Court Hearings for the Permanent Placement of Children - Northern Mariana Islands

Date: February 2020

Schedule of Hearings

Citation: Commonwealth Code Tit. 6, §§ 5323; 5324

A hearing shall be held as follows:

  • Within 30 days of the establishment of a temporary wardship
  • At the end of 1 year when the child has been made a ward of the court

Persons Entitled to Attend Hearings

Citation: Commonwealth Code Tit. 6, § 5323

The parent or guardian are permitted to attend the hearing.

Determinations Made at Hearings

Citation: Commonwealth Code Tit. 6, §§ 5323; 5324

At the hearing, the court shall determine the following:

  • Whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the child's safety would be endangered by a return home
  • Whether removal from the home is in the child's best interests

Permanency Options

Citation: Commonwealth Code Tit. 6, § 5324

Placement options include the following:

  • Returning the child to the parent
  • Placing the child in the custody of the Division of Youth Services, which will place the child with a reputable person