NEVADA BENCHBOOK FOR ABUSE AND NEGLECT CASES AND RELATED MATTERS Table of Contents Table of Contents Section 1 - Purpose and Use of Benchbook .......................................................................1 Section 2 - Preliminary Protective Hearing (72-hour Hearing) .............................2 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................2 At-a-Glance Table .........................................................................................................................3 - Purpose of Hearing - Time Frame - Notice - Advisements and Findings to be Made at Hearing - Rules of Evidence - Set Next Hearing Checklist: See "Advisements and Findings To Be Made At Hearing" .......................................3 Case Law: In re Temporary Custody of Five Minors...................................................3a Sample Dialogue ........................................................................................................................3b Hearings and Judicial Determinations – Required Court Orders document ........ 3c Sample Findings and Order of Reasonable Efforts to Prevent Removal...............3d Sample Findings and Order of Active Efforts to Prevent Removal..........................3e Section 3 – Procedure Following 72-Hour Hearing or Investigation .................4 - Introduction - Filing of Petition - Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem Section 4 – Adjudicatory Hearing............................................................................................5 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................5 At-a-Glance Table .........................................................................................................................6 Evidence Code Provisions under NRS 432B.530...............................................................7 Checklist ...........................................................................................................................................8 Sample Order after Adjudicatory Hearing ........................................................................8a Section 5 – Dispositional Hearing ...........................................................................................9 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................9 At-a-Glance Table ......................................................................................................................10 Checklist ........................................................................................................................................11 Sample Order after Disposition Hearing ........................................................................ 11a Sample Protective Order by Juvenile Hearing Master (Trial Home Visit).......... 11b Sample Protective Order by Juvenile Hearing Master (For Relatives)................ 11c Section 6 – Semiannual and Review Hearings..............................................................12 Introduction..................................................................................................................................12 Checklist ........................................................................................................................................13 Sample Order After [3-6-9 Month Review] [with Concurrent Planning]Hrg .... 13a Section 7 – Annual Hearing on Disposition.....................................................................14 Introduction..................................................................................................................................14 At-a-Glance Table ......................................................................................................................15 Checklist ........................................................................................................................................16 Sample Order after [12-Month] Permanency Hearing (Reunification)............... 16a Section 8 – Permanent Placement with Guardian ......................................................17 Introduction..................................................................................................................................17 At-a-Glance Table ......................................................................................................................18 Checklist ........................................................................................................................................19 Section 9 – Termination of Parental Rights....................................................................20 Introduction..................................................................................................................................20 At-a-Glance Table ......................................................................................................................21 Checklist ........................................................................................................................................22 Principles of Nevada Case Law .............................................................................................23 Appendix of Statutes ................................................................................................................25 Sample Order after [12-Month] Permanency Hearing (TPR-Adoption) ............. 28a Section 10 – Adoption..................................................................................................................29 Introduction..................................................................................................................................29 At-a-Glance Table ......................................................................................................................30 Checklist ........................................................................................................................................31 Section 11 – Paternity .................................................................................................................32 Introduction..................................................................................................................................32 At-a-Glance Table ......................................................................................................................33 Section 12 – Indian Child Welfare Act...............................................................................34 At-a-Glance Table ......................................................................................................................34 Section 13 – Reasonable Efforts/Active Efforts...........................................................35 At-a-Glance Table ......................................................................................................................35 Section 14 – Older Youth Exiting the Foster Care System.....................................36 At-a-Glance Table ......................................................................................................................36 Section 15 – Time Requirements under 432B and ASFA ........................................37 Section 1. Purpose and Use of Benchbook This Benchbook is not exhaustive in nature, but is designed to give a quick reference to Abuse and Neglect cases under: ● NRS Chapter 432B, ● Termination of Parental Rights under NRS Chapter 128, ● Adoptions under NRS Chapter 127, ● Paternity under NRS Chapter 126, and ● Guardianship to a limited extent as it relates to 432B actions. Special notice should be taken as it relates to Indian children under the Indian Child Welfare Act ("ICWA"), as under federal law there are different burdens of proof for removal of such children and termination of parental rights. Also, there are cultural requirements in certain placements. Timetable requirements under both Nevada state and U.S. federal law are a part of this Benchbook. Accompanying the Introduction in each section herein is a chart of At-a- Glance items to be considered at each hearing and a checklist of things to be done at each hearing. 1 Section 2 - Preliminary Protective Hearing (72-hour Hearing) Introduction Introduction Time is of great importance in dealing with children. A hearing is required within 72 hours after removal of the child excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays under NRS 432B.470 and NRS 432B.480. The burden of proof is upon the Division of Child and Family Services to show by a preponderance of evidence that there is reasonable cause to believe either: 1. that it would be contrary to the welfare of the child to reside at his home, or 2. that it is in the best interest of the child to place him outside of his home. See NRS 432B.480 [effective January 1, 2008]; see also In re Temporary Custody of Five Minors, 105 Nev. 441, 777 P.2d 801 (1989) in Appendix (establishes preponderance of evidence for temporary custody). The court must also determine that placement complies with NRS 432B.3905. The finding that "continuation in the home is contrary to the welfare of the child" must be made in the first order, even if temporary, to be eligible for Title IV-E funding. The table on the following page sets forth a checklist of matters to be considered at such 72-hour hearing. 2 At-a-Glance