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Dependency Court

Overview
Juvenile Court Division

Dependency cases are generally initiated by Children and Youth Services (CYS) in the interest of children who are believed to be without proper care. In these situations, CYS files a standard dependency petition in the appropriate Common Pleas court that declares the reasons why a child is without proper parental care and should be under court supervision.

Types of Proceedings

  • A Shelter Care Hearing is the first Court Hearing after a child has been removed from the care of a parent. The Shelter Care is held within 72 hours, not including weekends or holidays. The primary purpose of the hearing is to determine whether the child can be immediately and safely returned home while the adjudication of the dependency is pending.
  • Adjudication Hearings determine whether the child should remain outside of their parent's care and if supervision is necessary. If supervision is required, the hearing also decides on the child's placement and the services needed to support their well-being.
  • Permanency Review Hearings are held within a 6-month period starting after the Adjudication Hearing. The review is to see how well the court's plan to reunite the family is progressing and whether or not the court's involvement needs to continue.
  • Dispositional Hearings are scheduled when the placement of the child is contested.
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