At the dispositional hearing, the court hears testimony and reviews reports recommending what should be done for the child. Possible dispositions include:
dismissing the action if the aid and assistance of the Court is not needed; or
releasing the child to the parents or guardian, with supervision and services provided by child-protective agencies; or
placing the child in foster care or with a suitable person or relative for a period of time, while services are provided to the parents to allow for a possible return of the child at a future date; or
final order of protection (may be until child’s 18th birthday); or
suspended judgement ( 12 months).
A child may be placed in foster care for a period of up to one year. The court has continuing jurisdiction, the child remains legally placed until each permanency hearing is complete and permanency is achieved. All cases of children placed out of their homes must remain on the family court’s calendar until permanency has been achieved. The court must pre-schedule all permanency hearings.