§ 747 Time of fact-finding hearing

When a child is placed somewhere before their case is decided (called pre-dispositional placement), the court must move quickly. The judge has to start the fact-finding hearing within three days after the petition is filed.

This rule protects kids and families from long waits when a child has already been removed from home or placed elsewhere while the case is pending. It pushes the court to look at the facts and evidence fast, so the child isn't left in limbo for too long. The goal is to get a decision made quickly when someone's living situation has already changed because of the case.