D.C. Super. Ct. Neg. R. 25

The Court shall enter findings and an order of disposition within 5 days following the

disposition hearing. The findings and order may be based upon the stipulated disposition

pursuant to Rule 23, or the stipulated disposition may be incorporated by reference. The

findings and order shall address the following where required by law or otherwise

appropriate:

(a) The harms to be alleviated, together with a statement of the changes that are needed

to correct those problems, with timetables for accomplishing them;

(b) Whether the agency's plan, as described in its report pursuant to Rule 22 paragraphs

(b) and (d) is accepted, modified or rejected. Modifications, if any, shall be specified. The

order shall require that the agency responsible for provision of services promptly report to

the Family Court and all parties if it is unable for any reason to provide the services

delineated in the plan or if events occur that would require a change in the plan;

(c) Actions to be taken by the parent to correct the identified problems;

(d) Legal status and placement of the child, including, if out-of-home placement is ordered,

either the specific placement or the type of placement for the child, including distance from

the child's home and whether it is the least restrictive (most family-like) placement

available;

(e) The permanency plan for the child, including a concurrent permanency plan if the

primary plan is for reunification;

(f) The time frame for achieving the permanency goal or determining that the goal will not

be met;

(g) If return home is ordered, conditions to be met by parents, the agency and other

parties;

(h) If out-of-home placement is ordered, a determination that reasonable efforts were

made to prevent or eliminate the need for removal or, in the alternative, that the child's

removal from the home is necessary regardless of any services that can be provided to the

child or the child's family. The finding shall include:

(1) A description of the efforts, if any, made by the agency to prevent the need for

placement;

(2) A description of the efforts since placement to reunify the family, including services

that have been offered or provided; and

(3) An explanation as to why the child cannot be protected from the identified problems

in the home even with the provision of services;

(i) A finding, if appropriate, that no efforts to reunify the family are required because the

conditions of D.C. Code § 4-1301.09a (d) have been met;

(j) A finding whether continuation of the child in the home would be contrary to the welfare

of the child;

(k) A finding, if appropriate, as to the date of removal of the child from the home;

(l) A finding whether relatives or friends have been contacted about providing a placement

for the child, the steps taken to involve extended family members when appropriate to plan

for a safe and permanent home for the child, and further efforts that are required;

(m) The location of any siblings, and, if siblings are separated, an order specifying steps to

unite them as quickly as possible and to maintain regular contact during the separation,

unless inappropriate;

(n) Visitation, including visitation with siblings and other relatives, unless inappropriate.

Conditions placed on visits shall be specified. If visitation is inappropriate, findings as to

the reasons shall be included;

(o) The child's special needs and orders with respect to how these needs shall be met

while the child is in placement;

(p) If appropriate, an order directing the payment of child support by parents if they are

financially able to do so;

(q) Restraining orders, stay away orders, civil protection orders and other injunctive relief;

(r) The criteria for a future determination that continued jurisdiction of the Court will no

longer be necessary; and

(s) The date and time of the next hearing.