This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding the periodic review hearings for dependent children. It mandates that the Department of Child Safety (DCS) must provide a report to the court and all parties at least 15 days prior to any periodic review hearing, detailing the child's placement, services provided, progress on case plan goals, and the child's dependency status. Additionally, it expands the list of individuals who must be notified of these hearings to include the child's tribe if they are a member of an Indian tribe.

Furthermore, the bill outlines specific requirements for the court at the conclusion of a periodic review hearing, including the necessity to either dismiss the petition if the child is no longer dependent or to make findings regarding the child's continued dependency. If the child remains dependent, the court must enter orders concerning placement, custody, and services, as well as set future hearings and advise parents of the potential consequences of non-compliance. The bill also introduces procedural changes for evidentiary hearings, requiring parties to file motions that detail contested issues and witness information, and allows the court to consider various forms of evidence during these hearings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-847
Senate Engrossed Version: 8-847