Rule 1409 Adjudication of Dependency and Court Order

Before the court can find a child to be dependent, there must be clear and convincing evidence in support of the petition. The burden of proof is on the petitioner. The court’s inquiry is to be comprehensive, and its findings are to be supported by specific findings of fact and a full discussion of the evidence. In re LaRue, 366 A.2d 1271 (Pa. Super. 1976). See also In re Frank W.D., Jr., 462 A.2d 708 (Pa. Super. 1983); In re Clouse, 368 A.2d 780 (Pa. Super. 1976). The evidence must support that the child is dependent. In the Matter of DeSavage, 360 A.2d 237 (Pa. Super. 1976). The court must apply the clear and convincing evidence standard (not the best interest of the child standard) that the child is dependent per the requirements of the Juvenile Act, 42 Pa.C.S. § 6341(c). In re Haynes, 473 A.2d 1365 (Pa. Super. 1983). A child, whose non-custodial parent is ready, willing, and able to provide adequate care for the child, cannot be found dependent on the basis of lacking proper parental care and control. In re M.L., 757 A.2d 849 (Pa. 2000). A trial court has the authority to transfer custody or modify custody to the child’s non-custodial parent without a finding of dependency if sufficient evidence of dependency would have existed but for the availability of the non-custodial parent. In re Justin S., 543 A.2d 1192 (Pa. Super. 1988).

The court is to specify which allegations in the petition are the bases for the finding of dependency pursuant to Rule 1408. The court is to make an adjudication of dependency based upon the allegations in the petition, not on alternative grounds. Due process and fundamental fairness require adequate notice of the allegations to afford a reasonable opportunity to prepare a defense. In re R.M., 790 A.2d 300 (Pa. 2002).

Under subdivision (c)(3), aids in disposition may include, but are not limited to, any services, investigations, evaluations, studies, treatment plans, and any other appropriate reports that may aid the court in making its determination at the dispositional hearing. See 42 Pa.C.S. § 6339 for orders of a social study or physical and mental examinations and treatment.

See also 42 Pa.C.S. § § 6341 (Adjudication) and 6302 (Definitions).

Pursuant to subdivision (c)(3), when making its determination for reasonable efforts made by the county agency, the court is to consider the extent to which the county agency has fulfilled its obligation pursuant to Rule 1149 regarding family finding. See also Rule 1242(c)(2), (c)(3)(ii)-(c)(3)(iii), Rule 1330(b)(6), and Comments to Rules 1242, 1330, 1515, and 1608—1611 for reasonable efforts determinations.

If the requirements of Rule 1149 regarding family finding have not been met, the court is to make necessary orders to ensure compliance by enforcing this legislative mandate. See 67 Pa.C.S. § § 7501 et seq. See also Pa.R.J.C.P. 1242(e)(3) and 1609(D), and Comments to Pa.R.J.C.P. 1242, 1408, 1512, 1514, 1515, and 1608—1611.