Sup. Ct. R. D.C. 32

As amended through October 11, 2024
Rule 32 - Permanency Hearing
(a) Notice and hearing. A permanency hearing shall be held to determine the permanency plan for the child within 12 months after the child's entry into foster care or, if there has been a judicial determination that reasonable efforts to reunify the child and family are not required pursuant to D.C. Code § 4-1301.09 a, within 30 days following that determination. Subsequent permanency hearings shall be held at least every six months thereafter, for as long as the child remains in an out-of-home placement. At least 30 days prior to the hearing, the Clerk shall mail, fax or otherwise deliver written notice to all parties and attorneys of record stating the time and place of the hearing.
(b) Reasonable Efforts Determination. At the first permanency hearing and at a permanency hearing at least once every 12 months thereafter, there shall be a determination of whether reasonable efforts have been made to reunite the family or to carry out the other permanency plan established for the child.
(c) Permanency reports. At least 10 days prior to a scheduled permanency hearing, the agency with case responsibility shall file in the official court record in the Family Court Clerk's Office a report in accordance with Rule 33. At the time the report is filed with the Court, the agency with case responsibility shall mail, fax, or otherwise deliver copies of the report to all attorneys of record and shall deliver a copy to the chambers of the responsible judicial officer.
(d) Guardian ad litem and other attorney reports. The child's guardian ad litem or counsel for the child may submit a written report setting forth the factual results of the guardian's or counsel's independent investigation and conclusions as to what action should be taken in the child's best interests. Other counsel may submit reports as they deem necessary. These reports shall be filed in the official court record in the Family Court Clerk's Office at least five days prior to the hearing. At the time the report is filed with the Court, the report writer shall deliver, mail or fax copies to all attorneys of record and shall deliver a copy to the chambers of the responsible judicial officer.
(e) Advance submission of reports from professionals. Any written reports that any agency other than that with case responsibility or any other party may wish to be considered must be filed in the official court record in the Family Court Clerk's Office. The party or agency filing such a report shall mail, fax or deliver copies to all parties at least five days prior to the permanency hearing. Such reports shall include the name, address, and telephone number of the writer.

Sup. Ct. R. D.C. 32