify individuals who are important to the child and to maintain the child's relationships with those individuals, the
county agency must provide the services
The county agency made efforts to identify a prospective adoptive parent or a legal guardian
for the child.
e.
f.
as stated on the record.
(2)
as follows:
has
has not
JV-445
CASE NUMBER:
CHILD'S NAME:
(1)
To identify a prospective adoptive parent or a legal guardian for the child, the county agency must provide the
service
g.
as stated on the record.
(2)
as follows:
16. The services provided to the child have been
a.
adequate.
b.
not adequate.
Health and education
17. a. The child's educational needs
b. The child's physical needs
c. The child's mental health needs
d. The child's developmental needs
are
are
are
are
are not
are not
are not
are not
being met.
being met.
being met.
being met.
19.
The additional services, assessments, and/or evaluations the child requires to meet the unmet needs specified in item 17 or
other concerns are:
a.
stated in the social worker's report.
b.
specified here:
20.
The following persons are ordered to take the steps necessary for the child to begin receiving the services, assessments,
and/or evaluations identified in item 19:
a. Social worker.
b.
c.
d.
(name):
Surrogate parent
(name):
Educational representative
(name):
Other
The child have an order authorizing psychotropic medication. The next hearing to review the
psychotropic medication order is on (date): .
does
does not
18.
JV-445
CASE NUMBER:
CHILD'S NAME:
Page 4 of 5
JV-445 [Rev. October 1, 2021]
FINDINGS AND ORDERS AFTER POSTPERMANENCY HEARING—
PARENTAL RIGHTS TERMINATED; PERMANENT PLAN OF ADOPTION
(Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.3)
21.
The child's education placement has changed since the last review hearing.
a.
The child's educational records, including any evaluation regarding a disability, were requested by the child's new school
within two business days of the request to enroll and those records were provided by the child's former school to the
child's new school within two business days of the receipt of the educational records request.
b. The child is enrolled in school.
c. The child is attending school.
22.
Child 14 years of age or older:
a.
The services stated in the case plan include those needed to assist the child in making the transition from foster care to
successful adulthood.
b.
The services stated in the case plan do not include those needed to assist the child in making the transition from foster
care to successful adulthood.
c.
To assist the child in making the transition to successful adulthood, the county agency must add to the case plan and
provide the services
(1)
(2)
stated on the record.
as follows:
Siblings
23.
The child does not have siblings under the court's jurisdiction.
24.
The child has siblings under the court's jurisdiction. Sibling Attachment: Contact and Placement (form JV-403) is
attached and incorporated by reference.
Permanent plan
26.
a. The permanent plan of adoption is appropriate and is ordered to continue as the permanent plan.
b. The likely date by which the child's adoption will be finalized is (specify date):
27.
a. The permanent plan of tribal customary adoption is appropriate and is ordered to continue as the permanent plan.
b. The likely date by which the child's tribal customary adoption will be finalized is (specify date):
28.
a.
The child's permanent plan of adoption may or may not be appropriate, and the matter is ordered set for a hearing under
Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.26 to select the most appropriate permanent plan for the child. The county agency and the
licensed county adoption agency or the California Department of Social Services, acting as an adoption agency, will
prepare and serve an assessment report as described in Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.22(b).
b.
The likely date by which the child may be placed for adoption, tribal customary adoption, legal guardianship, or with a fit
and willing relative
(specify date):
29.
Contact with the child is ordered as follows (check appropriate box and attach indicated form):
a.
b.
c.
Visitation Attachment: Parent, Legal Guardian, Indian Custodian, Other Important Person (form JV-400).
Visitation Attachment: Sibling (form JV-401).
Visitation Attachment: Grandparent (form JV-402).
30.
All prior orders not in conflict with this order remain in full force and effect.
25.
The child has siblings. A postadoption sibling contact agreement been developed. If not,
the court has inquired into the status of the development of a voluntary postadoption sibling contact agreement.
has has not
JV-445
CASE NUMBER:
CHILD'S NAME:
Page 5 of 5
JV-445 [Rev. October 1, 2021]
FINDINGS AND ORDERS AFTER POSTPERMANENCY HEARING—
PARENTAL RIGHTS TERMINATED; PERMANENT PLAN OF ADOPTION
(Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.3)
32.
The next hearing is scheduled as follows:
Hearing date: Time: Dept: Room:
a.
b.
Postpermanency hearing (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.3)
Selection and implementation hearing (Welf. & Inst. Code, § 366.26)
c.
(specify):
Other
33.
Number of pages attached:
Date:
JUDGE JUDGE PRO TEMPORE REFEREECOMMISSIONER
31.
Other findings and orders:
a.
b.
See attached.
(Specify):
Print this form
Save this form
Clear this form
For your protection and privacy, please press the Clear
This Form button after you have printed the form.
Form Information
| Fact Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Form Purpose | The JV-445 form is used for findings and orders after a post-permanency hearing regarding a child's adoption. |
| Governing Law | This form is governed by the Welfare and Institutions Code, specifically § 366.3. |
| Parties Involved | It includes information about various parties such as the child, legal guardians, and social workers. |
| Hearing Requirements | Notice of the hearing must be provided as required by law, ensuring the child’s rights are upheld. |
| Indian Child Welfare | If applicable, notice must be provided to tribes regarding the child's Indian ancestry. |
| Placement Appropriateness | The form assesses whether the child's current out-of-home placement is appropriate. |
| Educational Needs | The form addresses the child’s educational, physical, and mental health needs. |
| Case Plan Involvement | The child’s involvement in developing the case plan is considered essential. |
| Next Hearing | The form specifies the date and time for the next hearing related to the child's case. |
| Confidentiality | For privacy, individuals are advised to clear the form after printing. |
Detailed Guide for Filling Out California Jv 445
Completing the California JV-445 form is an important step in the legal process concerning a child's post-permanency hearing. This form requires careful attention to detail and accurate information to ensure that the court has all necessary data to make informed decisions regarding the child's future. Once the form is filled out, it will be submitted to the court as part of the ongoing proceedings.
- Obtain the Form: Access the California JV-445 form from the official California courts website or your legal representative.
- Fill in Your Information: In the top section, provide your name, firm name (if applicable), address, and contact information, including telephone number and email address.
- Identify the Child: Enter the child’s name and the case number in the designated areas.
- Hearing Details: Specify the date, department, and name of the judicial officer for the post-permanency hearing.
- List Attendees: Indicate who is present at the hearing, including the child, legal guardian, and any social workers or representatives.
- Evidence Consideration: Check the boxes for reports and documents that the court has read and considered, and provide their dates.
- Findings and Orders: Carefully fill out the sections regarding the court's findings and any orders related to the child's placement and needs.
- Additional Services: Note any additional services required for the child as specified in the social worker's report.
- Next Hearing: Provide the date, time, and department for the next scheduled hearing.
- Signature: Sign and date the form at the bottom, indicating your role in the proceedings.
Obtain Answers on California Jv 445
-
What is the California JV-445 form?
The California JV-445 form is used by the court to document findings and orders following a post-permanency hearing. This hearing is crucial for children whose parental rights have been terminated and who are in the process of being adopted. The form captures important information regarding the child's placement, case plan, and any other relevant details related to the child's welfare.
-
Who needs to fill out the JV-445 form?
The form must be completed by the attorney or party representing the child or the county agency involved in the case. It requires details such as the attorney's information, the child's name, and the case number. This ensures that all relevant parties are identified and that the court has the necessary information to make informed decisions.
-
What information is required on the JV-445 form?
The form requires various details including:
- The name and contact information of the attorney or party without an attorney.
- The child's name and case number.
- Findings related to the child's placement and welfare.
- Details about the court hearing, such as the date, judicial officer, and any other individuals present.
-
What is a post-permanency hearing?
A post-permanency hearing is a legal proceeding that occurs after parental rights have been terminated. It focuses on the child's ongoing placement and the development of a permanent plan, typically adoption. This hearing allows the court to review the child's situation, ensure that their needs are being met, and make necessary adjustments to their care plan.
-
What happens if the child's current placement is deemed inappropriate?
If the court finds that the child's current placement is not appropriate, it will require the county agency to locate a suitable alternative. The matter will be continued to a later date for the agency to report on the progress made in finding a new placement that meets the child's needs.
-
How does the court ensure the child's voice is heard in the case plan?
The JV-445 form includes sections that address the child's involvement in the case plan development. If the child is 12 years or older, they should have the opportunity to review and sign the case plan. If they were not given this opportunity, the court can order the county agency to ensure the child is actively involved in the process.
-
What is the significance of the permanent plan of adoption?
The permanent plan of adoption is a critical aspect of the JV-445 form. It outlines the long-term plan for the child's care and stability after parental rights have been terminated. The court will assess whether this plan is appropriate and may set future hearings to finalize the adoption process.
-
What role does the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) play?
A CASA is appointed to advocate for the child's best interests during the court proceedings. The JV-445 form allows for the documentation of the CASA's involvement and any reports they may provide to the court regarding the child's situation and needs.
-
What are the next steps after completing the JV-445 form?
Once the JV-445 form is completed and submitted to the court, the next hearing will be scheduled. This hearing will review the findings and orders made during the post-permanency hearing. The court may also set future dates for additional hearings as needed to ensure the child's welfare is continuously monitored.
-
Where can I find more information about the JV-445 form?
For additional details about the JV-445 form, you can visit the California Courts website. This site provides resources, instructions, and other relevant forms that may be necessary for your case.
Common mistakes
Filling out the California JV-445 form can be challenging. Many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to delays or complications in their cases. Understanding these errors can help ensure a smoother process.
One frequent mistake is failing to provide complete contact information. The form requires the name, address, phone number, and email of the attorney or party without an attorney. Omitting any of this information can result in the court being unable to reach the individual if needed.
Another common error is neglecting to indicate the correct judicial officer's name. This section is crucial as it helps to identify who is presiding over the case. If this information is missing or incorrect, it may lead to confusion or delays in processing the case.
People often forget to include all necessary parties present at the hearing. The form asks for the names of various individuals, such as the child, legal guardian, and county agency social worker. Leaving out any names can create gaps in the record and may affect the proceedings.
Additionally, some individuals do not properly document the evidence considered by the court. It is essential to list all reports and documents reviewed during the hearing. Failing to do so can weaken the case and may lead to misunderstandings regarding the evidence presented.
Another mistake is not checking the boxes regarding the child's participation in the case plan development. The form requires specific information about whether the child was involved in creating their permanent plan. Inaccurate responses can lead to issues with compliance and oversight by the county agency.
People sometimes overlook the requirement to specify the child's educational needs. This section is critical for ensuring that the child receives the necessary support in their educational journey. Not addressing this can result in unmet needs that affect the child's development.
Some also forget to indicate if the county agency has complied with the case plan. This information is vital for tracking progress and ensuring that all parties are fulfilling their responsibilities. An incomplete response can hinder the court's ability to assess the situation effectively.
Lastly, individuals may not provide a clear timeline for the next hearing. The form asks for specific details about the date, time, and department for future hearings. Missing this information can lead to confusion about the next steps in the process.
Being aware of these common mistakes can help individuals fill out the California JV-445 form accurately. Taking the time to review each section carefully can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case.
Documents used along the form
The California JV-445 form is used in post-permanency hearings, specifically for cases where parental rights have been terminated and a permanent plan of adoption is being established. Several other documents often accompany this form to ensure that all necessary information is presented to the court. Below is a list of these documents, along with brief descriptions of each.
- JV-400: Visitation Attachment - Parent, Legal Guardian, Indian Custodian, Other Important Person - This document outlines the visitation rights of parents or guardians and specifies any conditions related to those visits.
- JV-401: Visitation Attachment - Sibling - This form details the visitation arrangements between siblings, ensuring that siblings under court jurisdiction can maintain their relationship.
- JV-402: Visitation Attachment - Grandparent - This document addresses visitation rights for grandparents, allowing them to maintain contact with their grandchildren in foster care.
- JV-403: Sibling Attachment: Contact and Placement - This form is used to document the relationship and contact between siblings who are placed separately in the foster care system.
- JV-410: Adoption Assessment Report - This report evaluates the suitability of prospective adoptive parents and provides the court with information needed to make an adoption decision.
- JV-425: Adoption Order - This document finalizes the adoption process, officially transferring parental rights from the biological parents to the adoptive parents.
- JV-500: Case Plan - This plan outlines the goals and services necessary for the child's welfare and outlines steps for achieving permanency.
- Social Worker’s Report - This report provides insights into the child's current situation, including their emotional and physical needs, and any recommendations for future actions.
- Notice of Hearing - This document informs all parties involved about the date, time, and location of the upcoming hearing, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate.
These forms and documents are essential in the post-permanency process, providing the court with comprehensive information to make informed decisions regarding the child's future. Each document plays a specific role in facilitating communication between the court, the child, and all parties involved in the adoption process.
Similar forms
The California JV-445 form is essential in child welfare cases, particularly those involving adoption and post-permanency hearings. Here are ten other documents that share similarities with the JV-445 form:
- JV-400: Visitation Attachment - This form details visitation rights for parents, guardians, or other important individuals in a child's life, similar to how the JV-445 addresses the child's placement and contact with family.
- JV-401: Sibling Visitation Attachment - Like the JV-445, this document focuses on maintaining sibling relationships, emphasizing the importance of family connections post-adoption.
- JV-402: Grandparent Visitation Attachment - This form allows grandparents to request visitation rights, paralleling the JV-445's concern for maintaining family ties after parental rights have been terminated.
- JV-403: Sibling Attachment - This form is used to assess sibling relationships and contact, similar to how the JV-445 considers sibling connections in the context of adoption.
- JV-410: Adoption Order - This document formalizes the adoption process, akin to the JV-445, which outlines findings and orders related to a child’s adoption.
- JV-420: Report of Adoption - This report provides details about an adoption, much like the JV-445 summarizes findings after a post-permanency hearing.
- JV-450: Consent to Adoption - This form secures consent from relevant parties for an adoption, similar to how the JV-445 records the court's orders regarding adoption plans.
- JV-460: Termination of Parental Rights - This document addresses the legal termination of parental rights, closely related to the JV-445’s focus on findings after such terminations.
- JV-470: Adoption Assessment Report - This report evaluates the suitability of adoptive parents, paralleling the JV-445’s emphasis on the child’s best interests in adoption.
- JV-480: Post-Adoption Contact Agreement - This form establishes a plan for ongoing contact after adoption, similar to the JV-445's provisions for maintaining connections with family members.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the California JV-445 form, it's essential to approach the task with care. Here are five important do's and don'ts to keep in mind:
- Do ensure that all information is accurate and complete. Double-check names, dates, and other critical details.
- Do provide clear and concise answers. Use straightforward language to avoid confusion.
- Do sign and date the form where required. An unsigned form may lead to delays or complications.
- Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records. This can be helpful for future reference.
- Do consult with an attorney if you have questions or concerns about the form. Professional guidance can help clarify complex issues.
- Don't leave any sections blank unless instructed. Missing information can cause processing delays.
- Don't use abbreviations or shorthand. Write out all terms to ensure clarity.
- Don't submit the form without reviewing it thoroughly. Mistakes can lead to significant issues down the line.
- Don't ignore deadlines. Timeliness is crucial in legal matters, so submit your form promptly.
- Don't hesitate to seek help if you feel overwhelmed. Completing legal forms can be challenging, and support is available.
Misconceptions
- Misconception 1: The JV-445 form is only for cases involving adoption.
- Misconception 2: The JV-445 form is filled out only by attorneys.
- Misconception 3: Submitting the JV-445 form guarantees that the adoption will be approved.
- Misconception 4: The JV-445 form is only relevant for children who are currently in foster care.
- Misconception 5: The JV-445 form is a one-time requirement.
- Misconception 6: The JV-445 form only addresses the child's immediate needs.
- Misconception 7: Completing the JV-445 form is a simple task.
This form is not exclusively for adoption cases. While it does play a crucial role in the adoption process, it is also used in postpermanency hearings to assess the child's ongoing needs and the appropriateness of their current placement.
While attorneys often complete the form, it can also be filled out by parties without legal representation. Parents, guardians, or social workers can contribute to this process, ensuring that all relevant information is included.
Filing the JV-445 form does not guarantee approval of an adoption. The court must review the evidence presented and determine whether the adoption is in the child's best interest, considering various factors outlined in the law.
This form applies to any child under the court's jurisdiction regarding permanency planning, not just those in foster care. It is essential for any child whose permanency plan is being reviewed.
In many cases, the JV-445 form may need to be submitted multiple times as the child's situation evolves. Regular updates are crucial for the court to make informed decisions about the child's future.
The form encompasses both immediate and long-term needs of the child, including educational, physical, and emotional requirements. It aims to ensure a comprehensive approach to the child's well-being.
While the form may seem straightforward, accurately filling it out requires a thorough understanding of the child's circumstances and the legal framework surrounding their case. Careful attention to detail is essential.
Key takeaways
Here are some key takeaways about filling out and using the California JV-445 form:
- Understand the Purpose: The JV-445 form is used to document findings and orders after a post-permanency hearing regarding a child’s adoption status.
- Complete All Sections: Ensure that every section is filled out completely, including details about the child, court, and parties involved.
- Provide Accurate Information: Double-check names, dates, and other critical details to avoid delays or complications.
- Include Evidence: Attach relevant reports and documents, such as social worker reports and case plans, as required.
- Notify Relevant Parties: Ensure that all parties, including the child if they are 10 years or older, are notified of the hearing.
- Consider Cultural Factors: If the child may be of Indian ancestry, provide proper notice to the tribe as mandated by law.
- Review Placement Needs: Assess whether the child’s current out-of-home placement is appropriate and in their best interest.
- Involve the Child: If applicable, actively involve the child in the development of their case plan, especially if they are 12 years or older.
- Schedule Follow-Up Hearings: Clearly indicate the next hearing date and ensure all necessary steps are taken before that date.