15 minutes; up to 25 suggested best practice

Prior to Hearing:

q Hearing within 14 days of petition unless good cause for extension

q Child's GAL/AAL appointed

q Parents' AAL appointed

q Parties served

At Hearing:

q Identify parties present and served

q Determine indigence

q Determine need for language interpretation

q Determine good cause if AAL has not seen child

q Ensure services are specific and narrowly tailored

At the End of the Hearing:

q Determine if sufficient evidence to order participation in services by parent(s) or caretaker(s) for the child; if not, deny required participation in services. Evidence sufficient to satisfy a person of ordinary prudence and caution that:

• Abuse or neglect occurred, or

• Substantial risk of abuse or neglect, or

• Continuing danger to the physical health or safety of child caused by an act or failure to act by named party/parties; and

• Services necessary to ensure the physical health or safety of child.

q ISSUE COURT ORDER

▪ State findings;

▪ Make appropriate temporary orders under Chapter 105 to ensure safety of the child;

▪ Order the participation in services narrowly tailored to address court findings;

▪ Set dismissal deadline of 180 days; and

▪ Schedule review hearing within 90 days.

Review Hearings:

q Address continued need for temporary order and dismiss if no longer a continued need.

q Set review hearing within 90 days if temporary order continued.

q Determine if good cause to extend dismissal deadline if DFPS shows continued need for services beyond original 180-day dismissal deadline.

Best Practices [BP]:

q Engage parties with direct questions

q Review services with parents

q Set Review Hearing date within 90 days

q Give notice in open court

q Engage parties with direct questions:

• Do you understand the purpose of the court ordered services?

q Ask the following questions:

• How are these services specific to this family and child?

• Are there cultural issues we need to understand?

• Is there a need for ongoing services or can we dismiss today?