Rules Governing Neglect and Abuse Proceedings – 2026
Child protection practice: the removal and shelter-care hearing, the fact-finding hearing on neglect, disposition, permanency planning, and periodic review. A standalone Family Court set, distinct from both the juvenile delinquency rules and the adoption rules, though a single case may move between them.
Browse all 42 rules of the 2026 edition below. Each rule includes the full text, a plain-English summary, committee notes, amendment history, and cross-references to related rules. Use the search box to find rules by keyword or number.
Rule 1
Scope of Rules
Rule 2
Purpose and Construction
Rule 3
Family Court Proceedings
Rule 4
Taking Into Custody -- Prior to Shelter Care Hearing
Rule 4A
Order for Custody -- Following the Shelter Care Hearing
Rule 5
Notice in Non-removal Cases
Rule 6
Notice of Taking Into Custody and Notice of Shelter Care Hearing
Rule 7
Court Report for First Hearing
Rule 8
Time of Shelter Care Hearing
Rule 9
Petition
Rule 10
Parties; Other Persons Entitled to Notice and Opportunity to Be Heard
Rule 11
Service of Process
Rule 12
Shelter Care Hearing or Initial Appearance; Matters Addressed in All Cases
Rule 13
Criteria for Shelter Care
Rule 14
Conduct of Shelter Care Hearing
Rule 15
Findings and Order at Initial Hearing
Rule 16
Revocation of Conditional Release or Modification of the Terms of
Rule 17
Pretrial Conference
Rule 18
Stipulations
Rule 19
Fact-finding Hearing
Rule 20
Time for Disposition; Notice
Rule 21
Filing of Disposition Reports
Rule 22
Contents of Agency Report for Disposition
Rule 23
Stipulated Disposition
Rule 25
Findings and Order of Disposition
Rule 26
Revocation of Protective Supervision or Modification of the Terms of
Rule 28
Review of Disposition and Placement
Rule 29
Contents of Agency Report for Review Hearing
Rule 30
Procedures and Orders at Review Hearings and Permanency Hearings
Rule 32
Permanency Hearing
Rule 33
Contents of Agency Report for Permanency Hearing
Rule 34
Findings and Orders at Permanency Hearing
Rule 35
Termination of the Parent and Child Relationship; Filing of Motion
Rule 36
Contents and Service of Motion for Termination of the Parent and Child
Rule 37
Status Conference Prior to Hearing on Motion for Termination of Parent and
Rule 38
Adjudicatory Hearing on Motion for Termination of Parent and Child
Rule 39
Order Terminating the Parent and Child Relationship
Rule 42
Appointment of Counsel; Attorney's Fees
Rule 43
Motions
Rule 45
Admission to Neglect Proceedings
Rule 46
Inspection and Disclosure of Neglect Records
Rule 47
Payment of Court Costs and Expenses; Expert Witnesses