If the court finds that the child is a child of a family in need of court-ordered services, the court may proceed immediately or at a postponed hearing to disposition of the case. Prior to the hearing, the court must direct CYFD to prepare a written family services plan to correct the problems that caused the child to be adjudicated a child of a family in need of court-ordered services. The statute also contains a specific provision on the disposition of a child who is or may be developmentally disabled or mentally ordered. If at any judicial review the court finds that the child's parent, guardian or custodian has not complied with the treatment plan, the court may order the child's parent, guardian or custodian to show cause why he or she should not be held in contempt of court and subject to sanctions. The court can also direct CYFD to show cause why an abuse or neglect action has not been filed or if the local education agency has been made a party, direct the local education agency to show cause why it has not met the child's educational needs.
Dispositional orders remain in force for a period of six months.