§5.04 Notice of Consequences

If DSS seeks a “no reunification services” order under WIC §361.5(b) [see Part 2, §5.18], you must verify that the social worker [WIC §358(a)(3); CRC 5.686(b)]:

• Notified each parent of the provisions of WIC §361.5(b); and
• Informed each parent that if reunification is not ordered, a permanency hearing will be held, parental rights may be terminated, and the child may be placed for adoption.

If DSS does not seek a “no reunification services” order, you must notify the parents that parental rights may be terminated if the child is not returned within [see WIC §361.5(a); CRC 5.695(g)(2)]:

• Six months from the date the child entered foster care if the child or a sibling from a sibling group is under the age of three when first removed; or
• Twelve months from the date the child entered foster care if the child was age three or older when first removed.

A written statement may satisfy the notification requirement if the parent represented in court that he or she read and understood the advice. [Arlena M. v Superior Court (2004) 121 CA4th 566, 571.]