Rule Text
A. Generally. When the court enters a disposition, the court shall issue a written order, which provides that the disposition is best suited to the safety, protection, and physical, mental, and moral welfare of the child. The order shall include:
1) any findings pursuant to Rules 1512(D) and 1514;
2) the date of the order; and
3) the signature and printed name of the judge entering the order.
B. Transfer of custody. If the court decides to transfer custody of the child to a person or agency found to be qualified to provide care, shelter, and supervision of the child, the dispositional order shall include:
1) the name and address of such person or agency, unless the court determines disclosure is inappropriate;
2) the limitations of the order, including the type of custody granted; and
3) any visitation rights.
C. Guardian. The dispositional order shall include any conditions, limitations, restrictions, and obligations imposed upon the guardian.
Amendment history: The provisions of this Rule 1515 amended April 29, 2011, effective July 1, 2011, 41 Pa.B. 2413; amended July 13, 2015, effective October 1, 2015, 45 Pa.B. 3987; amended November 30, 2021, effective January 1, 2022, 51 Pa.B. 7632; amended March 22, 2023, effective October 1, 2023, 53 Pa.B. 1791; amended December 23, 2024, effective July 1, 2025, 55 Pa.B. 4524. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (414857) to (414858).
Plain-English Summary (for reference only — not a substitute for the rule text above)
This summary is not the rule. The rule text controls.
When a juvenile court decides what should happen to a child in a case, the judge must put that decision in writing. The written order has to explain that the decision is best for the child's safety and well-being. It must also include the date and the judge's name and signature.
If the court decides to move the child to a new home or place the child with an agency, the order must spell out the details. This includes the name and address of where the child is going, what type of custody is being given, and any rules about visits with family members. In some cases, the court can leave out the address if sharing it could cause harm.
If there is a guardian involved, the order must list any rules or responsibilities that guardian must follow. This keeps everyone clear on what is expected.
Committee Notes
See 42 Pa.C.S. § § 6310, 6351.
When issuing a dispositional order, the court should issue an order that is ‘‘best suited to the safety, protection, and physical, mental, and moral welfare of the child.’’ 42 Pa.C.S. § 6351(a). See In re S.J., 906 A.2d 547, 551 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2006) (citing In re Tameka M., 525 Pa. 348, 580 A.2d 750 (1990)), for issues addressing a child’s mental and moral welfare.
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 Rules 1240(b)(6), 1242(c)(2), (c)(3)(ii)-(c)(3)(iii), and 1330(b)(6), and Comments to Rules 1242, 1330, 1409, 1608, 1609, 1610, and 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. 1210(D)(8), 1242(E)(3), 1409(C), 1609(D), and 1611(C), and Comments to Pa.R.J.C.P. 1242, 1408, 1409, 1512, 1514, and 1608—1611. 45 C.R.F. § 1356.21 provides a specific foster care provider may not be placed in a court order to be in compliance with and receive funding through the Federal Financial Participation.
Dispositional orders should comport in substantial form and content to the model orders to receive funding under the federal Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) of 1997 (P. L. 105-89). The model forms are also in compliance with Title IV-B and Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. For model orders, see http://www.pacourts.us/forms/dependency-forms.
See In re Tameka M., 525 Pa. 348, 580 A.2d 750 (1990).
