SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 49
Dependency and 
Termination of Parental 
Rights
Article 3: Dependency 
15-11-100: Purpose of this article is - 
 Assist and protect children whose physical or mental health and 
welfare is substantially at risk of harm from abuse, neglect or 
exploitation AND who may be further threatened by the conduct of 
others by providing for the resolution of dependency proceedings in 
juvenile court. 
 Ensure that dependency proceedings are conducted expeditiously to 
avoid delays in permanency plans for children. 
 Provide the greatest protection as promptly as possible for children. 
 Ensure that the health, safety and best interests of a child be the 
paramount concern in all dependency proceedings.
Dependency Proceedings: Best Interests 
 15-11-26: Whenever a best interests determination is required, the court 
shall consider and evaluate all of the factors affecting the best interests 
of the child in the context of the child’s age and developmental needs. 
 Statute includes list of 20 factors that must be included in 
court’s best interests evaluation.
Child Advocacy in Dependency Proceedings 
Child’s Attorney 
15-11-103: A child shall have right to attorney at all stages of dependency 
proceedings. 
 Appointment before first court hearing that may substantially affect 
child’s interests. 
 Representation shall continue in any subsequent appeals unless excused 
by court. 
 Child’s right to an attorney not waivable.
Child Advocacy in Dependency Proceedings 
Guardian ad Litem – Attorney or CASA 
15-11-104(a): The court shall appoint a Guardian ad Litem for an alleged 
dependent child. 
 Best interests evaluation to be made in context of child’s age and 
developmental needs. 
 15-11-105(b) – 13 factors to be considered when evaluating child’s best 
interests. 
 For thorough best interests evaluation, evaluate additional factors 
described in 15-11-26. 
 15-11-105(c) defines minimum duties and responsibilities.
Legal Options Before Removal or Adjudicatory Proceedings 
15-11-101(a): Investigator of child abuse and neglect report may apply to court for: 
 Physical examination and evaluation of child or other children in home by a physician: 
Requires showing of probable cause in an affidavit executed by applicant. 
 Psychological or psychiatric examination and evaluation of a child or other children in the 
household by psychologist, psychiatrist or licensed mental health professional: Requires 
showing of probable cause in an affidavit executed by applicant AND after a hearing. 
 Forensic examination and evaluation of a child or other children in the household by 
psychologist, psychiatrist or licensed mental health professional: Requires showing of 
probable cause in an affidavit executed by applicant AND after a hearing. 
 Physical, psychological or psychiatric examination of child’s parent, guardian or legal 
custodian: Requires showing of probable cause in an affidavit executed by applicant AND 
after a hearing.
Dependency Proceedings: Removal 
Statutory language guiding legal basis for removal: 
 15-11-1: It is the intent of the General Assembly to preserve and strengthen 
family relationships, countenancing the removal of a child from his or her 
home only when state intervention is essential to protect such child and 
enable him or her to live in security and stability. 
 15-11-132(b): Exceptional circumstances 
 15-11-132(b): Necessity of child’s removal in order to safeguard child’s 
welfare 
 15-11-134: Child’s continuation in his or her home is contrary to the child’s 
welfare.
Preliminary Protective Hearing 
 15-11-102(a) and 15-11-145(a): To be held no later than 72 hours after child 
placed in protective custody. 
 15-11-145(c) - If no parental notification, parent does not appear or waive 
appearance, and files affidavit stating these facts, Preliminary Protective 
Hearing held again without unnecessary delay. 
 15-11-145(f) – Court shall inform parties of contents of complaint and 
nature of proceedings in terms understandable to the parties, as well as 
parties’ due process rights.
Petition for Dependency 
• 15-11-150: DFCS employee, law enforcement officer or any person who 
has actual knowledge or is informed of child abuse, neglect or 
abandonment can file Petition for Dependency. 
• No requirement in Article 3 for endorsement of Petition for Dependency. 
• 15-11-280(b): Petition to terminate parental rights shall be made, 
verified and endorsed by the court as provided in Article 3 of this 
chapter for a petition alleging dependency. 
• Check with your court regarding endorsements of Petitions for 
Dependency.
Amendments to Petition for Dependency 
 15-11-153(a) – May amend petition at any time to cure defects of form and, 
prior to adjudicatory hearing, to include new allegations of facts or 
requests for adjudication. 
 If petition amended after initial service for anything except curing 
defects of form, must serve on parties and provide copy to attorneys of 
record. 
 15-11-153(c) – Court shall grant parties additional time to prepare only as 
may be required to ensure and full and fair hearing. 
 If child is in protective custody, adjudicatory hearing shall not be 
delayed more than 10 days beyond original date of hearing.
Petition for Dependency: Time Frames 
 15-11-102(b) & 15-11-151(b): If child released from foster care at 
Preliminary Protective Hearing, petition to be filed within 30 days of 
hearing. 
 15-11-102(b) & 15-11-181(a): Adjudication hearing held no later than 
60 days after filing of petition. 
 15-11-102(c), 15-11-145(g) & 15-11-151(a): If child remains in foster care 
after Preliminary Protective Hearing, petition to be filed within 5 days of 
hearing. 
 15-11-102(c) & 15-11-181(a): Adjudication hearing held no later than 10 
days after filing of petition. 
 15-11-181(a): If adjudicatory hearing not complete within 60 days from 
date child placed in protective custody, petition may be dismissed 
without prejudice.
Petition for Dependency: Summons & Service 
 15-11-160(a): Summons to be served on child 14 years or old, parent, child’s 
attorney and child’s GAL, and others as directed by the court. 
 15-11-160(d): Child’s right to service of summons not waivable. 
 15-11-102(b) & 15-11-161(a): Party is within the state and can be found – 
personal service at least 72 hours before adjudicatory hearing. 
 15-11-161(b): Party is within the state and cannot be found but address is 
known OR party is outside the state and address is known - service by 
registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery at least 5 days 
before adjudicatory hearing.
Petition for Dependency: Service by Publication 
 15-11-161(d) - Party cannot be found and address cannot be determined – 
service by publication. 
 Adjudicatory hearing must be at least 5 days after date of last publication. 
 Within 15 days after filing of Order for Service by Publication, clerk’s office 
shall mail copies of notice, order for service by publication and petition to 
party’s last known address. 
 Provisional hearing option the same: 
 Party served by publication does not appear at final adjudicatory hearing - 
provisional findings become final. 
 Party served by publication does appear at final adjudicatory hearing - 
provisional findings and order vacated and new adjudicatory hearing held.
Petition for Dependency: Failure to Appear 
 15-11-162: If parent is served with Petition for Dependency and willfully 
fails to appear, court may order parent to appear to show cause why 
parent should not be held in contempt of court. 
 If parent fails to appear following service of show cause order, court may 
issue bench warrant. 
 Following show cause hearing, court may hold person in contempt 
under 15-11-31. 
 Sanction options include incarceration up to 20 days and fine up to 
$1,000.
Dependency Proceedings: Discovery 
 15-11-170(a): Upon written request to the party having actual possession of 
material to be produced, any party shall have full access to the following: 
 Names & telephone numbers of each witness likely to be called to testify 
 Copy of any formal written statement made by child or any witness that party 
intends to call as witness 
 Scientific or other report 
 Drug screen of child or parent 
 Case plan for child or parent 
 Visitation schedule related to child 
 Photographs and any physical evidence intended to be introduced at hearing 
 Copies of any relevant law enforcement incident reports 
 Any other relevant evidence not requiring consent or court order.
Dependency Proceedings: Discovery 
 15-11-170(b): Upon presentation of court order or written consent from 
appropriate person permitting access to the party having actual possession 
of material to be produced, any party shall have full access to following: 
 Psychological, developmental & physical assessments of child or parent 
 Child’s school records 
 Child’s medical records 
 Transcripts, recordings and summaries of any oral statement made by 
child or any witness 
 Family team meeting or multi-disciplinary team meeting report 
 Supplemental law enforcement reports 
 Immigration records concerning child
Dependency Proceedings: Reciprocal Discovery 
 15-11-170(c): Any party requesting discovery under 15-11-170(a) or (b) has 
obligation of reciprocal discovery. Must promptly make the following 
available: 
 Names and contact information for each witness that forms basis of 
party’s defense or claim 
 Scientific or other report 
 Photographs and any physical evidence 
 Copy of any written statement made by any witness that party intends 
to call as witness at the hearing
Court Order for Discovery 
 If request for discovery or consent for release is refused – motion for court order 
granting discovery. 
 Certification - request for discovery or request for consent for release was made 
and refused. Good faith efforts made to resolve. 
 Court may set conditions on discovery response IF party from whom discovery is 
sought makes sufficient showing that disclosure of information would: 
 Jeopardize safety of party, witness or confidential informant 
 Create substantial threat of physical or economic harm to a witness or other 
person 
 Endanger existence of physical evidence 
 Disclose privileged information 
 Impede criminal prosecution 
 Reciprocal discovery requirement
Dependency Proceedings: Discovery Time Frames 
 Requests for discovery and reciprocal discovery must be complied with 
promptly and no later than: 
 5 days after request is received OR 
 72 hours prior to any hearing, except when later compliance is made 
necessary by timing of the request. 
 If discovery request is made less than 48 hours prior to adjudicatory 
hearing, discovery response shall be produced in a timely manner. 
 Continuing duty to produce discovery.
Dependency Proceedings: Discovery 
 15-11-170(f): Child who is subject of dependency case shall not be deposed 
unless court orders deposition, under such conditions as court may order. 
 Court must find child’s deposition would further purposes of 15-11-170. 
 Court has discretion to order disclosure of any information the court deems 
necessary for proper adjudication. 
 15-11-170(g): If party fails to comply with order for discovery, court may: 
 Grant a continuance request; 
 Prohibit party from introducing into evidence the information not 
disclosed; or 
 Enter such other order as the court deems just under circumstances. 
 15-11-170(i): Any produced discovery can only be used during dependency 
case – may not be given to anyone else.
Adjudicatory Hearing 
 15-11-180: Standard of proof and burden of proof – same as current law 
 15-11-181(d): Adjudicatory hearing shall be conducted in accordance with 
Georgia’s Evidence Code. 
 Relevant testimony or evidence may not be excluded on any ground of 
privilege except: 
 Attorney-client privilege, and 
 Communications between priest/rabbi/duly ordained minister and 
confidential communicant. 
 15-11-181(h): If court adjudicates child as dependent child, court must make a 
finding whether dependency is result of substance abuse by the parent.
Dependency Proceedings: Continuances 
 15-11-110(a): Upon request of attorney for a party, court may continue hearing 
beyond statutory time frames. 
 No continuance if contrary to child’s best interests. 
 In evaluating child’s best interests, court shall give substantial weight to: 
 Child’s need for prompt resolution of custody status. 
 Need to provide child with stable environment, and 
 Damage to child from prolonged temporary placements. 
 15-11-110(b): Showing of good cause required for continuance. Must have 
evidentiary finding on the record. 
 No continuances for: 
 Need for discovery, 
 Convenience of the parties, and 
 Other pending matters except as required by attorney conflict rules.
Dependency Proceedings: Reasonable Efforts 
 15-11-202(b): Child’s health and safety is of paramount concern in 
determination regarding appropriateness of reasonable efforts. 
 15-11-202(f): Court shall consider whether services were: 
 Relevant to safety and protection of child, 
 Adequate to meet needs of child and family, 
 Culturally and linguistically appropriate, 
 Available and accessible, 
 Consistent and timely, and 
 Realistic under the circumstances. 
 15-11-202(g): Finding of no reasonable efforts shall not preclude court’s 
issuance of order regarding child’s placement where court finds placement is 
necessary for protection of child.
Dispositional Issues: Visitation 
 15-11-2(75): Period of access to a child by parent, guardian, legal custodian, 
sibling or other relative OR any person who has demonstrated an ongoing 
commitment to child in order to maintain parental and familial involvement 
in child’s life when he or she is not residing with such person. 
 15-11-112(a): When a child removed from home, court shall order reasonable 
visitation that is consistent with child’s age and developmental needs if court 
finds visitation in child’s best interests. 
 15-11-112(b): Presumption of unsupervised visitation unless unsupervised 
visitation not in child’s best interests. 
 15-11-112(c): Within 30 days of court finding parent has not made substantial 
progress towards completion of case plan, court shall review terms of 
visitation and determine whether terms should be modified.
Dispositional Issues: Case Plans 
 15-11-201: Case plan designed to achieve placement in most appropriate, least restrictive 
and most family-like setting available – 
 In close proximity to parents’ homes; 
 In proximity to school in which child enrolled at time of placement; and 
 Consistent with best interests and special needs of child. 
 Case plan to include – 
 Assessment of child’s and family’s strengths and needs, and type of placement best 
equipped to meet those needs. 
 Discussion of safety and appropriateness of placement. 
 Time-limited goals and date the time-limited services will be terminated. 
 Visitation schedule with siblings and appropriate relatives. 
 When placement is out-of-state or a substantial distance from parent’s home, reasons 
why placement is most appropriate and in child’s best interests. 
 If child placed out-of-state, case plan to document compliance with ICPC and rationale 
for out-of-state placement.
Permanency Plan versus Permanent Placement 
 15-11-2(53): Permanency plan – specific written plan prepared by DFCS 
designed to ensure that a child is reunified with his or her family or ensure 
that such child quickly attains a substitute long-term home when return to 
child’s family is not possible or is not in child’s best interests. 
 15-11-2(54): Permanent placement means – 
 Return of the legal custody of a child to his or her parent; 
 Placement of a child with an adoptive parent pursuant to a final order of 
adoption; or 
 Placement of a child with a permanent guardian. 
 15-11-201(b)(14) and 15-11-232(c) – APPLA is permissible permanency plan. 
Document compelling reason why TPR is not in child’s best interests. 
 15-11-233(b)(2): Compelling reasons
Non-Reunification Procedural Issues 
 15-11-204(d): DFCS has burden of demonstrating reunification not 
appropriate considering child’s health, safety and need for permanence. 
 Presumption that reunification is detrimental to child and reunification 
services should not be provided if court finds: 
 Parent unjustifiably failed to comply with court-ordered reunification case 
plan; 
 Child removed at least twice previously and reunification services 
provided on two prior cases; 
 Ground exists for TPR; or 
 Any of circumstances described in 15-11-203.
Disposition Hearing 
• 15-11-102 and 15-11-210(a): Hearing must be held and completed within 30 
days after conclusion of adjudicatory hearing. 
• 15-11-210(b): Court may consider any evidence relevant, reliable and 
necessary to determine child’s needs and most appropriate disposition. 
• During hearing, court must receive into evidence: 
• Social study report, if one, 
• DFCS case plan – filed with court at least 48 hours before disposition 
hearing, 
• GAL’s report, 
• Any psychological, medical developmental or educational evaluation of 
child, and 
• Any other relevant or material evidence.
Disposition Hearing: Findings of Fact 
15-11-213: Court must consider - 
 Why child’s bests interests and safety are served by disposition and case plan: 
 Interaction of child and family, 
 Child’s adjustment to home, school and community, 
 Mental and physical health of all persons involved, 
 Child’s wishes regarding placement, 
 Parent’s wishes regarding child’s custody, 
 Existence of relative or other individual qualified to care for child, and 
 Parent’s ability to care for child in parent’s home without harm to child. 
 Availability of services referenced in case plan 
 Alternative dispositions or services - why not appropriate in this case? 
 Appropriateness of placement, and 
 Reasonable efforts assessment
Disposition Hearing: Court Order Options 
o 15-11-212: Any one or combination of the following orders of disposition: 
o All options under current law; 
o Order child and parent to participate in counseling designed to assist in 
deterring future conditions of dependency; 
o Order parent to participate in educational or counseling program 
designed to improve ability to provide proper parental care and control 
and supervision of child – including parenting classes; and 
o If child in protective custody in part due to parental substance abuse, 
order return to parent’s custody only if parent participates in substance 
abuse treatment and provides at least 6 consecutive months of clean 
random drug screens.
Disposition Issues 
 15-11-214(a): Order of disposition shall continue in force until the 
purposes of the order have been accomplished. 
 No longer a need for extensions and second deprivation hearings. 
 15-11-214(b): Following motion by party or on sua sponte basis, court 
may terminate order of disposition if it appears purposes of the order 
have been accomplished. 
 15-11-210(f): At conclusion of the disposition hearing, court must set 
the dates and times for the first review hearing and for the permanency 
plan hearing.
Review Hearings: Time Frames 
15-11-102(d) and 15-11-216(a): 
 Initial review hearing – within 75 days after child’s removal from home. 
 Subsequent review within 4 months of initial review hearing. 
 Court has discretion to schedule any subsequent review hearings as 
necessary.
Review Hearings: Notice 
15-11-108: Court shall provide to all parties written notice of date, 
time, place and purpose of post-adjudication hearings. 
 Written notice shall be delivered to the recipient at least 72 
hours before the hearing by U.S. mail, email or hand 
delivery. 
15-11-109: DFCS must notify the foster placement of every hearing. 
 Written notice shall be delivered to the recipient at least 72 
hours before the hearing by U.S. mail, email or hand 
delivery.
Review Hearings: Findings of Fact 
**Paramount concern at any review hearing is the child’s health and safety. 
15-11-218: Court shall issues written findings of fact that include: 
 Whether child continues to be a dependent child; 
 Whether existing case plan is still best case plan for child and family and whether 
any changes should be made; 
 Extent of case plan compliance by all parties; 
 Basis for any changes to child’s placement; 
 Whether visitation is and continues to be appropriate; 
 Progress being made on the permanency plan; 
 Whether all legally required services are being provided to child, child’s foster 
parents and parents; 
 Independent living services for child 14 years or older; and 
 Reasonable efforts assessment.
Review Hearings: Order Options 
 15-11-218(b)(4): If court determines DFCS failed to implement any 
material provision of the case plan or abused its discretion in the 
placement or proposed placement of the child, court may make 
additional orders regarding the treatment plan or placement of the 
child to protect child’s best interests. 
 15-11-216(d): At any review subsequent to the initial review, if the court 
finds the parent has failed to make substantial progress towards 
completion of the case plan, court shall order DFCS to develop 
concurrent case plan or case plan with non-reunification permanency 
plan.
Permanency Plan Hearings: Time Frames 
15-11-102(e) and 15-11-230(b): 
 If DFCS files motion for non-reunification, hearing within 30 days of 
filing of motion. 
 For children under 7 years old on filing date of Petition for Dependency 
– hearing no later than 9 months after date child entered foster care Or 
NR time line above, whichever comes first. 
 For children 7 years or older on filing date of Petition for Dependency – 
hearing no later than 12 months after date child entered foster care Or 
NR time line above, whichever comes first. 
Thereafter, hearing every 6 months while child in DFCS custody. Can be 
more frequent as deemed necessary by court.
Permanency Plan Hearings 
15-11-230(a): Purpose - for court to determine future permanent legal 
status of child in DFCS custody. 
15-11-230(d): All parties must be given written notice of hearing at least 5 
days in advance of hearing. 
15-11-231: At least 5 days before hearing, DFCS must file with court a 
report recommending permanency plan. 
15-11-230(e): Court must consult with child in age-appropriate manner 
regarding proposed permanency plan. 
Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law – similar to current law
Statutory Guidance for When Not to File for TPR 
15-11-233(b) : Circumstances pursuant to which TPR not in child’s best 
interests, including examples of compelling reasons - 
 Parent successfully participating in reunification services; 
 Another permanency plan better suited to meet child’s health and safety 
needs; 
 Child is living with relative who is unwilling or unable to adopt, but who is 
willing to provide stable and permanent home for child AND removal from 
relative’s physical custody would be detrimental to child’s emotional well-being. 
 Court determined that DFCS did not make reasonable efforts under 
reunification permanency plan. 
 Child is unaccompanied refugee or there are international legal obligations 
or foreign policy reasons that preclude TPR.
Article 4: Termination of Parental Rights 
15-11-260: Purpose of this article is - 
 Protect dependent child from parent who is unwilling or unable to provide safety 
and care adequate to meet child’s needs. 
 Eliminate need for dependent child to wait unreasonable periods of time for parent 
to correct conditions which prevent child’s return to family. 
 Ensure continuing needs of dependent child for proper physical, mental and 
emotional growth and development are decisive considerations in all proceedings. 
 Ensure constitutional rights of all parties are recognized and enforced in all TPR 
proceedings, while ensuring child’s fundamental needs are not subjugated to 
interests of others. 
 Encourage stability in dependent child’s life by ensuring all proceedings are 
conducted expeditiously to avoid delays in resolving status of parent and in 
achieving permanency for child.
Child Advocacy in TPR Proceedings 
Child’s Attorney 
15-11-262: A child shall have right to attorney at all stages of TPR proceedings. 
 Appointment before first court hearing that may substantially affect child’s 
interests. 
 Representation shall continue in any subsequent appeals unless excused by 
court. 
 Child’s right to an attorney not waivable. 
Guardian ad Litem 
 15-11-262(d): court may appoint GAL for child in TPR proceeding at request of 
child’s attorney or on sua sponte basis. 
 GAL may be same person as child’s attorney unless conflict. 
 GAL has same role as defined under Article 3.
TPR Proceedings Issues 
 15-11-263: Court may order dependent child or parent to participate in 
physical or mental evaluation. Moving party to pay cost unless cost 
apportioned by court. 
 15-11-270: Jurisdiction and transfer rules – same as current law. 
 15-11-280: Petition requirements similar to those under Dependency 
Article. 
 15-11-264: Discovery rules same as under Dependency Article. 
 15-11-265: Once TPR petition has been filed, parent shall thereafter be 
without authority to execute an act of surrender or otherwise to affect 
custody of his or her child except parent may: 
 Execute act of surrender in favor of DFCS, and 
 Consent to judgment terminating parental rights.
TPR Proceedings: Summons and Service 
 While Summons must issue and be served upon child 14 years or older, as 
well as child’s attorney and child’s GAL in dependency proceedings, 15-11- 
281 requires that Summons must issue and be served upon child’s attorney 
and child’s GAL, if any, in TPR proceedings. 
 15-11-281(b): Court shall direct notice and copy of TPR petition be 
provided to child 14 years or older. Not waivable by child or child’s 
representative. 
 Service – same time frames as current law. 
 15-11-285: If parent is served with Petition for Termination of Parental 
Rights and fails to appear without reasonable cause, court may order parent 
to appear to show cause why parent should not be held in contempt of court.
TPR Proceedings: Biological Fathers 
15-11-283(a): Biological father entitled to be served if: 
• Paternity previously established in judicial proceeding; 
• Identity known to petitioner or petitioner’s attorney; 
• Registrant on Putative Father Registry and has acknowledged paternity of 
child; 
• Registrant on Putative Father Registry and has indicated possible paternity 
of child; or 
• Lived with child, contributed to child’s support, made attempt to legitimate 
or provided support or medical care for mother during pregnancy or 
hospitalization for birth of child. 
15-11-283(d): If identity of biological father is unknown and none of the above 
applies, then rebuttably presumed biological father not entitled to notice. If not 
rebutted, court may enter order terminating biological father’s rights.
TPR Proceedings: Time Frames 
15-11-301: 
 If no just cause shown for delay, all TPR proceedings shall be 
conducted within 90 days of date TPR petition is filed. 
 If no just cause shown for delay, order of disposition shall be issued 
no later than 30 days after the conclusion of the hearing on the TPR 
petition. 
 Failure to comply with the time requirements of 15-11-301 shall not be 
grounds to invalidate an otherwise proper order terminating parental 
rights unless court determines delay resulted in substantial prejudice 
to a party.
Without Proper Parental Care and Control 
Similar to current law, except: 
 15-11-311(b): In determining whether a child who is not in parent’s 
custody is without proper parental care and control, the court shall 
consider whether such parent, without justifiable cause, has failed 
significantly for a period of six months prior to date of the termination 
hearing: 
 To develop and maintain parental bond with child in a meaningful 
and supportive manner; 
 Provide for care and support of child as required by law or judicial 
decree; and 
 To comply with court ordered plan designed to reunite parent and 
child.
Impact of TPR Order 
15-11-261: 
 Parent has ongoing child support obligation until adoption finalized. 
 Child’s right to inherit continues until adoption finalized. 
 Child’s right to pursue civil action against parent not impacted. 
 Relationship between child and siblings continues until adoption 
finalized. 
 Until adoption finalized, relatives continue to be considered as such for 
purposes of placement and permanency plan.
Reinstatement of Parental Rights: Right of the Child 
 15-11-323(a): A child who has not been adopted after passage of at least 3 
years from date of TPR or date of voluntary surrender of parental rights to 
DFCS and for whom court determined adoption is not permanency plan 
may petition court to reinstate parental rights. 
 15-11-323(b): Former parent and foster parents are not parties, but have 
right to be heard at hearing on child’s petition for reinstatement. 
 Child’s petition shall be dismissed if parent cannot be located or parent 
objects to reinstatement.
Reinstatement of Parental Rights 
 15-11-323(e): Reinstatement shall be a recognition that situation of parent and child 
has changed since the time of the TPR - reunification is now appropriate. 
 15-11-323(c): Court shall grant child’s petition for reinstatement if court finds by clear 
and convincing evidence that child is no longer likely to be adopted and reinstatement 
is in child’s best interests. Evaluation of best interests shall include: 
 Whether parent is fit parent and has remedied parental deficits; 
 Age and maturity of child and ability of child to express his or her preference; 
 Whether reinstatement will present risk to child’s health, welfare or safety; and 
 Other material changes in circumstances, if any, that may have occurred which 
warrant granting the reinstatement petition. 
 15-11-323(f): Reinstatement code section is intended to be retroactive – applies to any 
child under the jurisdiction of the court at the time of the reinstatement hearing 
regardless of the date parental rights were terminated.
Stephany L. Zaic 
Williams & Zaic, LLC 
Telephone: 706-244-4323 
Email: ngacwls@gmail.com

More Related Content

What's hot

Procedimiento en primera instancia
Procedimiento en primera instanciaProcedimiento en primera instancia
Procedimiento en primera instanciagenesisquerales19
 
Procedimiento esp. por falta copp
Procedimiento esp. por falta coppProcedimiento esp. por falta copp
Procedimiento esp. por falta coppmarielys antoniene
 
Esquemas procesal civil.
Esquemas procesal civil.Esquemas procesal civil.
Esquemas procesal civil.danise176
 
Instituciones familiares
Instituciones familiaresInstituciones familiares
Instituciones familiaresfidelsaia
 
Juicio económico coactivo reg cod tributario (Esquemas de Derecho Administrat...
Juicio económico coactivo reg cod tributario (Esquemas de Derecho Administrat...Juicio económico coactivo reg cod tributario (Esquemas de Derecho Administrat...
Juicio económico coactivo reg cod tributario (Esquemas de Derecho Administrat...Estudiantes por Derecho Inc.
 
Fase Intermedia en el Proceso Penal
Fase Intermedia en el Proceso PenalFase Intermedia en el Proceso Penal
Fase Intermedia en el Proceso PenalPedro Figueroa
 
Procedimiento especial en los juicios contra el presidente
Procedimiento especial en los juicios contra el presidenteProcedimiento especial en los juicios contra el presidente
Procedimiento especial en los juicios contra el presidentegenesislandaetap
 
Enforcement of judgements and orders
Enforcement of judgements and ordersEnforcement of judgements and orders
Enforcement of judgements and ordersilyana iskandar
 
Esquema Medidas Cautelares
Esquema Medidas CautelaresEsquema Medidas Cautelares
Esquema Medidas Cautelarestrinogil
 
KAREN ATALA RIFFO VS CHILE.pptx
KAREN ATALA RIFFO VS CHILE.pptxKAREN ATALA RIFFO VS CHILE.pptx
KAREN ATALA RIFFO VS CHILE.pptxJavierRojasNuez3
 
Defendants motion for summary judgment, incorporated memorandum of law in sup...
Defendants motion for summary judgment, incorporated memorandum of law in sup...Defendants motion for summary judgment, incorporated memorandum of law in sup...
Defendants motion for summary judgment, incorporated memorandum of law in sup...Cocoselul Inaripat
 
Proceso Especial por Faltas en el NCPP
Proceso Especial por Faltas en el NCPPProceso Especial por Faltas en el NCPP
Proceso Especial por Faltas en el NCPPSheyla Mamani Condori
 
Karn Woon Lin - Memorandum of Appeal
Karn Woon Lin - Memorandum of AppealKarn Woon Lin - Memorandum of Appeal
Karn Woon Lin - Memorandum of AppealNanthini Rajarethinam
 
Poder de los jueces agrarios en Venezuela
Poder de los jueces agrarios en Venezuela Poder de los jueces agrarios en Venezuela
Poder de los jueces agrarios en Venezuela Andres Martinez
 
Presentacion interdictos
Presentacion interdictosPresentacion interdictos
Presentacion interdictoscarlinarez
 
Procedimiento en los delitos de accion dependiente de instancia de parte agra...
Procedimiento en los delitos de accion dependiente de instancia de parte agra...Procedimiento en los delitos de accion dependiente de instancia de parte agra...
Procedimiento en los delitos de accion dependiente de instancia de parte agra...diana cano
 

What's hot (20)

Procedimiento en primera instancia
Procedimiento en primera instanciaProcedimiento en primera instancia
Procedimiento en primera instancia
 
Tenencia y regimen de visitas
Tenencia y regimen de visitasTenencia y regimen de visitas
Tenencia y regimen de visitas
 
Procedimiento esp. por falta copp
Procedimiento esp. por falta coppProcedimiento esp. por falta copp
Procedimiento esp. por falta copp
 
Esquemas procesal civil.
Esquemas procesal civil.Esquemas procesal civil.
Esquemas procesal civil.
 
Instituciones familiares
Instituciones familiaresInstituciones familiares
Instituciones familiares
 
Juicio económico coactivo reg cod tributario (Esquemas de Derecho Administrat...
Juicio económico coactivo reg cod tributario (Esquemas de Derecho Administrat...Juicio económico coactivo reg cod tributario (Esquemas de Derecho Administrat...
Juicio económico coactivo reg cod tributario (Esquemas de Derecho Administrat...
 
Fase Intermedia en el Proceso Penal
Fase Intermedia en el Proceso PenalFase Intermedia en el Proceso Penal
Fase Intermedia en el Proceso Penal
 
Procedimiento especial en los juicios contra el presidente
Procedimiento especial en los juicios contra el presidenteProcedimiento especial en los juicios contra el presidente
Procedimiento especial en los juicios contra el presidente
 
Enforcement of judgements and orders
Enforcement of judgements and ordersEnforcement of judgements and orders
Enforcement of judgements and orders
 
Plazos en el Proceso Civil
Plazos en el Proceso CivilPlazos en el Proceso Civil
Plazos en el Proceso Civil
 
Esquema Medidas Cautelares
Esquema Medidas CautelaresEsquema Medidas Cautelares
Esquema Medidas Cautelares
 
KAREN ATALA RIFFO VS CHILE.pptx
KAREN ATALA RIFFO VS CHILE.pptxKAREN ATALA RIFFO VS CHILE.pptx
KAREN ATALA RIFFO VS CHILE.pptx
 
Defendants motion for summary judgment, incorporated memorandum of law in sup...
Defendants motion for summary judgment, incorporated memorandum of law in sup...Defendants motion for summary judgment, incorporated memorandum of law in sup...
Defendants motion for summary judgment, incorporated memorandum of law in sup...
 
Proceso Especial por Faltas en el NCPP
Proceso Especial por Faltas en el NCPPProceso Especial por Faltas en el NCPP
Proceso Especial por Faltas en el NCPP
 
Karn Woon Lin - Memorandum of Appeal
Karn Woon Lin - Memorandum of AppealKarn Woon Lin - Memorandum of Appeal
Karn Woon Lin - Memorandum of Appeal
 
Poder de los jueces agrarios en Venezuela
Poder de los jueces agrarios en Venezuela Poder de los jueces agrarios en Venezuela
Poder de los jueces agrarios en Venezuela
 
Paralelo recursos
Paralelo recursosParalelo recursos
Paralelo recursos
 
El Recurso de Revocatoria
El Recurso de RevocatoriaEl Recurso de Revocatoria
El Recurso de Revocatoria
 
Presentacion interdictos
Presentacion interdictosPresentacion interdictos
Presentacion interdictos
 
Procedimiento en los delitos de accion dependiente de instancia de parte agra...
Procedimiento en los delitos de accion dependiente de instancia de parte agra...Procedimiento en los delitos de accion dependiente de instancia de parte agra...
Procedimiento en los delitos de accion dependiente de instancia de parte agra...
 

Similar to Georgia Dependency and Parental Rights Proceedings Explained

Georgia's Juvenile Code Revised - An Overview
Georgia's Juvenile Code Revised - An OverviewGeorgia's Juvenile Code Revised - An Overview
Georgia's Juvenile Code Revised - An Overviewbartoncenter
 
Revitalizing the Code: Delinquency & Competency
Revitalizing the Code: Delinquency & CompetencyRevitalizing the Code: Delinquency & Competency
Revitalizing the Code: Delinquency & Competencybartoncenter
 
Hb242 delinqu comp_rev
Hb242 delinqu comp_revHb242 delinqu comp_rev
Hb242 delinqu comp_revbartoncenter
 
Revitalizing the Code: Delinquency & Competency
Revitalizing the Code: Delinquency & CompetencyRevitalizing the Code: Delinquency & Competency
Revitalizing the Code: Delinquency & Competencybartoncenter
 
3.0 introduction to court and legal process
3.0 introduction to court and legal process3.0 introduction to court and legal process
3.0 introduction to court and legal processscreaminc
 
3.2 case review permanency plan hearings
3.2 case review permanency plan hearings3.2 case review permanency plan hearings
3.2 case review permanency plan hearingsscreaminc
 
Revise Procedure on Administrative Cases.pptx
Revise Procedure on Administrative Cases.pptxRevise Procedure on Administrative Cases.pptx
Revise Procedure on Administrative Cases.pptxARISBARRAGO1
 
Last Minute Tips Remedial Law
Last Minute Tips Remedial LawLast Minute Tips Remedial Law
Last Minute Tips Remedial LawClaudineGolangco1
 
3.12 voluntary surrender of parental rghts
3.12 voluntary surrender of parental rghts3.12 voluntary surrender of parental rghts
3.12 voluntary surrender of parental rghtsscreaminc
 
Hamilton 2013 best interests representation in Children's Court
Hamilton 2013 best interests representation in Children's CourtHamilton 2013 best interests representation in Children's Court
Hamilton 2013 best interests representation in Children's CourtVictoriaLegalAid
 
Missouri Supreme Court Guardian Ad Litem Standards
Missouri Supreme Court Guardian Ad Litem StandardsMissouri Supreme Court Guardian Ad Litem Standards
Missouri Supreme Court Guardian Ad Litem StandardsStLouisCountyFamilyC
 
SIJS and SAPCRS Autosaved update 072416
SIJS and SAPCRS Autosaved update 072416SIJS and SAPCRS Autosaved update 072416
SIJS and SAPCRS Autosaved update 072416Karon Washburn Rowden
 
RULES ON HABEAS DATA.docx
RULES ON HABEAS DATA.docxRULES ON HABEAS DATA.docx
RULES ON HABEAS DATA.docxFERMORAMOS1
 
Jackson v. Jackson PROPERTY CUSTODY CS VISITATION AGMT
Jackson v. Jackson  PROPERTY CUSTODY CS VISITATION AGMTJackson v. Jackson  PROPERTY CUSTODY CS VISITATION AGMT
Jackson v. Jackson PROPERTY CUSTODY CS VISITATION AGMTTerry Evers
 
Petition to Modify - Weaver
Petition to Modify - WeaverPetition to Modify - Weaver
Petition to Modify - WeaverAndrew Rawlings
 
Children In Need of Services (CHINS)
Children In Need of Services (CHINS)Children In Need of Services (CHINS)
Children In Need of Services (CHINS)bartoncenter
 
The Administrative Disciplinary Process in the Philippine Civil Service
The Administrative Disciplinary Process in the Philippine Civil ServiceThe Administrative Disciplinary Process in the Philippine Civil Service
The Administrative Disciplinary Process in the Philippine Civil ServiceDaisy Punzalan Bragais
 
MPIA training powerpoint
MPIA training powerpointMPIA training powerpoint
MPIA training powerpointKyung Lee
 
Answering a California eviction complaint
Answering a California eviction complaint Answering a California eviction complaint
Answering a California eviction complaint LegalDocsPro
 

Similar to Georgia Dependency and Parental Rights Proceedings Explained (20)

Georgia's Juvenile Code Revised - An Overview
Georgia's Juvenile Code Revised - An OverviewGeorgia's Juvenile Code Revised - An Overview
Georgia's Juvenile Code Revised - An Overview
 
Revitalizing the Code: Delinquency & Competency
Revitalizing the Code: Delinquency & CompetencyRevitalizing the Code: Delinquency & Competency
Revitalizing the Code: Delinquency & Competency
 
Hb242 delinqu comp_rev
Hb242 delinqu comp_revHb242 delinqu comp_rev
Hb242 delinqu comp_rev
 
Revitalizing the Code: Delinquency & Competency
Revitalizing the Code: Delinquency & CompetencyRevitalizing the Code: Delinquency & Competency
Revitalizing the Code: Delinquency & Competency
 
3.0 introduction to court and legal process
3.0 introduction to court and legal process3.0 introduction to court and legal process
3.0 introduction to court and legal process
 
3.2 case review permanency plan hearings
3.2 case review permanency plan hearings3.2 case review permanency plan hearings
3.2 case review permanency plan hearings
 
Revise Procedure on Administrative Cases.pptx
Revise Procedure on Administrative Cases.pptxRevise Procedure on Administrative Cases.pptx
Revise Procedure on Administrative Cases.pptx
 
Last Minute Tips Remedial Law
Last Minute Tips Remedial LawLast Minute Tips Remedial Law
Last Minute Tips Remedial Law
 
3.12 voluntary surrender of parental rghts
3.12 voluntary surrender of parental rghts3.12 voluntary surrender of parental rghts
3.12 voluntary surrender of parental rghts
 
Hamilton 2013 best interests representation in Children's Court
Hamilton 2013 best interests representation in Children's CourtHamilton 2013 best interests representation in Children's Court
Hamilton 2013 best interests representation in Children's Court
 
Missouri Supreme Court Guardian Ad Litem Standards
Missouri Supreme Court Guardian Ad Litem StandardsMissouri Supreme Court Guardian Ad Litem Standards
Missouri Supreme Court Guardian Ad Litem Standards
 
SIJS and SAPCRS Autosaved update 072416
SIJS and SAPCRS Autosaved update 072416SIJS and SAPCRS Autosaved update 072416
SIJS and SAPCRS Autosaved update 072416
 
RULES ON HABEAS DATA.docx
RULES ON HABEAS DATA.docxRULES ON HABEAS DATA.docx
RULES ON HABEAS DATA.docx
 
Jackson v. Jackson PROPERTY CUSTODY CS VISITATION AGMT
Jackson v. Jackson  PROPERTY CUSTODY CS VISITATION AGMTJackson v. Jackson  PROPERTY CUSTODY CS VISITATION AGMT
Jackson v. Jackson PROPERTY CUSTODY CS VISITATION AGMT
 
Petition to Modify - Weaver
Petition to Modify - WeaverPetition to Modify - Weaver
Petition to Modify - Weaver
 
Children In Need of Services (CHINS)
Children In Need of Services (CHINS)Children In Need of Services (CHINS)
Children In Need of Services (CHINS)
 
The Administrative Disciplinary Process in the Philippine Civil Service
The Administrative Disciplinary Process in the Philippine Civil ServiceThe Administrative Disciplinary Process in the Philippine Civil Service
The Administrative Disciplinary Process in the Philippine Civil Service
 
MPIA training powerpoint
MPIA training powerpointMPIA training powerpoint
MPIA training powerpoint
 
Rule 119 trial
Rule 119 trialRule 119 trial
Rule 119 trial
 
Answering a California eviction complaint
Answering a California eviction complaint Answering a California eviction complaint
Answering a California eviction complaint
 

More from bartoncenter

Reinstatement of Parental Rights as a Viable Permanency Option
Reinstatement of Parental Rights as a Viable Permanency Option Reinstatement of Parental Rights as a Viable Permanency Option
Reinstatement of Parental Rights as a Viable Permanency Option bartoncenter
 
Reinstating Parental Rights Over a Child That Has Lost Permanency
Reinstating Parental Rights Over a Child That Has Lost PermanencyReinstating Parental Rights Over a Child That Has Lost Permanency
Reinstating Parental Rights Over a Child That Has Lost Permanencybartoncenter
 
Children in Need of Services
Children in Need of ServicesChildren in Need of Services
Children in Need of Servicesbartoncenter
 
Georgia's New Child Abuse Registry
Georgia's New Child Abuse RegistryGeorgia's New Child Abuse Registry
Georgia's New Child Abuse Registrybartoncenter
 
Georgia Families 360
Georgia Families 360Georgia Families 360
Georgia Families 360bartoncenter
 
Guardianship_A_Willcott
Guardianship_A_WillcottGuardianship_A_Willcott
Guardianship_A_Willcottbartoncenter
 
Guardianship_D_Burrus
Guardianship_D_BurrusGuardianship_D_Burrus
Guardianship_D_Burrusbartoncenter
 
Open Juvenile Courts in Georgia - SB 207
Open Juvenile Courts in Georgia - SB 207Open Juvenile Courts in Georgia - SB 207
Open Juvenile Courts in Georgia - SB 207bartoncenter
 
Legal Remedies for Undocumented Children
Legal Remedies for Undocumented ChildrenLegal Remedies for Undocumented Children
Legal Remedies for Undocumented Childrenbartoncenter
 
Pregnancy Prevention in Foster Care
Pregnancy Prevention in Foster CarePregnancy Prevention in Foster Care
Pregnancy Prevention in Foster Carebartoncenter
 
Indian Child Welfare Act
Indian Child Welfare ActIndian Child Welfare Act
Indian Child Welfare Actbartoncenter
 
Concurrent Planning
Concurrent PlanningConcurrent Planning
Concurrent Planningbartoncenter
 
Making reasonable efforts through effective case planning
Making reasonable efforts through effective case planningMaking reasonable efforts through effective case planning
Making reasonable efforts through effective case planningbartoncenter
 
GA DFCS Community Programs Unit
GA DFCS Community Programs UnitGA DFCS Community Programs Unit
GA DFCS Community Programs Unitbartoncenter
 
GA DFCS Child Welfare Policy Manual Chapter 13: Independent Living Program
GA DFCS Child Welfare Policy Manual Chapter 13: Independent Living ProgramGA DFCS Child Welfare Policy Manual Chapter 13: Independent Living Program
GA DFCS Child Welfare Policy Manual Chapter 13: Independent Living Programbartoncenter
 
Confidentiality, Transparency, and Accountability: A Delicate Balance in Chil...
Confidentiality, Transparency, and Accountability: A Delicate Balance in Chil...Confidentiality, Transparency, and Accountability: A Delicate Balance in Chil...
Confidentiality, Transparency, and Accountability: A Delicate Balance in Chil...bartoncenter
 
Child's Right to Counsel in Dependency Proceedings
Child's Right to Counsel in Dependency ProceedingsChild's Right to Counsel in Dependency Proceedings
Child's Right to Counsel in Dependency Proceedingsbartoncenter
 
Detention Assessment Instrument and DMC Impact
Detention Assessment Instrument and DMC ImpactDetention Assessment Instrument and DMC Impact
Detention Assessment Instrument and DMC Impactbartoncenter
 

More from bartoncenter (20)

Reinstatement of Parental Rights as a Viable Permanency Option
Reinstatement of Parental Rights as a Viable Permanency Option Reinstatement of Parental Rights as a Viable Permanency Option
Reinstatement of Parental Rights as a Viable Permanency Option
 
Reinstating Parental Rights Over a Child That Has Lost Permanency
Reinstating Parental Rights Over a Child That Has Lost PermanencyReinstating Parental Rights Over a Child That Has Lost Permanency
Reinstating Parental Rights Over a Child That Has Lost Permanency
 
Children in Need of Services
Children in Need of ServicesChildren in Need of Services
Children in Need of Services
 
Georgia's New Child Abuse Registry
Georgia's New Child Abuse RegistryGeorgia's New Child Abuse Registry
Georgia's New Child Abuse Registry
 
Covered Until 26
Covered Until 26Covered Until 26
Covered Until 26
 
Georgia Families 360
Georgia Families 360Georgia Families 360
Georgia Families 360
 
Guardianship_A_Willcott
Guardianship_A_WillcottGuardianship_A_Willcott
Guardianship_A_Willcott
 
Guardianship_D_Burrus
Guardianship_D_BurrusGuardianship_D_Burrus
Guardianship_D_Burrus
 
Open Juvenile Courts in Georgia - SB 207
Open Juvenile Courts in Georgia - SB 207Open Juvenile Courts in Georgia - SB 207
Open Juvenile Courts in Georgia - SB 207
 
HIPAA Law
HIPAA LawHIPAA Law
HIPAA Law
 
Legal Remedies for Undocumented Children
Legal Remedies for Undocumented ChildrenLegal Remedies for Undocumented Children
Legal Remedies for Undocumented Children
 
Pregnancy Prevention in Foster Care
Pregnancy Prevention in Foster CarePregnancy Prevention in Foster Care
Pregnancy Prevention in Foster Care
 
Indian Child Welfare Act
Indian Child Welfare ActIndian Child Welfare Act
Indian Child Welfare Act
 
Concurrent Planning
Concurrent PlanningConcurrent Planning
Concurrent Planning
 
Making reasonable efforts through effective case planning
Making reasonable efforts through effective case planningMaking reasonable efforts through effective case planning
Making reasonable efforts through effective case planning
 
GA DFCS Community Programs Unit
GA DFCS Community Programs UnitGA DFCS Community Programs Unit
GA DFCS Community Programs Unit
 
GA DFCS Child Welfare Policy Manual Chapter 13: Independent Living Program
GA DFCS Child Welfare Policy Manual Chapter 13: Independent Living ProgramGA DFCS Child Welfare Policy Manual Chapter 13: Independent Living Program
GA DFCS Child Welfare Policy Manual Chapter 13: Independent Living Program
 
Confidentiality, Transparency, and Accountability: A Delicate Balance in Chil...
Confidentiality, Transparency, and Accountability: A Delicate Balance in Chil...Confidentiality, Transparency, and Accountability: A Delicate Balance in Chil...
Confidentiality, Transparency, and Accountability: A Delicate Balance in Chil...
 
Child's Right to Counsel in Dependency Proceedings
Child's Right to Counsel in Dependency ProceedingsChild's Right to Counsel in Dependency Proceedings
Child's Right to Counsel in Dependency Proceedings
 
Detention Assessment Instrument and DMC Impact
Detention Assessment Instrument and DMC ImpactDetention Assessment Instrument and DMC Impact
Detention Assessment Instrument and DMC Impact
 

Recently uploaded

SecuritiesContracts(Regulation)Act,1956.pdf
SecuritiesContracts(Regulation)Act,1956.pdfSecuritiesContracts(Regulation)Act,1956.pdf
SecuritiesContracts(Regulation)Act,1956.pdfDrNiteshSaraswat
 
Comparison of GenAI benchmarking models for legal use cases
Comparison of GenAI benchmarking models for legal use casesComparison of GenAI benchmarking models for legal use cases
Comparison of GenAI benchmarking models for legal use casesritwikv20
 
如何办理(GWU毕业证书)乔治华盛顿大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(GWU毕业证书)乔治华盛顿大学毕业证学位证书如何办理(GWU毕业证书)乔治华盛顿大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(GWU毕业证书)乔治华盛顿大学毕业证学位证书SD DS
 
如何办理威斯康星大学密尔沃基分校毕业证学位证书
 如何办理威斯康星大学密尔沃基分校毕业证学位证书 如何办理威斯康星大学密尔沃基分校毕业证学位证书
如何办理威斯康星大学密尔沃基分校毕业证学位证书Fir sss
 
Special Accounting Areas - Hire purchase agreement
Special Accounting Areas - Hire purchase agreementSpecial Accounting Areas - Hire purchase agreement
Special Accounting Areas - Hire purchase agreementShubhiSharma858417
 
如何办理(uOttawa毕业证书)渥太华大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(uOttawa毕业证书)渥太华大学毕业证学位证书如何办理(uOttawa毕业证书)渥太华大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(uOttawa毕业证书)渥太华大学毕业证学位证书SD DS
 
VIETNAM – LATEST GUIDE TO CONTRACT MANUFACTURING AND TOLLING AGREEMENTS
VIETNAM – LATEST GUIDE TO CONTRACT MANUFACTURING AND TOLLING AGREEMENTSVIETNAM – LATEST GUIDE TO CONTRACT MANUFACTURING AND TOLLING AGREEMENTS
VIETNAM – LATEST GUIDE TO CONTRACT MANUFACTURING AND TOLLING AGREEMENTSDr. Oliver Massmann
 
如何办理(Rice毕业证书)莱斯大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(Rice毕业证书)莱斯大学毕业证学位证书如何办理(Rice毕业证书)莱斯大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(Rice毕业证书)莱斯大学毕业证学位证书SD DS
 
Constitutional Values & Fundamental Principles of the ConstitutionPPT.pptx
Constitutional Values & Fundamental Principles of the ConstitutionPPT.pptxConstitutional Values & Fundamental Principles of the ConstitutionPPT.pptx
Constitutional Values & Fundamental Principles of the ConstitutionPPT.pptxsrikarna235
 
如何办理(UoM毕业证书)曼彻斯特大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(UoM毕业证书)曼彻斯特大学毕业证学位证书如何办理(UoM毕业证书)曼彻斯特大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(UoM毕业证书)曼彻斯特大学毕业证学位证书srst S
 
定制(WMU毕业证书)美国西密歇根大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
定制(WMU毕业证书)美国西密歇根大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一定制(WMU毕业证书)美国西密歇根大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
定制(WMU毕业证书)美国西密歇根大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一jr6r07mb
 
An Introduction guidance of the European Union Law 2020_EU Seminar 4.pptx
An Introduction guidance of the European Union Law 2020_EU Seminar 4.pptxAn Introduction guidance of the European Union Law 2020_EU Seminar 4.pptx
An Introduction guidance of the European Union Law 2020_EU Seminar 4.pptxKUHANARASARATNAM1
 
如何办理纽约州立大学石溪分校毕业证学位证书
 如何办理纽约州立大学石溪分校毕业证学位证书 如何办理纽约州立大学石溪分校毕业证学位证书
如何办理纽约州立大学石溪分校毕业证学位证书Fir sss
 
如何办理(UNK毕业证书)内布拉斯加大学卡尼尔分校毕业证学位证书
如何办理(UNK毕业证书)内布拉斯加大学卡尼尔分校毕业证学位证书如何办理(UNK毕业证书)内布拉斯加大学卡尼尔分校毕业证学位证书
如何办理(UNK毕业证书)内布拉斯加大学卡尼尔分校毕业证学位证书SD DS
 
如何办理新加坡南洋理工大学毕业证(本硕)NTU学位证书
如何办理新加坡南洋理工大学毕业证(本硕)NTU学位证书如何办理新加坡南洋理工大学毕业证(本硕)NTU学位证书
如何办理新加坡南洋理工大学毕业证(本硕)NTU学位证书Fir L
 
Good Governance Practices for protection of Human Rights (Discuss Transparen...
Good Governance Practices for protection  of Human Rights (Discuss Transparen...Good Governance Practices for protection  of Human Rights (Discuss Transparen...
Good Governance Practices for protection of Human Rights (Discuss Transparen...shubhuc963
 
Alexis O'Connell Alexis Lee mugshot Lexileeyogi 512-840-8791
Alexis O'Connell Alexis Lee mugshot Lexileeyogi 512-840-8791Alexis O'Connell Alexis Lee mugshot Lexileeyogi 512-840-8791
Alexis O'Connell Alexis Lee mugshot Lexileeyogi 512-840-8791BlayneRush1
 
Rights of under-trial Prisoners in India
Rights of under-trial Prisoners in IndiaRights of under-trial Prisoners in India
Rights of under-trial Prisoners in IndiaAbheet Mangleek
 
Trial Tilak t 1897,1909, and 1916 sedition
Trial Tilak t 1897,1909, and 1916 seditionTrial Tilak t 1897,1909, and 1916 sedition
Trial Tilak t 1897,1909, and 1916 seditionNilamPadekar1
 

Recently uploaded (20)

SecuritiesContracts(Regulation)Act,1956.pdf
SecuritiesContracts(Regulation)Act,1956.pdfSecuritiesContracts(Regulation)Act,1956.pdf
SecuritiesContracts(Regulation)Act,1956.pdf
 
Comparison of GenAI benchmarking models for legal use cases
Comparison of GenAI benchmarking models for legal use casesComparison of GenAI benchmarking models for legal use cases
Comparison of GenAI benchmarking models for legal use cases
 
如何办理(GWU毕业证书)乔治华盛顿大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(GWU毕业证书)乔治华盛顿大学毕业证学位证书如何办理(GWU毕业证书)乔治华盛顿大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(GWU毕业证书)乔治华盛顿大学毕业证学位证书
 
如何办理威斯康星大学密尔沃基分校毕业证学位证书
 如何办理威斯康星大学密尔沃基分校毕业证学位证书 如何办理威斯康星大学密尔沃基分校毕业证学位证书
如何办理威斯康星大学密尔沃基分校毕业证学位证书
 
Special Accounting Areas - Hire purchase agreement
Special Accounting Areas - Hire purchase agreementSpecial Accounting Areas - Hire purchase agreement
Special Accounting Areas - Hire purchase agreement
 
如何办理(uOttawa毕业证书)渥太华大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(uOttawa毕业证书)渥太华大学毕业证学位证书如何办理(uOttawa毕业证书)渥太华大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(uOttawa毕业证书)渥太华大学毕业证学位证书
 
VIETNAM – LATEST GUIDE TO CONTRACT MANUFACTURING AND TOLLING AGREEMENTS
VIETNAM – LATEST GUIDE TO CONTRACT MANUFACTURING AND TOLLING AGREEMENTSVIETNAM – LATEST GUIDE TO CONTRACT MANUFACTURING AND TOLLING AGREEMENTS
VIETNAM – LATEST GUIDE TO CONTRACT MANUFACTURING AND TOLLING AGREEMENTS
 
如何办理(Rice毕业证书)莱斯大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(Rice毕业证书)莱斯大学毕业证学位证书如何办理(Rice毕业证书)莱斯大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(Rice毕业证书)莱斯大学毕业证学位证书
 
Constitutional Values & Fundamental Principles of the ConstitutionPPT.pptx
Constitutional Values & Fundamental Principles of the ConstitutionPPT.pptxConstitutional Values & Fundamental Principles of the ConstitutionPPT.pptx
Constitutional Values & Fundamental Principles of the ConstitutionPPT.pptx
 
如何办理(UoM毕业证书)曼彻斯特大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(UoM毕业证书)曼彻斯特大学毕业证学位证书如何办理(UoM毕业证书)曼彻斯特大学毕业证学位证书
如何办理(UoM毕业证书)曼彻斯特大学毕业证学位证书
 
定制(WMU毕业证书)美国西密歇根大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
定制(WMU毕业证书)美国西密歇根大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一定制(WMU毕业证书)美国西密歇根大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
定制(WMU毕业证书)美国西密歇根大学毕业证成绩单原版一比一
 
An Introduction guidance of the European Union Law 2020_EU Seminar 4.pptx
An Introduction guidance of the European Union Law 2020_EU Seminar 4.pptxAn Introduction guidance of the European Union Law 2020_EU Seminar 4.pptx
An Introduction guidance of the European Union Law 2020_EU Seminar 4.pptx
 
如何办理纽约州立大学石溪分校毕业证学位证书
 如何办理纽约州立大学石溪分校毕业证学位证书 如何办理纽约州立大学石溪分校毕业证学位证书
如何办理纽约州立大学石溪分校毕业证学位证书
 
如何办理(UNK毕业证书)内布拉斯加大学卡尼尔分校毕业证学位证书
如何办理(UNK毕业证书)内布拉斯加大学卡尼尔分校毕业证学位证书如何办理(UNK毕业证书)内布拉斯加大学卡尼尔分校毕业证学位证书
如何办理(UNK毕业证书)内布拉斯加大学卡尼尔分校毕业证学位证书
 
如何办理新加坡南洋理工大学毕业证(本硕)NTU学位证书
如何办理新加坡南洋理工大学毕业证(本硕)NTU学位证书如何办理新加坡南洋理工大学毕业证(本硕)NTU学位证书
如何办理新加坡南洋理工大学毕业证(本硕)NTU学位证书
 
Good Governance Practices for protection of Human Rights (Discuss Transparen...
Good Governance Practices for protection  of Human Rights (Discuss Transparen...Good Governance Practices for protection  of Human Rights (Discuss Transparen...
Good Governance Practices for protection of Human Rights (Discuss Transparen...
 
Alexis O'Connell Alexis Lee mugshot Lexileeyogi 512-840-8791
Alexis O'Connell Alexis Lee mugshot Lexileeyogi 512-840-8791Alexis O'Connell Alexis Lee mugshot Lexileeyogi 512-840-8791
Alexis O'Connell Alexis Lee mugshot Lexileeyogi 512-840-8791
 
young Call Girls in Pusa Road🔝 9953330565 🔝 escort Service
young Call Girls in  Pusa Road🔝 9953330565 🔝 escort Serviceyoung Call Girls in  Pusa Road🔝 9953330565 🔝 escort Service
young Call Girls in Pusa Road🔝 9953330565 🔝 escort Service
 
Rights of under-trial Prisoners in India
Rights of under-trial Prisoners in IndiaRights of under-trial Prisoners in India
Rights of under-trial Prisoners in India
 
Trial Tilak t 1897,1909, and 1916 sedition
Trial Tilak t 1897,1909, and 1916 seditionTrial Tilak t 1897,1909, and 1916 sedition
Trial Tilak t 1897,1909, and 1916 sedition
 

Georgia Dependency and Parental Rights Proceedings Explained

  • 1. Dependency and Termination of Parental Rights
  • 2. Article 3: Dependency 15-11-100: Purpose of this article is -  Assist and protect children whose physical or mental health and welfare is substantially at risk of harm from abuse, neglect or exploitation AND who may be further threatened by the conduct of others by providing for the resolution of dependency proceedings in juvenile court.  Ensure that dependency proceedings are conducted expeditiously to avoid delays in permanency plans for children.  Provide the greatest protection as promptly as possible for children.  Ensure that the health, safety and best interests of a child be the paramount concern in all dependency proceedings.
  • 3. Dependency Proceedings: Best Interests  15-11-26: Whenever a best interests determination is required, the court shall consider and evaluate all of the factors affecting the best interests of the child in the context of the child’s age and developmental needs.  Statute includes list of 20 factors that must be included in court’s best interests evaluation.
  • 4. Child Advocacy in Dependency Proceedings Child’s Attorney 15-11-103: A child shall have right to attorney at all stages of dependency proceedings.  Appointment before first court hearing that may substantially affect child’s interests.  Representation shall continue in any subsequent appeals unless excused by court.  Child’s right to an attorney not waivable.
  • 5. Child Advocacy in Dependency Proceedings Guardian ad Litem – Attorney or CASA 15-11-104(a): The court shall appoint a Guardian ad Litem for an alleged dependent child.  Best interests evaluation to be made in context of child’s age and developmental needs.  15-11-105(b) – 13 factors to be considered when evaluating child’s best interests.  For thorough best interests evaluation, evaluate additional factors described in 15-11-26.  15-11-105(c) defines minimum duties and responsibilities.
  • 6. Legal Options Before Removal or Adjudicatory Proceedings 15-11-101(a): Investigator of child abuse and neglect report may apply to court for:  Physical examination and evaluation of child or other children in home by a physician: Requires showing of probable cause in an affidavit executed by applicant.  Psychological or psychiatric examination and evaluation of a child or other children in the household by psychologist, psychiatrist or licensed mental health professional: Requires showing of probable cause in an affidavit executed by applicant AND after a hearing.  Forensic examination and evaluation of a child or other children in the household by psychologist, psychiatrist or licensed mental health professional: Requires showing of probable cause in an affidavit executed by applicant AND after a hearing.  Physical, psychological or psychiatric examination of child’s parent, guardian or legal custodian: Requires showing of probable cause in an affidavit executed by applicant AND after a hearing.
  • 7. Dependency Proceedings: Removal Statutory language guiding legal basis for removal:  15-11-1: It is the intent of the General Assembly to preserve and strengthen family relationships, countenancing the removal of a child from his or her home only when state intervention is essential to protect such child and enable him or her to live in security and stability.  15-11-132(b): Exceptional circumstances  15-11-132(b): Necessity of child’s removal in order to safeguard child’s welfare  15-11-134: Child’s continuation in his or her home is contrary to the child’s welfare.
  • 8. Preliminary Protective Hearing  15-11-102(a) and 15-11-145(a): To be held no later than 72 hours after child placed in protective custody.  15-11-145(c) - If no parental notification, parent does not appear or waive appearance, and files affidavit stating these facts, Preliminary Protective Hearing held again without unnecessary delay.  15-11-145(f) – Court shall inform parties of contents of complaint and nature of proceedings in terms understandable to the parties, as well as parties’ due process rights.
  • 9. Petition for Dependency • 15-11-150: DFCS employee, law enforcement officer or any person who has actual knowledge or is informed of child abuse, neglect or abandonment can file Petition for Dependency. • No requirement in Article 3 for endorsement of Petition for Dependency. • 15-11-280(b): Petition to terminate parental rights shall be made, verified and endorsed by the court as provided in Article 3 of this chapter for a petition alleging dependency. • Check with your court regarding endorsements of Petitions for Dependency.
  • 10. Amendments to Petition for Dependency  15-11-153(a) – May amend petition at any time to cure defects of form and, prior to adjudicatory hearing, to include new allegations of facts or requests for adjudication.  If petition amended after initial service for anything except curing defects of form, must serve on parties and provide copy to attorneys of record.  15-11-153(c) – Court shall grant parties additional time to prepare only as may be required to ensure and full and fair hearing.  If child is in protective custody, adjudicatory hearing shall not be delayed more than 10 days beyond original date of hearing.
  • 11. Petition for Dependency: Time Frames  15-11-102(b) & 15-11-151(b): If child released from foster care at Preliminary Protective Hearing, petition to be filed within 30 days of hearing.  15-11-102(b) & 15-11-181(a): Adjudication hearing held no later than 60 days after filing of petition.  15-11-102(c), 15-11-145(g) & 15-11-151(a): If child remains in foster care after Preliminary Protective Hearing, petition to be filed within 5 days of hearing.  15-11-102(c) & 15-11-181(a): Adjudication hearing held no later than 10 days after filing of petition.  15-11-181(a): If adjudicatory hearing not complete within 60 days from date child placed in protective custody, petition may be dismissed without prejudice.
  • 12. Petition for Dependency: Summons & Service  15-11-160(a): Summons to be served on child 14 years or old, parent, child’s attorney and child’s GAL, and others as directed by the court.  15-11-160(d): Child’s right to service of summons not waivable.  15-11-102(b) & 15-11-161(a): Party is within the state and can be found – personal service at least 72 hours before adjudicatory hearing.  15-11-161(b): Party is within the state and cannot be found but address is known OR party is outside the state and address is known - service by registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery at least 5 days before adjudicatory hearing.
  • 13. Petition for Dependency: Service by Publication  15-11-161(d) - Party cannot be found and address cannot be determined – service by publication.  Adjudicatory hearing must be at least 5 days after date of last publication.  Within 15 days after filing of Order for Service by Publication, clerk’s office shall mail copies of notice, order for service by publication and petition to party’s last known address.  Provisional hearing option the same:  Party served by publication does not appear at final adjudicatory hearing - provisional findings become final.  Party served by publication does appear at final adjudicatory hearing - provisional findings and order vacated and new adjudicatory hearing held.
  • 14. Petition for Dependency: Failure to Appear  15-11-162: If parent is served with Petition for Dependency and willfully fails to appear, court may order parent to appear to show cause why parent should not be held in contempt of court.  If parent fails to appear following service of show cause order, court may issue bench warrant.  Following show cause hearing, court may hold person in contempt under 15-11-31.  Sanction options include incarceration up to 20 days and fine up to $1,000.
  • 15. Dependency Proceedings: Discovery  15-11-170(a): Upon written request to the party having actual possession of material to be produced, any party shall have full access to the following:  Names & telephone numbers of each witness likely to be called to testify  Copy of any formal written statement made by child or any witness that party intends to call as witness  Scientific or other report  Drug screen of child or parent  Case plan for child or parent  Visitation schedule related to child  Photographs and any physical evidence intended to be introduced at hearing  Copies of any relevant law enforcement incident reports  Any other relevant evidence not requiring consent or court order.
  • 16. Dependency Proceedings: Discovery  15-11-170(b): Upon presentation of court order or written consent from appropriate person permitting access to the party having actual possession of material to be produced, any party shall have full access to following:  Psychological, developmental & physical assessments of child or parent  Child’s school records  Child’s medical records  Transcripts, recordings and summaries of any oral statement made by child or any witness  Family team meeting or multi-disciplinary team meeting report  Supplemental law enforcement reports  Immigration records concerning child
  • 17. Dependency Proceedings: Reciprocal Discovery  15-11-170(c): Any party requesting discovery under 15-11-170(a) or (b) has obligation of reciprocal discovery. Must promptly make the following available:  Names and contact information for each witness that forms basis of party’s defense or claim  Scientific or other report  Photographs and any physical evidence  Copy of any written statement made by any witness that party intends to call as witness at the hearing
  • 18. Court Order for Discovery  If request for discovery or consent for release is refused – motion for court order granting discovery.  Certification - request for discovery or request for consent for release was made and refused. Good faith efforts made to resolve.  Court may set conditions on discovery response IF party from whom discovery is sought makes sufficient showing that disclosure of information would:  Jeopardize safety of party, witness or confidential informant  Create substantial threat of physical or economic harm to a witness or other person  Endanger existence of physical evidence  Disclose privileged information  Impede criminal prosecution  Reciprocal discovery requirement
  • 19. Dependency Proceedings: Discovery Time Frames  Requests for discovery and reciprocal discovery must be complied with promptly and no later than:  5 days after request is received OR  72 hours prior to any hearing, except when later compliance is made necessary by timing of the request.  If discovery request is made less than 48 hours prior to adjudicatory hearing, discovery response shall be produced in a timely manner.  Continuing duty to produce discovery.
  • 20. Dependency Proceedings: Discovery  15-11-170(f): Child who is subject of dependency case shall not be deposed unless court orders deposition, under such conditions as court may order.  Court must find child’s deposition would further purposes of 15-11-170.  Court has discretion to order disclosure of any information the court deems necessary for proper adjudication.  15-11-170(g): If party fails to comply with order for discovery, court may:  Grant a continuance request;  Prohibit party from introducing into evidence the information not disclosed; or  Enter such other order as the court deems just under circumstances.  15-11-170(i): Any produced discovery can only be used during dependency case – may not be given to anyone else.
  • 21. Adjudicatory Hearing  15-11-180: Standard of proof and burden of proof – same as current law  15-11-181(d): Adjudicatory hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Georgia’s Evidence Code.  Relevant testimony or evidence may not be excluded on any ground of privilege except:  Attorney-client privilege, and  Communications between priest/rabbi/duly ordained minister and confidential communicant.  15-11-181(h): If court adjudicates child as dependent child, court must make a finding whether dependency is result of substance abuse by the parent.
  • 22. Dependency Proceedings: Continuances  15-11-110(a): Upon request of attorney for a party, court may continue hearing beyond statutory time frames.  No continuance if contrary to child’s best interests.  In evaluating child’s best interests, court shall give substantial weight to:  Child’s need for prompt resolution of custody status.  Need to provide child with stable environment, and  Damage to child from prolonged temporary placements.  15-11-110(b): Showing of good cause required for continuance. Must have evidentiary finding on the record.  No continuances for:  Need for discovery,  Convenience of the parties, and  Other pending matters except as required by attorney conflict rules.
  • 23. Dependency Proceedings: Reasonable Efforts  15-11-202(b): Child’s health and safety is of paramount concern in determination regarding appropriateness of reasonable efforts.  15-11-202(f): Court shall consider whether services were:  Relevant to safety and protection of child,  Adequate to meet needs of child and family,  Culturally and linguistically appropriate,  Available and accessible,  Consistent and timely, and  Realistic under the circumstances.  15-11-202(g): Finding of no reasonable efforts shall not preclude court’s issuance of order regarding child’s placement where court finds placement is necessary for protection of child.
  • 24. Dispositional Issues: Visitation  15-11-2(75): Period of access to a child by parent, guardian, legal custodian, sibling or other relative OR any person who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to child in order to maintain parental and familial involvement in child’s life when he or she is not residing with such person.  15-11-112(a): When a child removed from home, court shall order reasonable visitation that is consistent with child’s age and developmental needs if court finds visitation in child’s best interests.  15-11-112(b): Presumption of unsupervised visitation unless unsupervised visitation not in child’s best interests.  15-11-112(c): Within 30 days of court finding parent has not made substantial progress towards completion of case plan, court shall review terms of visitation and determine whether terms should be modified.
  • 25. Dispositional Issues: Case Plans  15-11-201: Case plan designed to achieve placement in most appropriate, least restrictive and most family-like setting available –  In close proximity to parents’ homes;  In proximity to school in which child enrolled at time of placement; and  Consistent with best interests and special needs of child.  Case plan to include –  Assessment of child’s and family’s strengths and needs, and type of placement best equipped to meet those needs.  Discussion of safety and appropriateness of placement.  Time-limited goals and date the time-limited services will be terminated.  Visitation schedule with siblings and appropriate relatives.  When placement is out-of-state or a substantial distance from parent’s home, reasons why placement is most appropriate and in child’s best interests.  If child placed out-of-state, case plan to document compliance with ICPC and rationale for out-of-state placement.
  • 26. Permanency Plan versus Permanent Placement  15-11-2(53): Permanency plan – specific written plan prepared by DFCS designed to ensure that a child is reunified with his or her family or ensure that such child quickly attains a substitute long-term home when return to child’s family is not possible or is not in child’s best interests.  15-11-2(54): Permanent placement means –  Return of the legal custody of a child to his or her parent;  Placement of a child with an adoptive parent pursuant to a final order of adoption; or  Placement of a child with a permanent guardian.  15-11-201(b)(14) and 15-11-232(c) – APPLA is permissible permanency plan. Document compelling reason why TPR is not in child’s best interests.  15-11-233(b)(2): Compelling reasons
  • 27. Non-Reunification Procedural Issues  15-11-204(d): DFCS has burden of demonstrating reunification not appropriate considering child’s health, safety and need for permanence.  Presumption that reunification is detrimental to child and reunification services should not be provided if court finds:  Parent unjustifiably failed to comply with court-ordered reunification case plan;  Child removed at least twice previously and reunification services provided on two prior cases;  Ground exists for TPR; or  Any of circumstances described in 15-11-203.
  • 28. Disposition Hearing • 15-11-102 and 15-11-210(a): Hearing must be held and completed within 30 days after conclusion of adjudicatory hearing. • 15-11-210(b): Court may consider any evidence relevant, reliable and necessary to determine child’s needs and most appropriate disposition. • During hearing, court must receive into evidence: • Social study report, if one, • DFCS case plan – filed with court at least 48 hours before disposition hearing, • GAL’s report, • Any psychological, medical developmental or educational evaluation of child, and • Any other relevant or material evidence.
  • 29. Disposition Hearing: Findings of Fact 15-11-213: Court must consider -  Why child’s bests interests and safety are served by disposition and case plan:  Interaction of child and family,  Child’s adjustment to home, school and community,  Mental and physical health of all persons involved,  Child’s wishes regarding placement,  Parent’s wishes regarding child’s custody,  Existence of relative or other individual qualified to care for child, and  Parent’s ability to care for child in parent’s home without harm to child.  Availability of services referenced in case plan  Alternative dispositions or services - why not appropriate in this case?  Appropriateness of placement, and  Reasonable efforts assessment
  • 30. Disposition Hearing: Court Order Options o 15-11-212: Any one or combination of the following orders of disposition: o All options under current law; o Order child and parent to participate in counseling designed to assist in deterring future conditions of dependency; o Order parent to participate in educational or counseling program designed to improve ability to provide proper parental care and control and supervision of child – including parenting classes; and o If child in protective custody in part due to parental substance abuse, order return to parent’s custody only if parent participates in substance abuse treatment and provides at least 6 consecutive months of clean random drug screens.
  • 31. Disposition Issues  15-11-214(a): Order of disposition shall continue in force until the purposes of the order have been accomplished.  No longer a need for extensions and second deprivation hearings.  15-11-214(b): Following motion by party or on sua sponte basis, court may terminate order of disposition if it appears purposes of the order have been accomplished.  15-11-210(f): At conclusion of the disposition hearing, court must set the dates and times for the first review hearing and for the permanency plan hearing.
  • 32. Review Hearings: Time Frames 15-11-102(d) and 15-11-216(a):  Initial review hearing – within 75 days after child’s removal from home.  Subsequent review within 4 months of initial review hearing.  Court has discretion to schedule any subsequent review hearings as necessary.
  • 33. Review Hearings: Notice 15-11-108: Court shall provide to all parties written notice of date, time, place and purpose of post-adjudication hearings.  Written notice shall be delivered to the recipient at least 72 hours before the hearing by U.S. mail, email or hand delivery. 15-11-109: DFCS must notify the foster placement of every hearing.  Written notice shall be delivered to the recipient at least 72 hours before the hearing by U.S. mail, email or hand delivery.
  • 34. Review Hearings: Findings of Fact **Paramount concern at any review hearing is the child’s health and safety. 15-11-218: Court shall issues written findings of fact that include:  Whether child continues to be a dependent child;  Whether existing case plan is still best case plan for child and family and whether any changes should be made;  Extent of case plan compliance by all parties;  Basis for any changes to child’s placement;  Whether visitation is and continues to be appropriate;  Progress being made on the permanency plan;  Whether all legally required services are being provided to child, child’s foster parents and parents;  Independent living services for child 14 years or older; and  Reasonable efforts assessment.
  • 35. Review Hearings: Order Options  15-11-218(b)(4): If court determines DFCS failed to implement any material provision of the case plan or abused its discretion in the placement or proposed placement of the child, court may make additional orders regarding the treatment plan or placement of the child to protect child’s best interests.  15-11-216(d): At any review subsequent to the initial review, if the court finds the parent has failed to make substantial progress towards completion of the case plan, court shall order DFCS to develop concurrent case plan or case plan with non-reunification permanency plan.
  • 36. Permanency Plan Hearings: Time Frames 15-11-102(e) and 15-11-230(b):  If DFCS files motion for non-reunification, hearing within 30 days of filing of motion.  For children under 7 years old on filing date of Petition for Dependency – hearing no later than 9 months after date child entered foster care Or NR time line above, whichever comes first.  For children 7 years or older on filing date of Petition for Dependency – hearing no later than 12 months after date child entered foster care Or NR time line above, whichever comes first. Thereafter, hearing every 6 months while child in DFCS custody. Can be more frequent as deemed necessary by court.
  • 37. Permanency Plan Hearings 15-11-230(a): Purpose - for court to determine future permanent legal status of child in DFCS custody. 15-11-230(d): All parties must be given written notice of hearing at least 5 days in advance of hearing. 15-11-231: At least 5 days before hearing, DFCS must file with court a report recommending permanency plan. 15-11-230(e): Court must consult with child in age-appropriate manner regarding proposed permanency plan. Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law – similar to current law
  • 38. Statutory Guidance for When Not to File for TPR 15-11-233(b) : Circumstances pursuant to which TPR not in child’s best interests, including examples of compelling reasons -  Parent successfully participating in reunification services;  Another permanency plan better suited to meet child’s health and safety needs;  Child is living with relative who is unwilling or unable to adopt, but who is willing to provide stable and permanent home for child AND removal from relative’s physical custody would be detrimental to child’s emotional well-being.  Court determined that DFCS did not make reasonable efforts under reunification permanency plan.  Child is unaccompanied refugee or there are international legal obligations or foreign policy reasons that preclude TPR.
  • 39. Article 4: Termination of Parental Rights 15-11-260: Purpose of this article is -  Protect dependent child from parent who is unwilling or unable to provide safety and care adequate to meet child’s needs.  Eliminate need for dependent child to wait unreasonable periods of time for parent to correct conditions which prevent child’s return to family.  Ensure continuing needs of dependent child for proper physical, mental and emotional growth and development are decisive considerations in all proceedings.  Ensure constitutional rights of all parties are recognized and enforced in all TPR proceedings, while ensuring child’s fundamental needs are not subjugated to interests of others.  Encourage stability in dependent child’s life by ensuring all proceedings are conducted expeditiously to avoid delays in resolving status of parent and in achieving permanency for child.
  • 40. Child Advocacy in TPR Proceedings Child’s Attorney 15-11-262: A child shall have right to attorney at all stages of TPR proceedings.  Appointment before first court hearing that may substantially affect child’s interests.  Representation shall continue in any subsequent appeals unless excused by court.  Child’s right to an attorney not waivable. Guardian ad Litem  15-11-262(d): court may appoint GAL for child in TPR proceeding at request of child’s attorney or on sua sponte basis.  GAL may be same person as child’s attorney unless conflict.  GAL has same role as defined under Article 3.
  • 41. TPR Proceedings Issues  15-11-263: Court may order dependent child or parent to participate in physical or mental evaluation. Moving party to pay cost unless cost apportioned by court.  15-11-270: Jurisdiction and transfer rules – same as current law.  15-11-280: Petition requirements similar to those under Dependency Article.  15-11-264: Discovery rules same as under Dependency Article.  15-11-265: Once TPR petition has been filed, parent shall thereafter be without authority to execute an act of surrender or otherwise to affect custody of his or her child except parent may:  Execute act of surrender in favor of DFCS, and  Consent to judgment terminating parental rights.
  • 42. TPR Proceedings: Summons and Service  While Summons must issue and be served upon child 14 years or older, as well as child’s attorney and child’s GAL in dependency proceedings, 15-11- 281 requires that Summons must issue and be served upon child’s attorney and child’s GAL, if any, in TPR proceedings.  15-11-281(b): Court shall direct notice and copy of TPR petition be provided to child 14 years or older. Not waivable by child or child’s representative.  Service – same time frames as current law.  15-11-285: If parent is served with Petition for Termination of Parental Rights and fails to appear without reasonable cause, court may order parent to appear to show cause why parent should not be held in contempt of court.
  • 43. TPR Proceedings: Biological Fathers 15-11-283(a): Biological father entitled to be served if: • Paternity previously established in judicial proceeding; • Identity known to petitioner or petitioner’s attorney; • Registrant on Putative Father Registry and has acknowledged paternity of child; • Registrant on Putative Father Registry and has indicated possible paternity of child; or • Lived with child, contributed to child’s support, made attempt to legitimate or provided support or medical care for mother during pregnancy or hospitalization for birth of child. 15-11-283(d): If identity of biological father is unknown and none of the above applies, then rebuttably presumed biological father not entitled to notice. If not rebutted, court may enter order terminating biological father’s rights.
  • 44. TPR Proceedings: Time Frames 15-11-301:  If no just cause shown for delay, all TPR proceedings shall be conducted within 90 days of date TPR petition is filed.  If no just cause shown for delay, order of disposition shall be issued no later than 30 days after the conclusion of the hearing on the TPR petition.  Failure to comply with the time requirements of 15-11-301 shall not be grounds to invalidate an otherwise proper order terminating parental rights unless court determines delay resulted in substantial prejudice to a party.
  • 45. Without Proper Parental Care and Control Similar to current law, except:  15-11-311(b): In determining whether a child who is not in parent’s custody is without proper parental care and control, the court shall consider whether such parent, without justifiable cause, has failed significantly for a period of six months prior to date of the termination hearing:  To develop and maintain parental bond with child in a meaningful and supportive manner;  Provide for care and support of child as required by law or judicial decree; and  To comply with court ordered plan designed to reunite parent and child.
  • 46. Impact of TPR Order 15-11-261:  Parent has ongoing child support obligation until adoption finalized.  Child’s right to inherit continues until adoption finalized.  Child’s right to pursue civil action against parent not impacted.  Relationship between child and siblings continues until adoption finalized.  Until adoption finalized, relatives continue to be considered as such for purposes of placement and permanency plan.
  • 47. Reinstatement of Parental Rights: Right of the Child  15-11-323(a): A child who has not been adopted after passage of at least 3 years from date of TPR or date of voluntary surrender of parental rights to DFCS and for whom court determined adoption is not permanency plan may petition court to reinstate parental rights.  15-11-323(b): Former parent and foster parents are not parties, but have right to be heard at hearing on child’s petition for reinstatement.  Child’s petition shall be dismissed if parent cannot be located or parent objects to reinstatement.
  • 48. Reinstatement of Parental Rights  15-11-323(e): Reinstatement shall be a recognition that situation of parent and child has changed since the time of the TPR - reunification is now appropriate.  15-11-323(c): Court shall grant child’s petition for reinstatement if court finds by clear and convincing evidence that child is no longer likely to be adopted and reinstatement is in child’s best interests. Evaluation of best interests shall include:  Whether parent is fit parent and has remedied parental deficits;  Age and maturity of child and ability of child to express his or her preference;  Whether reinstatement will present risk to child’s health, welfare or safety; and  Other material changes in circumstances, if any, that may have occurred which warrant granting the reinstatement petition.  15-11-323(f): Reinstatement code section is intended to be retroactive – applies to any child under the jurisdiction of the court at the time of the reinstatement hearing regardless of the date parental rights were terminated.
  • 49. Stephany L. Zaic Williams & Zaic, LLC Telephone: 706-244-4323 Email: ngacwls@gmail.com