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