Technical challenges often are those that can be identified more easily and solved using existing resources. You might need additional expertise, but the strategy for change is usually able to be implemented in an uncomplicated way that does not invite resistance.
The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) Enhanced Resource Guidelines is a helpful resource for focusing the attention of courts on some of the most common technical issues affecting adoption timeliness. A few court related examples include: A few court related examples include: delayed filing of TPR petitions, delayed completion of a home study or other steps in the adoption process, failure to apply for an adoption subsidy, and failure to perfect service on a parent.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Delays in scheduling and conducting TPR trials | File for termination when circumstances and the best interests of the child support doing so rather than waiting for the permanency hearing File and serve the TPR petition on all parties no later than 30 days after the agency or court makes a determination that the filing is appropriate Begin the TPR trial within 90 days of the date the petition is filed Enter the TPR order no later than 14 days after the completion of the trial |
| Delays associated with TPR appeals | Avoid trial on TPR through the use of mediation and other pre-trial negotiations
Explore the availability of open adoption or the use of post-adoption contact orders |
