Source: http://benchbook.texaschildrenscommission.gov/library_item/gov.texaschildrenscommission.benchbook/73
Timestamp: 2019-04-26 03:42:22+00:00

Document:
The court must make a finding as to whether DFPS is able to place the child with a relative or other designated caregiver and state the evidence that supports its finding either way. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.002(b).
Also, the court must make a finding as to whether returning the child to the child’s home is safe and appropriate, in the best interest of the child, and whether return home is contrary to the welfare of the child. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.002(c).
The court must also determine whether to return the child to the child’s parents if the child’s parents are willing and able to provide the child with a safe environment and the return of the child is in the child’s best interest. Tex. Fam. Code§ 263.306(a-1)(6).
Estimate a likely date by which the child may be returned to and safely maintained in the child’s home, placed for adoption, or placed in permanent managing conservatorship. Tex. Fam. Code§ 263.306(a-1)(7).
Review the extent of the parent’s compliance with temporary orders and the service plan and the extent to which progress has been made toward alleviating or mitigating the causes necessitating the placement of the child in foster care. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(4).
Special Issue: Courts are required at each permanency review hearing held under Chapter 263 to review the placement of each child who is not placed with a relative caregiver or designated caregiver as defined by Tex. Fam. Code § 264.751, and make a finding as to whether DFPS is able to place the child with a relative or designated caregiver and to state the evidence that supports its finding either way. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.002(b).
▪ be placed with a fit and willing relative.
▪ provided a youth who is 18 years or has had the disabilities of minority removed, the documents and information listed in Section 264.121(e-1). Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(5).
The court shall ask all parties present whether the child or the child’s family has a Native American heritage and identify any Native American tribe with which the child may be associated. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(3). For more information regarding requirements when a child has a Native American heritage, please see the Bench Book Chapter entitled Indian Child Welfare Act.
Announce in open court the dismissal date and the date of any upcoming hearings. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.306(a-1)(8).
The court shall set a final hearing on a date that allows the court to render a final order before the date for dismissal of the suit. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.304(b).
A party to the suit or an attorney ad litem for the child may seek a writ of mandamus to compel the court to comply with the duties imposed by this subsection. Tex. Fam. Code § 263.304(b).

References: § 263
 § 263
 § 263
 § 264
 § 263
 § 263
 § 263
 § 263
 § 263
 § 263