8-842. Initial dependency hearing; deadlines

A. Except as provided in section 8-826, the court shall set the initial dependency hearing within twenty-one days after the petition is filed. If service by publication is required, the court may set an initial dependency hearing within a time period to allow for publication pursuant to the rules of procedure for the juvenile court.

B. At the initial dependency hearing, the court shall:

1. Determine whether the parent or guardian is providing the court and the department with the names, the type of relationship and all available information necessary to locate persons who are related to the child or who have a significant relationship with the child.

2. Determine whether the department is conducting a due diligence search pursuant to section 8-514.07 and attempting to identify and assess placement of the child with an adult relative of the child, an extended family member or a person who has a significant relationship with the child. The court shall order that the child be placed with an adult relative of the child, an extended family member or a person who has a significant relationship with the child if such a placement is available and in the best interest of the child.

3. If the child has siblings, determine whether the department is attempting to identify and assess placement of the child with the child's siblings if this is possible and is in the child's best interests.

4. Make written findings of fact and conclusions of law on the record.

C. Within forty-eight hours after the initial dependency hearing, the court shall order that the child be placed with an adult relative of the child, an extended family member or a person who has a significant relationship with the child if such a placement is available and in the best interest of the child.

D. Unless the court has ordered in-home intervention, the dependency adjudication hearing shall be completed within ninety days after service of the dependency petition.