Rule 1601. Permanency Hearing Notice

A. At least fifteen days prior to the hearing, the court or its designee shall give notice of the permanency hearing to:

1. all parties;

2. the attorney for the county agency;

3. the child’s attorney

4. the guardian’s attorney;

5. the parents, child’s foster parent, preadoptive parent, or relative providing care for the child;

6. the court appointed special advocate, if assigned;

7. the educational decision maker, if applicable; and

8. any other persons as directed by the court.

B. If a party intends to request a goal change from reunification, then either the notice shall state this purpose or the party shall give separate notice of the intended goal change in accordance with paragraph (A).

Comment

Given the significance of discontinuing the goal of reunification, the requirement of paragraph (B) is to ensure that parties, counsel, and interested persons have notice of the purpose of the hearing and are able to prepare for and attend the hearing.

Official Note

Rule 1601 adopted August 21, 2006, effective February 1, 2007. Amended April 29, 2011, effective July 1, 2011. Amended May 17, 2018, effective October 1, 2018.

Committee Explanatory Reports:

Final Report explaining the provisions of Rule 1601 published with the Court’s Order at 36 Pa.B. 5571 (September 2, 2006).

Final Report explaining the amendments to Rule 1601 published with the Court’s Order at 41 Pa.B. 2413 (May 14, 2011).

Final Report explaining the amendments to Rule 1601 published with the Court’s Order at 48 Pa.B. 3321 (June 2, 2018).