Stages of a Juvenile Dependency Case in California

California’s juvenile dependency system is designed to protect children who have been abused, neglected, or placed at risk of harm. When a child is removed from their parent’s custody or a child welfare agency files a petition under Welfare & Institutions Code (WIC) §300, the case proceeds through a series of hearings in juvenile court. Each hearing serves a specific purpose, governed by the WIC, and follows strict timelines to ensure both child safety and family reunification whenever possible.

1. Detention Hearing (WIC §§319, 322)

The first hearing is the detention hearing, which must occur within 48 hours of a child’s removal from parental custody (excluding nonjudicial days). The court decides whether there is prima facie evidence that the child falls under WIC §300 and whether it is necessary to keep the child detained pending further proceedings. Parents are appointed counsel if they cannot afford one, and the court addresses issues such as relative placement, visitation, and services. If the child can be safely returned home with a safety plan, the court may order release

2. Jurisdiction Hearing (WIC §§355, 356)

At the jurisdiction hearing, the court determines whether the allegations in the dependency petition are true. This hearing is similar to a trial: the county child welfare agency presents evidence, and parents may contest the allegations, cross-examine witnesses, and present their own evidence. The standard of proof is a preponderance of the evidence. If the court finds the allegations true, the child is declared a dependent of the court, and the case moves to the next stage.

3. Disposition Hearing (WIC §§358, 361)

Often combined with the jurisdiction hearing, the disposition hearing focuses on what should happen to the child going forward. The court reviews the social worker’s case plan, including recommended placement (home of parent, relative, foster home), reunification services, and visitation. If the child is removed from a parent’s custody, the court must find clear and convincing evidence that remaining in the home would be detrimental to the child. The disposition order sets the roadmap for reunification or alternative permanency planning.

4. Review Hearings (WIC §§364, 366, 366.21, 366.22)

Review hearings are critical checkpoints to monitor the family’s progress and the child’s well-being. There are several types:

• Six-Month Review (WIC §366.21(e)): Held six months after disposition. The court evaluates the parent’s progress with services and decides whether to return the child home, continue reunification efforts, or move toward termination of services if progress is lacking.
• Twelve-Month Review (WIC §366.21(f)): Conducted twelve months after the child entered foster care. The court again considers return to parent, extension of services, or setting a permanency hearing. Services may be extended up to 18 months if there is a substantial probability of reunification.
• Eighteen-Month Review (WIC §366.22): The final statutory review. If the child is not safely returned home, the court typically terminates reunification services and sets a permanency hearing.
• In-Home Status Review (WIC §364): If the child remains with a parent under court supervision, the court reviews the case at least every six months to ensure the conditions justifying jurisdiction no longer exist before terminating jurisdiction.

5. Permanency Planning Hearing (WIC §366.26)

When reunification fails, the case proceeds to a selection and implementation hearing, commonly called a .26 hearing. The court selects a permanent plan for the child: adoption (often accompanied by termination of parental rights), legal guardianship, or planned permanent living arrangement. The goal is to secure stability and permanency for the child as quickly as possible.

6. Post-Permanency Reviews (WIC §§366.3, 366.4)

After a permanent plan is ordered, the court continues to hold reviews—typically every six months—to monitor the child’s placement, services, and well-being. If circumstances change, the court may modify orders, reopen reunification efforts in rare cases, or finalize adoption.

Conclusion

California juvenile dependency cases move through a series of structured hearings, each governed by strict timelines and statutory requirements. From the detention hearing (WIC §319) to the permanency planning hearing (WIC §366.26), the process balances two critical goals: protecting children from harm and supporting families in reunifying when safe to do so. For parents and caregivers, understanding these hearings—and the code sections that govern them—can demystify the process and empower them to engage meaningfully in their case.

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