Permanency Planning Hearing

California Dependency Courts are mandated to have what is known as  “concurrant planning”, to seek reunification between Parent and Child for up to the first 18 months that a child is out of the home, and thereafter, if reunification was not possible,  to formulate a “permanent plan” for out of home placement, including Adoption, Guardianship or Long Term Fostercare.  

California Dependency Courts have the goal for a child to be placed in long-lasting and stable living conditions where he or she will be loved and well cared for while growing up. In reviewing a case, the court will select a Reunification Plan that it believes best suits a child’s needs and situation. In many cases, the plan may provide parents with guidelines to follow to remedy circumstances that led to removing their child. Thereafter, based on whether the parents have completed remedial programs and whether the court feels the home is now safe for the child, the child may be allowed to reunite with his or her family. Otherwise, a Permanent Plan outside of the Parents’ home will be adopted.  

Numerous review hearings may be held and the purpose of most hearings is to check on the progress of the parents’ reunification efforts, and then revise or take it to the next stage, as appropriate.

We take great satisfaction in helping children become part of loving homes, whether returning to their parents, settling in with close relatives, or knowing they are safe with a caring, adoptive family. Our attorneys represent parents, grandparents, other relatives and caretakers in permanency planning hearings in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Please send us an email or call our office at 310-391-6800 with your questions. We will be happy to arrange a consultation.