In my previous blog I talked about the permanency plan process for foster children. The process is quite different if the child’s adoption has been finalized and is in out of home care for other reasons.

In the case of the foster child, the plan or hearing is to determine if the birth parents are meeting their goals for reunification. In the case of a child in out of home care, it is slightly different.

Usually the child is in care because of issues that have occurred. Whether these are issues of the child or the parents will determine the course of the hearing. If you have been accused of abuse or neglect, the hearing with follow the same route as that of the foster child.

If the child was removed because of the child’s issues the focus will be on the child, and what changes have happened. If the child is in a residential treatment placement, psychiatric hospital, or a treatment foster home, these team members will be invited to participate and offer input.

If the child has been placed into care under a court order, such as a finding of delinquency, there will be a list of conditions that child is supposed to be meeting, and probably some conditions for the family. These conditions will vary depending on the age of the child, and the reason for the removal. Some of them might include:

• No further contact with law enforcement.



• Take all medication as prescribed by the doctor.



• Attend all doctor appointments.



• Attend all therapy sessions.



• Attend school without any unexcused absences.

The conditions will be specific to the issues with your child.

There may be conditions listed for you as a family as well. Usually these pertain to attending therapy or other issues that pertain to parenting.

In this case the permanency hearing will be to determine if your child is making any progress and if the placement should continue. In some cases the issues of termination of parental rights may be discussed. If social services feels that you are preventing your child from healing (yes, there are some workers who will think this) they may bring up the option of parental rights. You may also ask for your rights to be terminated and dissolve/disrupt the adoption.

Most of the time the hearings are conducted in the social services offices. Our hearing on Friday is being held in the court room. This is being done for a couple of reasons.

Sammy has charges of theft and criminal destruction of property. He has committed more crimes since his placement in the foster home, so he will have to face the charges on these.

Sammy’s current court order allows us to change placements at the same level, or a step down without having to go back to court. If anyone on the team is going to recommend that Sammy return to a residential setting, this is a more restrictive environment, and will need a court order and judge’s approval to happen.

These hearings can be very nerve wracking and emotional. This is completely normal. After all, you are discussing your child’s future.

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