§5.08 Social Worker’s Report

Forty-eight hours before the disposition hearing, DSS must submit a social worker’s report (or social study), including all factors relevant to disposition, a disposition recommendation, and the child’s case plan. [WIC §§358(b), 358.1; CRC 5.690(a).] A written case plan must be developed in any case in which family maintenance or family reunification services are provided. [See WIC §16501.1(d), (e), (f)(13); In re Valerie A. (2007) 152 CA4th 987, 1011 (at each stage, the social services agency must prepare social study reports and make recommendations to assist the court).] You must find that a child age 12 or older and in permanent placement was given an opportunity to review, sign, and receive a copy of the case plan, or you must order the agency to do so.  [CRC 5.690(c)(3).] For a printable list of the contents of a social worker’s report when removal is recommended, click on the checklist below.

Click to get CHECKLIST>