Rule 22 - Trial on the Merits; Disposition(a) Disposition at Preliminary Hearing or Probable Cause Hearing. Whenever at a preliminary hearing or probable cause hearing the parent, guardian, or other person having custody of the child admits the allegations of the petition, the court may accept a plea from a parent, guardian, or other person and enter a disposition.(b) Decision, Findings, Quantum of Proof. At the conclusion of all evidence at a trial upon the merits, the court shall, as soon as practicable, render a decision. A determination that a child is dependent, neglected, or abused shall be made based on findings of fact and upon clear and convincing evidence, unless a higher standard is required by law. The court shall clearly state the facts upon which the court bases such determination and the court's reasons therefor. The attorney for the petitioner shall prepare a judgment that recites the findings of fact and orders made by the court.(c) Plan. When the court finds a child dependent, neglected, and/or abused, and in continuing need for care inconsistent with a return of custody to the parent, guardian, or other person previously having custody, the court shall direct the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to submit within thirty (30) days a written plan for care and treatment of the child. The court shall thereafter approve or modify such plan, or shall remand the plan to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families for further development and resubmission. The time for initial submission may be extended for good cause.(d) Review of Plan. Upon approval of a plan submitted pursuant to subsection (c), for the care and treatment of a child, the court shall direct the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to review such plan and report thereon to the court not later than six (6) months thereafter. At reviews or permanency hearings, the court shall review any oral or written reports offered by the child's foster parents.Adopted March 1, 2019, effective 7/1/2019; amended April 30, 2019, effective 11/4/2019; amended November 5, 2019, effective 1/6/2020.