The first permanency hearing must be be held 8 months after child is placed and every 6 months thereafter. ACS is required by law to send notice and a "sworn permanency hearing report", 14 days prior to the hearing, to the parties and their attorneys, Attorney for Child, agency, relatives caring for the child and pre-adoptive parents.
The court must determine the appropriateness of the agency's permanency plan. Also, the court must determine if the agency is making reasonable efforts to effectuate the plan.