The next hearing is a jurisdictional hearing.  If the child is detained by the court a hearing must be set within 15 court days of the detention order.  If the child is not detained the hearing will be set within 30 calendar days. At this hearing the court determines the truth of the petition’s allegations that the child comes within Welfare and Institutions Code Section 300 and is within the court’s jurisdiction.  The Social Services department has the burden of proof.  They can meet this burden by submitting a report as evidence.  If the court determines they have jurisdiction over the child, then they can make further visitation orders for the parents, the grandparents, and siblings.  The court must give the parents that if they do not reunify with their children within 12 months from the date the child entered foster care for a child three years old and older, and 6 months for a child three years or younger their parental rights will be terminated.

Since there are strict time requirements and it is important to fight against the court having jurisdiction it is important to consult with a knowledgeable dependency attorney.  Wallin & Klarich has more than 30 years of experience in dependency. Our attorneys know from long experience what works in dependency cases, and are prepared to fight to get you the best possible outcome. With 16 attorneys in 33 offices throughout Southern California, we can be there when you need us — wherever you are. If you’re thinking of hiring an attorney for a dependency case, call us today at 1-888-749-7428 for a consultation.