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Dependency Decoded

Stage 10 of 14

During the case

The permanency planning hearing

At this point the court is no longer only monitoring. It is deciding what your child’s permanent situation should be. Reunification is still on the table, but the timeline is now working against delay.

Timing Held no later than twelve months after a child is placed out of home.

  1. Stage 1: When DCYF first contacts you
  2. Stage 2: The home visit
  3. Stage 3: Safety plans and voluntary placement
  4. Stage 4: If your child is an Indian child
  5. Stage 5: The Family Team Decision Meeting
  6. Stage 6: The shelter care hearing
  7. Stage 7: Fact-finding and disposition
  8. Stage 8: Your case plan and parenting programs
  9. Stage 9: Review hearings
  10. Stage 10: The permanency planning hearing
  11. Stage 11: Reunification
  12. Stage 12: Guardianship, adoption, and other outcomes
  13. Stage 13: Appeals and other remedies
  14. Stage 14: Moving forward

What the court decides

  1. That the child can return home soon, under continued supervision.
  2. That you need more time, and services are extended.
  3. That guardianship with a relative or other suitable person is appropriate.
  4. That another planned permanent arrangement is necessary.
  5. That a petition to terminate parental rights should be filed.

What the judge weighs

  • Whether ordered services were completed, and what changed as a result
  • Whether the home is safe now
  • Whether visitation has been consistent
  • How the child is doing where they currently live
  • Whether stability has been sustained rather than momentary
  • The recommendations of the department, the guardian ad litem or CASA, and providers

If you need more time

  • ✓ Ask for an extension explicitly, with a specific plan and dates.
  • ✓ Bring evidence of what has already been completed.
  • ✓ Ask for expanded visitation if visits have been consistent.
  • ✓ Show the support around you — family, child care, community services.

Recent, documented progress carries more weight here than a long explanation of earlier obstacles.

If reunification is not the plan

The court may move toward guardianship, adoption following termination, or another planned permanent arrangement. Guardianship keeps parental rights intact while giving a caregiver decision-making authority.

A change in the primary plan is not automatically the end. Ask your lawyer what remains possible and on what timeline.

The law that applies here

Read the official text yourself.

Each entry begins with our plain-language explanation, followed by the official section caption. Use the link to read the complete, current text on the official Washington government website. The official text controls.

RCW 13.34.145

Permanency planning hearing — Purpose — Time limits — Goals — Review hearing — Petition for termination of parental rights — Guardianship petition — Agency responsibility to provide services to parents — Due process rights.

Plain-language explanation

Sets the purpose and timing of the permanency planning hearing, the permanent plan options, and the agency’s responsibility to provide services.

Read the official text

RCW 13.34.136

Permanency plan of care.

Plain-language explanation

Requires the written permanency plan and what it must contain.

Read the official text

Chapter 13.34 RCW

Juvenile court act — Dependency and termination of parent-child relationship

Plain-language explanation

The main Washington chapter governing dependency cases from the petition through review, permanency, guardianship, and termination. Different sections apply at different stages.

Read the official text