If appropriate, the child may be called as a witness. The respondents have the right to cross-examine the witnesses and challenge the evidence produced in court, and to present their own witnesses and evidence. The child may be placed in foster care or with other suitable persons until the court makes its final disposition. The court then orders an investigation of the child's home and family by the Administration for Children's Services. In some cases, the court orders an evaluation by the Mental Health Services.
Reports are prepared to help the judge decide how best to protect the child.
At the dispositional hearing, the court hears testimony and reviews reports recommending what should be done for the child. A child may be placed in foster care for a period of up to one year. If such a petition is filed, the court holds a hearing to decide whether or not continued placement is necessary. The court may continue the child in placement for a period of up to one year for each extension of placement petition it grants.