Dependency

Question 1

When the welfare of a child is in question, the state has the ability to intervene through a _________ case. Dependency proceedings in Florida usually begin when a child is ________ (removed from her parents’ or legal guardians’ legal custody) because there is __________ __________ to believe the child is being _______, _________, or _________.

Answer 1

dependency ; sheltered ; probable cause ; abused, abandoned, neglected,

Question 2

Generally, the court does not conduct a ________ hearing until the _________ of ________ and ________ files a ___-__________ study with the court that contains the department’s recommendation regarding the child’s _________.

Answer 2

disposition ; Department of Children and Families ; pre-disposition ; placement

Question 3

The disposition must be held within ____ days following the adjudicatory hearing.

Answer 3

30

Question 4

A trial is subsequently held to determine whether a ____________ of the _______ shows the child is ___________ upon the state for care or custody.

Answer 4

preponderance of the evidence ; dependent

Question 5

If the child is _________ dependent, the parents enter into a case plan, which outlines certain tasks the parents must successfully complete in order for the child to return to or remain in their care and custody.

Answer 5

adjudicated

Question 6

When the parents substantially comply with the case plan, and if the child has safely remained in the custody of the parents for ___ _______, the court may terminate supervision and terminate jurisdiction over the case.

Answer 6

six months

Question 7

A circuit court cannot terminate its jurisdiction over a dependency proceeding if a child has been returned to a parent unless at least ____ ________have passed or the child has reached the age of __.

Answer 7

six months ; 18

Question 8

What is the legal standard that the court must apply in proceedings relating to child dependency or child in need of services?

Answer 8

A preponderance of the evidence

Question 9

While generally an arraignment hearing must be held within ___ days of the shelter hearing if the child is placed in shelter care, such a hearing must be held within ___ days of the filing of a dependency petition when there has been a demand for the expedited filing of the petition.

Answer 9

28 ; 7