Based in San Diego, Terry Chucas provides children and their parents with experienced representation in a range of appeals in dependency court. Such cases adjudicate on behalf of children believed to not be receiving proper care from their parents or guardians. One area of knowledge for Terry Chucas is .21 (E) and .21 (F) hearings, which are held every half year in cases where a child has been placed under court supervision.
The hearings serve to review and monitor the child’s welfare, as well as assess the efforts the parents have made toward reunification with their child. The .21 (F) hearing occurs at the 12-month mark if the child has not been returned as part of the .21 (E) hearing process. At this time, the parent(s) (together, divorced, separated, or in whatever configuration) should still have a social worker assigned to them with a mission of reunifying them with their children.
At the same time, a concurrent planning period continues, with the social worker creating a plan in which the child will be placed outside their home permanently. This takes on added importance over time, as it becomes less likely that custody will be attained.
For parents who still have not regained custody at the 12-month mark, participating in a judge-ordered family reunification plan is essential. This involves consistent child visits. It is also critical to stay in contact with one’s attorney and provide details of any progress that has been made. When the hearing occurs, if the social worker makes a recommendation that the child not be returned to parent custody at the present time, the parent does have the right to a future trial.
