Rule 34 Rulings on objections to the child's case plan

If someone objects to a child's case plan during the disposition hearing, the judge has to make a decision about it before moving forward. The judge cannot just leave the objection unresolved.

The judge has four options. The judge can approve the plan as it is written. The judge can order that everyone follow all or part of the plan as written. The judge can change parts of the plan based on what was presented as evidence at the hearing. Or the judge can reject the plan completely.

If the judge rejects the plan, the Department has 30 days to write a new one. The judge must also set up another disposition hearing within 45 days to review the new plan. This keeps the case moving forward and makes sure the child's situation gets addressed without long delays.