B.  Petition for Review of Need for Placement



If the child will be placed over ninety days, DHS must file a Petition for Review of Need for Placement (PRNP). The petition must be filed before the child has spent ninety days in care.

42 U.S.C.A. § 672
The petition requests the court review the need for placement. This review is required for federal reimbursement. Statements in the petition may be made “upon information and belief.”

The summons is served by certified mail. It summarizes the petition and recites the constitutional rights of the child and parent or guardian, including the right to counsel.

DHS must submit an evaluation of placement with the petition. It assesses the child’s needs and recommends a placement and treatment plan. If the materials submitted are insufficient, the court may adjourn the hearing for up to fourteen days.

To be complete, the petition should include the following:

  • Title;
  • Child’s name, age and residence;
  • Parents, guardian or legal custodian’s names and residences (if these persons are unknown, the child’s nearest known relative);
  • “The child is or is about to be in voluntary placement;”
  • “It appears the placement will exceed ninety days;”
  • “Continuing placement is necessary and in the best interests of the child and community;”
  • Permanency hearing notice;
  • Right to court review;
  • Verification.