Rule 1510 Prompt Dispositional Hearing

After a judge decides that abuse or neglect happened, the court must schedule a dispositional hearing quickly. This hearing must happen within 20 days if the child has been taken out of the home.

The dispositional hearing is where the judge decides what happens next for the child, such as where the child will live and what services the family will receive. The 20-day limit exists to make sure children are not left in uncertain situations for long periods of time.