TarrantCountyLawOffice.com
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Family Law Offices in Tarrant CountyThe statutes on this website are current through the 3rd Called Session of the 78th Legislature. The Texas Legislative Council nor The Law Offices of |
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§ 263.001. DEFINITIONS. (a) In this chapter: (1) "Department" means the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. (2) "Child's home" means the place of residence of at least one of the child's parents. (3) "Household" means a unit composed of persons living together in the same dwelling, without regard to whether they are related to each other. (4) "Substitute care" means the placement of a child who is in the conservatorship of the department or an authorized agency in care outside the child's home. The term includes foster care, institutional care, adoption, or placement with a relative of the child. (b) In the preparation and review of a service plan under this chapter, a reference to the parents of the child includes both parents of the child unless the child has only one parent or unless, after due diligence by the department in attempting to locate a parent, only one parent is located, in which case the reference is to the remaining parent. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 751, § 108, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. § 263.002. REVIEW OF PLACEMENTS BY COURT. In a suit affecting the parent-child relationship in which the department or an authorized agency has been appointed by the court or designated in an affidavit of relinquishment of parental rights as the temporary or permanent managing conservator of a child, the court shall hold a hearing to review the conservatorship appointment and substitute care. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 751, § 109, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. § 263.005. ENFORCEMENT OF FAMILY SERVICE PLAN. The department shall designate existing department personnel to ensure that the parties to a family service plan comply with the plan. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 943, § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. § 263.006. WARNING TO PARENTS. At the status hearing under Subchapter C and at each permanency hearing under Subchapter D held after the court has rendered a temporary order appointing the department as temporary managing conservator, the court shall inform each parent in open court that parental and custodial rights and duties may be subject to restriction or to termination unless the parent or parents are willing and able to provide the child with a safe environment. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 80, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. § 263.101. DEPARTMENT TO FILE SERVICE PLAN. Not later than the 45th day after the date the court renders a temporary order appointing the department as temporary managing conservator of a child under Chapter 262, the department or other agency appointed as the managing conservator of a child shall file a service plan. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1150, § 24, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1390, § 43, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. § 263.1015. SERVICE PLAN NOT REQUIRED. A service plan is not required under this subchapter in a suit brought by the department for the termination of the parent-child relationship for a child who has been abandoned without identification and whose identity cannot be determined. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 7, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. § 263.102. SERVICE PLAN; CONTENTS. (a) The service plan must: (1) be specific; (2) be in writing; (3) be prepared by the department or other agency in conference with the child's parents; (4) state appropriate deadlines; (5) state whether the goal of the plan is: (A) return of the child to the child's parents; (B) termination of parental rights and placement of the child for adoption; or (C) because of the child's special needs or exceptional circumstances, continuation of the child's care out of the child's home; (6) state steps that are necessary to: (A) return the child to the child's home if the placement is in foster care; (B) enable the child to remain in the child's home with the assistance of a service plan if the placement is in the home under the department's or other agency's supervision; or (C) otherwise provide a permanent safe placement for the child; (7) state the actions and responsibilities that are necessary for the child's parents to take to achieve the plan goal during the period of the service plan and the assistance to be provided to the parents by the department or other authorized agency toward meeting that goal; (8) state the name of the person with the department or other agency whom the child's parents may contact for information relating to the child if other than the person preparing the plan; and (9) prescribe any other term or condition that the department or other agency determines to be necessary to the service plan's success. (b) The service plan shall include the following statement: TO THE PARENT: THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT DOCUMENT. ITS PURPOSE IS TO HELP YOU PROVIDE YOUR CHILD WITH A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE REASONABLE PERIOD SPECIFIED IN THE PLAN. IF YOU ARE UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO PROVIDE YOUR CHILD WITH A SAFE ENVIRONMENT, YOUR PARENTAL AND CUSTODIAL DUTIES AND RIGHTS MAY BE RESTRICTED OR TERMINATED OR YOUR CHILD MAY NOT BE RETURNED TO YOU. THERE WILL BE A COURT HEARING AT WHICH A JUDGE WILL REVIEW THIS SERVICE PLAN. (c) If both parents are available but do not live in the same household and do not agree to cooperate with one another in the development of a service plan for the child, the department in preparing the service plan may provide for the care of the child in the home of either parent or the homes of both parents as the best interest of the child requires. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. § 263.103. SERVICE PLAN: SIGNING AND TAKING EFFECT. (a) Before the service plan is signed, the child's parents and the representative of the department or other agency shall discuss each term and condition of the plan. (b) The child's parents and the person preparing the service plan shall sign the plan, and the department shall give each parent a copy of the service plan. (c) If the department or other authorized agency determines that the child's parents are unable or unwilling to sign the service plan, the department may file the plan without the parents' signatures. (d) The plan takes effect when: (1) the child's parents and the appropriate representative of the department or other authorized agency sign the plan; or (2) the department or other authorized agency files the plan without the parents' signatures. (e) The service plan is in effect until amended by the court. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. § 263.104. AMENDED SERVICE PLAN. (a) The service plan may be amended at any time. (b) The amended service plan supersedes the previously filed service plan and takes effect when: (1) the child's parents and the appropriate representative of the department or other authorized agency sign the plan; or (2) the department or other authorized agency determines that the child's parents are unable or unwilling to sign the amended plan and files it without the parents' signatures. (c) The amended service plan remains in effect until amended by the court. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. § 263.105. REVIEW OF SERVICE PLAN. (a) The service plan currently in effect shall be filed with the court. (b) The court shall review the plan at the next required hearing under this chapter after the plan is filed. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1150, § 25, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1390, § 44, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. § 263.106. COURT IMPLEMENTATION OF SERVICE PLAN. The court may render appropriate orders to implement or require compliance with an original or amended service plan. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. § 263.201. STATUS HEARING; TIME. (a) Not later than the 60th day after the date the court renders a temporary order appointing the department as temporary managing conservator of a child, the court shall hold a status hearing to review the child's status and the service plan developed for the child. (b) A status hearing is not required if the court holds an initial permanency hearing under Section 262.2015 before the date a status hearing is required by this section. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 8, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 3, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 81, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1150, § 26, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1390, § 45, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. § 263.202. STATUS HEARING; FINDINGS. (a) If all parties entitled to citation and notice under this chapter were not served, the court shall make findings as to whether: (1) the department or other agency has exercised due diligence to locate all necessary persons; and (2) each custodial parent, alleged father, or relative of the child before the court has furnished to the department all available information necessary to locate another absent parent, alleged father, or relative of the child through exercise of due diligence. (b) A status hearing shall be limited to matters related to the contents and execution of the service plan filed with the court. The court shall review the service plan that the department or other agency filed under this chapter for reasonableness, accuracy, and compliance with requirements of court orders and make findings as to whether: (1) a plan that has the goal of returning the child to the child's parents adequately ensures that reasonable efforts are made to enable the child's parents to provide a safe environment for the child; and (2) the child's parents have reviewed and understand the service plan and have been advised that unless the parents are willing and able to provide the child with a safe environment, even with the assistance of a service plan, within the reasonable period of time specified in the plan, the parents' parental and custodial duties and rights may be subject to restriction or to termination under this code or the child may not be returned to the parents. (c) The court shall advise the parties that progress under the service plan will be reviewed at all subsequent hearings. (d) If a service plan with respect to a parent has not been filed with the court, the court shall consider whether to waive the service plan under Section 262.2015. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 751, § 111, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1150, § 27, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1390, § 46, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 306, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 263.301. NOTICE. (a) Notice of a permanency hearing shall be given as provided by Rule 21a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, to all persons entitled to notice of the hearing. (b) The following persons are entitled to at least 10 days' notice of a permanency hearing and are entitled to present evidence and be heard at the hearing: (1) the department; (2) the foster parent, preadoptive parent, relative of the child providing care, or director of the group home or institution where the child is residing; (3) each parent of the child; (4) the managing conservator or guardian of the child; (5) an attorney ad litem appointed for the child under Chapter 107; (6) a volunteer advocate appointed for the child under Chapter 107; and (7) any other person or agency named by the court to have an interest in the child's welfare. (c) If a person entitled to notice under Chapter 102 or this section has not been served, the court shall review the department's or other agency's efforts at attempting to locate all necessary persons and requesting service of citation and the assistance of a parent in providing information necessary to locate an absent parent. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 10, eff. Jan 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 83, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 849, § 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 263.302. CHILD'S ATTENDANCE AT HEARING. The child shall attend each permanency hearing unless the court specifically excuses the child's attendance. Failure by the child to attend a hearing does not affect the validity of an order rendered at the hearing. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 11, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 84, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. § 263.3025. PERMANENCY PLAN. (a) The department shall prepare a permanency plan for a child for whom the department has been appointed temporary managing conservator. The department shall give a copy of the plan to each person entitled to notice under Section 263.301(b) not later than the 10th day before the date of the child's first permanency hearing. (b) In addition to the requirements of the department rules governing permanency planning, the permanency plan must contain the information required to be included in a permanency progress report under Section 263.303. (c) The department shall modify the permanency plan for a child as required by the circumstances and needs of the child. (d) In preparing the permanency plan for a child taken into possession under Subchapter D, Chapter 262, the department is not required to conduct a search for or give preference to the child's relatives for purposes of permanent placement if the department does not have information concerning the child's identity or the identities of the child's parents. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 12, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 7, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 85, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 809, § 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 263.303. PERMANENCY PROGRESS REPORT. (a) Not later than the 10th day before the date set for each permanency hearing other than the first permanency hearing, the department or other authorized agency shall file with the court and provide to each party, the child's attorney ad litem, and the child's volunteer advocate a permanency progress report unless the court orders a different period for providing the report. (b) The permanency progress report must: (1) recommend that the suit be dismissed; or (2) recommend that the suit continue, and: (A) identify the date for dismissal of the suit under this chapter; (B) provide: (i) the name of any person entitled to notice under Chapter 102 who has not been served; (ii) a description of the efforts by the department or another agency to locate and request service of citation; and (iii) a description of each parent's assistance in providing information necessary to locate an unserved party; (C) evaluate the parties' compliance with temporary orders and with the service plan; (D) evaluate whether the child's placement in substitute care meets the child's needs and recommend other plans or services to meet the child's special needs or circumstances; (E) describe the permanency plan for the child and recommend actions necessary to ensure that a final order consistent with that permanency plan is rendered before the date for dismissal of the suit under this chapter; and (F) with respect to a child 16 years of age or older, identify the services needed to assist the child in the transition to adult life. (c) A parent whose parental rights are the subject of a suit affecting the parent-child relationship, the attorney for that parent, or the child's attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem may file a response to the department's or other agency's report filed under Subsection (b). A response must be filed not later than the third day before the date of the hearing. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 751, § 112, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 13, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 8, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 86, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. § 263.304. INITIAL PERMANENCY HEARING; TIME. (a) Not later than the 180th day after the date the court renders a temporary order appointing the department as temporary managing conservator of a child, the court shall hold a permanency hearing to review the status of, and permanency plan for, the child to ensure that a final order consistent with that permanency plan is rendered before the date for dismissal of the suit under this chapter. (b) The court shall set a final hearing under this chapter on a date that allows the court to render a final order before the date for dismissal of the suit under this chapter. Any party to the suit or an attorney ad litem for the child may seek a writ of mandamus to compel the court to comply with the duties imposed by this subsection. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 751, § 113, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 14, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 9, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 87, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1090, § 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 263.305. SUBSEQUENT PERMANENCY HEARINGS. A subsequent permanency hearing before entry of a final order shall be held not later than the 120th day after the date of the last permanency hearing in the suit. For good cause shown or on the court's own motion, the court may order more frequent hearings. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 15, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 10, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 88, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. § 263.306. PERMANENCY HEARINGS: PROCEDURE. (a) At each permanency hearing the court shall: (1) identify all persons or parties present at the hearing or those given notice but failing to appear; (2) review the efforts of the department or another agency in: (A) attempting to locate all necessary persons; (B) requesting service of citation; and (C) obtaining the assistance of a parent in providing information necessary to locate an absent parent, alleged father, or relative of the child; (3) review the efforts of each custodial parent, alleged father, or relative of the child before the court in providing information necessary to locate another absent parent, alleged father, or relative of the child; (4) return the child to the parent or parents if the child's parent or parents are willing and able to provide the child with a safe environment and the return of the child is in the child's best interest; (5) place the child with a person or entity, other than a parent, entitled to service under Chapter 102 if the person or entity is willing and able to provide the child with a safe environment and the placement of the child is in the child's best interest; (6) evaluate the department's efforts to identify relatives who could provide the child with a safe environment, if the child is not returned to a parent or another person or entity entitled to service under Chapter 102; (7) evaluate the parties' compliance with temporary orders and the service plan; (8) determine whether: (A) the child continues to need substitute care; (B) the child's current placement is appropriate for meeting the child's needs, including with respect to a child who has been placed outside of the state, whether that placement continues to be in the best interest of the child; and (C) other plans or services are needed to meet the child's special needs or circumstances; (9) if the child is placed in institutional care, determine whether efforts have been made to ensure placement of the child in the least restrictive environment consistent with the best interest and special needs of the child; (10) if the child is 16 years of age or older, order services that are needed to assist the child in making the transition from substitute care to independent living if the services are available in the community; (11) determine plans, services, and further temporary orders necessary to ensure that a final order is rendered before the date for dismissal of the suit under this chapter; and (12) determine the date for dismissal of the suit under this chapter and give notice in open court to all parties of: (A) the dismissal date; (B) the date of the next permanency hearing; and (C) the date the suit is set for trial. (b) The court shall also review the service plan, permanency report, and other information submitted at the hearing to: (1) determine: (A) the safety of the child; (B) the continuing necessity and appropriateness of the placement; (C) the extent of compliance with the case plan; and (D) the extent of progress that has been made toward alleviating or mitigating the causes necessitating the placement of the child in foster care; and (E) whether the department has made reasonable efforts to finalize the permanency plan that is in effect for the child; and (2) project a likely date by which the child may be returned to and safely maintained in the child's home, placed for adoption, or placed in permanent managing conservatorship. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 751, § 114, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 16, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 11, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 89, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1390, § 47, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 306, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 849, § 7, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 263.307. FACTORS IN DETERMINING BEST INTEREST OF CHILD. (a) In considering the factors established by this section, the prompt and permanent placement of the child in a safe environment is presumed to be in the child's best interest. (b) The following factors should be considered by the court, the department, and other authorized agencies in determining whether the child's parents are willing and able to provide the child with a safe environment: (1) the child's age and physical and mental vulnerabilities; (2) the frequency and nature of out-of-home placements; (3) the magnitude, frequency, and circumstances of the harm to the child; (4) whether the child has been the victim of repeated harm after the initial report and intervention by the department or other agency; (5) whether the child is fearful of living in or returning to the child's home; (6) the results of psychiatric, psychological, or developmental evaluations of the child, the child's parents, other family members, or others who have access to the child's home; (7) whether there is a history of abusive or assaultive conduct by the child's family or others who have access to the child's home; (8) whether there is a history of substance abuse by the child's family or others who have access to the child's home; (9) whether the perpetrator of the harm to the child is identified; (10) the willingness and ability of the child's family to seek out, accept, and complete counseling services and to cooperate with and facilitate an appropriate agency's close supervision; (11) the willingness and ability of the child's family to effect positive environmental and personal changes within a reasonable period of time; (12) whether the child's family demonstrates adequate parenting skills, including providing the child and other children under the family's care with: (A) minimally adequate health and nutritional care; (B) care, nurturance, and appropriate discipline consistent with the child's physical and psychological development; (C) guidance and supervision consistent with the child's safety; (D) a safe physical home environment; (E) protection from repeated exposure to violence even though the violence may not be directed at the child; and (F) an understanding of the child's needs and capabilities; and (13) whether an adequate social support system consisting of an extended family and friends is available to the child. (c) In the case of a child 16 years of age or older, the following guidelines should be considered by the court in determining whether to adopt the permanency plan submitted by the department: (1) whether the permanency plan submitted to the court includes the services planned for the child to make the transition from foster care to independent living; and (2) whether this transition is in the best interest of the child. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995. § 263.401. DISMISSAL AFTER ONE YEAR; EXTENSION. (a) Unless the court has rendered a final order or granted an extension under Subsection (b), on the first Monday after the first anniversary of the date the court rendered a temporary order appointing the department as temporary managing conservator, the court shall dismiss the suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed by the department that requests termination of the parent-child relationship or requests that the department be named conservator of the child. (b) The court may retain the suit on the court's docket for a period not to exceed 180 days after the time described by Subsection (a), if the court finds that continuing the appointment of the department as temporary managing conservator is in the best interest of the child. If the court retains the suit on the court's docket, the court shall render an order in which the court: (1) schedules the new date for dismissal of the suit not later than the 180th day after the time described by Subsection (a); (2) makes further temporary orders for the safety and welfare of the child as necessary to avoid further delay in resolving the suit; and (3) sets a final hearing on a date that allows the court to render a final order before the required date for dismissal of the suit under this subsection. (c) If the court grants an extension but does not render a final order or dismiss the suit on or before the required date for dismissal under Subsection (b), the court shall dismiss the suit. The court may not grant an additional extension that extends the suit beyond the required date for dismissal under Subsection (b). (d) For purposes of this section, a final order is an order that: (1) requires that a child be returned to the child's parent; (2) names a relative of the child or another person as the child's managing conservator; (3) without terminating the parent-child relationship, appoints the department as the managing conservator of the child; or (4) terminates the parent-child relationship and appoints a relative of the child, another suitable person, or the department as managing conservator of the child. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 17, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 12, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 90, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1090, § 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 263.402. LIMIT ON EXTENSION; WAIVER. (a) The parties to a suit under this chapter may not extend the deadlines set by the court under this subchapter by agreement or otherwise. (b) A party to a suit under this chapter who fails to make a timely motion to dismiss the suit or to make a motion requesting the court to render a final order before the deadline for dismissal under this subchapter waives the right to object to the court's failure to dismiss the suit. A motion to dismiss under this subsection is timely if the motion is made before the department has introduced all of the department's evidence, other than rebuttal evidence, at the trial on the merits. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 17, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 12, eff. Jan. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 90, eff. Jan. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1390, § 48, eff. Sept. 1, 1999; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1090, § 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 263.403. MONITORED RETURN OF CHILD TO PARENT. (a) Notwithstanding Section 263.401, the court may retain jurisdiction and not dismiss the suit or render a final order as required by that section if the court renders a temporary order that: (1) finds that retaining jurisdiction under this section is in the best interest of the child; (2) orders the department to return the child to the child's parent; (3) orders the department to continue to serve as temporary managing conservator of the child; and (4) orders the department to monitor the child's placement to ensure that the child is in a safe environment. (b) If the court renders an order under this section, the court shall: (1) include in the order specific findings regarding the grounds for the order; and (2) schedule a new date, not later than the 180th day after the date the temporary order is rendered, for dismissal of the suit. (c) If a child placed with a parent under this section must be moved from that home by the department before the dismissal of the suit or the rendering of a final order, the court shall, at the time of the move, schedule a new date for dismissal of the suit. The new dismissal date may not be later than the original dismissal date established under Section 263.401 or the 180th day after the date the child is moved under this subsection, whichever date is later. (d) If the court renders an order under this section, the court must include in the order specific findings regarding the grounds for the order. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 17, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 12, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 90, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Family Code § 263.402 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1090, § 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 263.404. FINAL ORDER APPOINTING DEPARTMENT AS MANAGING CONSERVATOR WITHOUT TERMINATING PARENTAL RIGHTS. (a) The court may render a final order appointing the department as managing conservator of the child without terminating the rights of the parent of the child if the court finds that: (1) appointment of a parent as managing conservator would not be in the best interest of the child because the appointment would significantly impair the child's physical health or emotional development; and (2) it would not be in the best interest of the child to appoint a relative of the child or another person as managing conservator. (b) In determining whether the department should be appointed as managing conservator of the child without terminating the rights of a parent of the child, the court shall take the following factors into consideration: (1) that the child will reach 18 years of age in not less than three years; (2) that the child is 12 years of age or older and has expressed a strong desire against termination or being adopted; (3) that the child has special medical or behavioral needs that make adoption of the child unlikely; and (4) the needs and desires of the child. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 17, eff. Sept. 1, 1997. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Family Code § 263.403 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1090, § 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 263.405. APPEAL OF FINAL ORDER. (a) An appeal of a final order rendered under this subchapter is governed by the rules of the supreme court for accelerated appeals in civil cases and the procedures provided by this section. The appellate court shall render its final order or judgment with the least possible delay. (b) Not later than the 15th day after the date a final order is signed by the trial judge, a party intending to appeal the order must file with the trial court a statement of the point or points on which the party intends to appeal. The statement may be combined with a motion for a new trial. (c) A motion for a new trial, a request for findings of fact and conclusions of law, or any other post-trial motion in the trial court does not extend the deadline for filing a notice of appeal under Rule 26.1(b), Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure, or the deadline for filing an affidavit of indigence under Rule 20, Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure. (d) The trial court shall hold a hearing not later than the 30th day after the date the final order is signed to determine whether: (1) a new trial should be granted; (2) a party's claim of indigence, if any, should be sustained; and (3) the appeal is frivolous as provided by Section 13.003(b), Civil Practice and Remedies Code. (e) If a party claims indigency and requests the appointment of an attorney, the court shall require the person to file an affidavit of indigency and shall hear evidence to determine the issue of indigency. If the court does not render a written order denying the claim of indigence or requiring the person to pay partial costs before the 36th day after the date the final order being appealed is signed, the court shall consider the person to be indigent and shall appoint counsel to represent the person. (f) The appellate record must be filed in the appellate court not later than the 60th day after the date the final order is signed by the trial judge, unless the trial court, after a hearing, grants a new trial or denies a request for a trial court record at no cost. (g) The appellant may appeal the court's order denying the appellant's claim of indigence or the court's finding that the appeal is frivolous by filing with the appellate court the reporter's record and clerk's record of the hearing held under this section, both of which shall be provided without advance payment, not later than the 10th day after the date the court makes the decision. The appellate court shall review the records and may require the parties to file appellate briefs on the issues presented, but may not hear oral argument on the issues. The appellate court shall render appropriate orders after reviewing the records and appellate briefs, if any. (h) Except on a showing of good cause, the appellate court may not extend the time for filing a record or appellate brief. Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1090, § 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 263.406. COURT INFORMATION SYSTEM. The Office of Court Administration of the Texas Judicial System shall consult with the courts presiding over cases brought by the department for the protection of children to develop an information system to track compliance with the requirements of this subchapter for the timely disposition of those cases. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Family Code § 263.404 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1090, § 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 263.407. FINAL ORDER APPOINTING DEPARTMENT AS MANAGING CONSERVATOR OF CERTAIN ABANDONED CHILDREN; TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS. (a) In a suit to terminate the parent-child relationship, there is a rebuttable presumption that a parent who delivers a child to a designated emergency infant care provider in accordance with Subchapter D, Chapter 262, consents to the termination of parental rights with regard to the child. (b) If a person claims to be the parent of a child taken into possession under Subchapter D, Chapter 262, before the court renders a final order terminating the parental rights of the child's parents, the court shall order genetic testing for parentage determination unless parentage has previously been established. The court shall hold the petition for termination of the parent-child relationship in abeyance for a period not to exceed 60 days pending the results of the genetic testing. Added by Acts 2001 77th Leg., ch. 809, § 6, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Renumbered from V.T.C.A., Family Code § 263.405 by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1275, § 2(54), eff. Sept. 1, 2003. § 263.501. PLACEMENT REVIEW AFTER FINAL ORDER. (a) If the department has been named as a child's managing conservator in a final order that does not include termination of parental rights, the court shall conduct a placement review hearing at least once every six months until the child becomes an adult. (b) If the department has been named as a child's managing conservator in a final order that terminates a parent's parental rights, the court shall conduct a placement review hearing at least once every six months until the date the child is adopted or the child becomes an adult. (c) Notice of a placement review hearing shall be given as provided by Rule 21a, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, to each person entitled to notice of the hearing. (d) The following are entitled to not less than 10 days' notice of a placement review hearing: (1) the department; (2) the foster parent, preadoptive parent, relative of the child providing care, or director of the group home or institution in which the child is residing; (3) each parent of the child; (4) each possessory conservator or guardian of the child; (5) the child's attorney ad litem and volunteer advocate, if the appointments were not dismissed in the final order; and (6) any other person or agency named by the court as having an interest in the child's welfare. (e) The court may dispense with the requirement that the child attend a placement review hearing. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 17, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 12, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 90, eff. Jan. 1, 1997. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 849, § 8, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. § 263.502. PLACEMENT REVIEW REPORT. (a) Not later than the 10th day before the date set for a placement review hearing, the department or other authorized agency shall file a placement review report with the court and provide a copy to each person entitled to notice under Section 263.501(d). (b) For good cause shown, the court may order a different time for filing the placement review report or may order that a report is not required for a specific hearing. (c) The placement review report must: (1) evaluate whether the child's current placement is appropriate for meeting the child's needs; (2) evaluate whether efforts have been made to ensure placement of the child in the least restrictive environment consistent with the best interest and special needs of the child if the child is placed in institutional care; (3) identify the services that are needed to assist a child who is at least 16 years of age in making the transition from substitute care to independent living if the services are available in the community; (4) identify other plans or services that are needed to meet the child's special needs or circumstances; and (5) describe the efforts of the department or authorized agency to place the child for adoption if parental rights to the child have been terminated and the child is eligible for adoption. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 17, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 12, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 90, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. § 263.503. PLACEMENT REVIEW HEARINGS; PROCEDURE. At each placement review hearing, the court shall determine whether: (1) the child's current placement is necessary, safe, and appropriate for meeting the child's needs, including with respect to a child placed outside of the state, whether the placement continues to be appropriate and in the best interest of the child; (2) efforts have been made to ensure placement of the child in the least restrictive environment consistent with the best interest and special needs of the child if the child is placed in institutional care; (3) the services that are needed to assist a child who is at least 16 years of age in making the transition from substitute care to independent living are available in the community; (4) other plans or services are needed to meet the child's special needs or circumstances; (5) the department or authorized agency has exercised due diligence in attempting to place the child for adoption if parental rights to the child have been terminated and the child is eligible for adoption; and (6) the department or authorized agency has made reasonable efforts to finalize the permanency plan that is in effect for the child. Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 600, § 17, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 603, § 12, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1022, § 90, eff. Jan. 1, 1998. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 849, § 9, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. |
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