Rule 5.812.Additional requirements for any hearing to terminate jurisdiction over child in foster care and for status review or dispositional hearing for child approaching majority (§§ 450, 451, 727.2(i)–(j), 778)

Division 3. Juvenile Rules · Chapter 13. Cases Petitioned Under Sections 601 and 602 · Article 5. Reviews and Sealing · Last amended 2019 · Last verified September 10, 2026

In one sentenceRule 5.812 adds requirements to any hearing that would end delinquency jurisdiction over a child in foster care, so that no child leaves the system without a plan or a place.

Full Text of Rule 5.812

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(a) Hearings subject to this rule

The following hearings are subject to this rule:

(1) The last review hearing under section 727.2 or 727.3 before the child turns 18 years of age and a dispositional hearing under section 702 for a child under an order of foster care placement who will attain 18 years of age before a subsequent review hearing will be held. If the hearing is the last review hearing under section 727.2 or 727.3, the hearing must be set at least 90 days before the child attains his or her 18th birthday and within six months of the previous hearing held under section 727.2 or 727.3.

(2) Any review hearing held under section 727.2 or 727.3 for a child less than 18 years of age during which a recommendation to terminate juvenile court jurisdiction will be considered;

(3) Any hearing to terminate juvenile court jurisdiction over a child less than 18 years of age who is subject to an order for foster care placement; and

(4) Any hearing to terminate juvenile court jurisdiction over a child less than 18 years of age who is not currently subject to an order for foster care placement but was previously removed from the custody of his or her parents or legal guardian as a dependent of the juvenile court and an order for a foster care placement as a dependent of the juvenile court was in effect at the time the juvenile court adjudged the child to be a ward of the juvenile court under section 725.

(b) Conduct of the hearing

(1) The hearing must be held before a judicial officer and recorded by a court reporter.

(2) The hearing must be continued for no more than five court days for the submission of additional information as ordered by the court if the court finds that the report and, if required, the Transitional Independent Living Case Plan and Transitional Independent Living Plan submitted by the probation officer do not provide the information required by (c) and the court is unable to make all the findings required by (d).

(1) In addition to complying with all other statutory and rule requirements applicable to the report prepared by the probation officer for a hearing described in (a)(1)–(4), the report must state whether the child was provided with the notices and information required under section 607.5 and include a description of:

(A) The child’s progress toward meeting the case plan goals that will enable him or her to be a law-abiding and productive member of his or her family and the community. This information is not required if dismissal of delinquency jurisdiction and vacatur of the underlying adjudication is based on Penal Code section 236.14.

(B) If reunification services have not been previously terminated, the progress of each parent or legal guardian toward participating in case plan service activities and meeting the case plan goals developed to resolve his or her issues that were identified and contributed to the child’s removal from his or her custody.

(C) The current ability of each parent or legal guardian to provide the care, custody, supervision, and support the child requires in a safe and healthy environment.

(D) For a child previously determined to be a dual status child for whom juvenile court jurisdiction as a dependent was suspended under section 241.1(e)(5)(A), a joint assessment by the probation department and the child welfare services agency under section 366.5 regarding the detriment, if any, to the child of a return to the home of his or her parents or legal guardian and a recommendation on the resumption of dependency jurisdiction. The facts in support of the opinions expressed and the recommendations made must be included in the joint assessment section of the report. If the probation department and the child welfare services agency do not agree, the child welfare services agency must file a separate report with facts in support of its opinions and recommendations.

(E) For a child previously determined to be a dual status child for whom the probation department was designated the lead agency under section 241.1(e)(5)(B), the detriment, if any, to the child of a return to the home of his or her parents or legal guardian and the probation officer’s recommendation regarding the modification of the court’s jurisdiction over the child from that of a dual status child to that of a dependent under section 300 and the facts in support of the opinion expressed and the recommendation made.

(F) For a child other than a dual status child, including a child whose underlying adjudication is subject to vacatur under Penal Code section 236.14, the probation officer’s recommendation regarding the modification of the juvenile court’s jurisdiction over the child from that of a ward under section 601 or 602 to that of a dependent under section 300 or to that of a transition dependent under section 450 and the facts in support of his or her recommendation.

(2) For the review hearing held on behalf of a child approaching majority described in (a)(1) and any hearing described in (a)(2) or (a)(3) held on behalf of a child more than 17 years, 5 months old and less than 18 years of age, in addition to complying with all other report requirements set forth in (c)(1), the report prepared by the probation officer must include:

(A) The child’s plans to remain under juvenile court jurisdiction as a nonminor dependent including the criteria in section 11403(b) that he or she plans to meet;

(B) The efforts made by the probation officer to help the child meet one or more of the criteria in section 11403(b);

(C) For an Indian child, his or her plans to continue to be considered an Indian child for the purposes of the ongoing application of the Indian Child Welfare Act to him or her as a nonminor dependent;

(D) Whether the child has applied for and, if so, the status of any in-progress application pending for title XVI Supplemental Security Income benefits and, if such an application is pending, whether it is in the child’s best interest to continue juvenile court jurisdiction until a final decision has been issued to ensure that the child receives continued assistance with the application process;

(E) Whether the child has an in-progress application pending for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status or other applicable application for legal residency and whether an active juvenile court case is required for that application;

(F) The efforts made by the probation officer toward providing the child with the written information, documents, and services described in section 391 and, to the extent that the child has not yet been provided with them, the barriers to providing the information, documents or services and the steps that will be taken to overcome those barriers by the date the child attains 18 years of age;

(G) When and how the child was informed that upon reaching 18 years of age he or she may request the dismissal of juvenile court jurisdiction over him or her under section 778;

(H) When and how the child was provided with information regarding the potential benefits of remaining under juvenile court jurisdiction as a nonminor dependent and the probation officer’s assessment of the child’s understanding of those benefits;

(I) When and how the child was informed that if juvenile court jurisdiction is terminated after he or she attains 18 years of age, he or she has the right to file a request to return to foster care and have the juvenile court assume or resume transition jurisdiction over him or her as a nonminor dependent; and

(J) The child’s Transitional Independent Living Case Plan and Transitional Independent Living Plan, which must include:

(i) The individualized plan for the child to satisfy one or more of the criteria in section 11403(b) and the child’s anticipated placement as specified in section 11402; and

(ii) The child’s alternate plan for his or her transition to independence, including housing, education, employment, and a support system in the event the child does not remain under juvenile court jurisdiction after attaining 18 years of age.

(d) Findings

(1) At the hearing described in (a)(1)–(4), in addition to complying with all other statutory and rule requirements applicable to the hearing, the court must make the following findings in the written documentation of the hearing:

(A) Whether the rehabilitative goals for this child have been met and juvenile court jurisdiction over the child as a ward is no longer required. The facts supporting the finding must be stated on the record. This finding is not required where dismissal of delinquency jurisdiction is based on Penal Code section 236.14.

(B) For a dual status child for whom dependency jurisdiction was suspended under section 241.1(e)(5)(A), whether the return to the home of the parents or legal guardian would be detrimental to the minor. The facts supporting the finding must be stated on the record.

(C) For a child previously determined to be a dual status child for whom the probation department was designated the lead agency under section 241.1(e)(5)(B), whether the return to the home of the parents or legal guardian would be detrimental to the minor. The facts supporting the finding must be stated on the record.

(D) For a child other than a dual status child:

(i) Who was not subject to the court’s dependency jurisdiction at the time he or she was adjudged a ward and is currently subject to an order for a foster care placement, including a child whose underlying adjudication is subject to vacatur under Penal Code section 236.14, whether the child appears to come within the description of section 300 and cannot be returned home safely. The facts supporting the finding must be stated on the record;

(ii) Who was subject to an order for a foster care placement as a dependent of the court at the time he or she was adjudged a ward, whether the child remains within the description of a dependent child under section 300 and whether the return to the home of the parents or legal guardian would create a substantial risk of detriment to the child’s safety, protection, or physical or emotional well-being. The facts supporting the findings must be stated on the record;

(iii) Whether reunification services have been terminated;

(iv) Whether the matter has been set for a hearing to terminate parental rights or establish a guardianship; and

(v) Whether the minor intends to sign a mutual agreement for a placement in a supervised setting as a nonminor dependent.

(2) At the review hearing held on behalf of a child approaching majority described in (a)(1) and any hearing under (a)(2) or (a)(3) held on behalf of a child more than 17 years, 5 months old and less than 18 years of age, in addition to complying with all other statutory and rule requirements applicable to the hearing, the court must make the following findings in the written documentation of the hearing:

(A) Whether the child’s Transitional Independent Living Case Plan, if required, or Transitional Independent Living Plan includes:

(i) A plan specific to the child for him or her to satisfy one or more of the criteria in section 11403(b) and the specific criteria in section 11403(b) it is anticipated the child will satisfy; and

(B) For an Indian child to whom the Indian Child Welfare Act applies, whether he or she intends to continue to be considered an Indian child for the purposes of the ongoing application of the Indian Child Welfare Act to him or her as a nonminor dependent;

(C) Whether the child has an in-progress application pending for title XVI Supplemental Security Income benefits and, if such an application is pending, whether it is in the child’s best interest to continue juvenile court jurisdiction until a final decision has been issued to ensure that the child receives continued assistance with the application process;

(D) Whether the child has an in-progress application pending for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status or other applicable application for legal residency and whether an active juvenile court case is required for that application;

(E) Whether the child has been informed that he or she may decline to become a nonminor dependent;

(F) Whether the child has been informed that upon reaching 18 years of age he or she may request the dismissal of juvenile court jurisdiction over him or her under section 778;

(G) Whether the child understands the potential benefits of remaining under juvenile court jurisdiction as a nonminor dependent;

(H) Whether the child has been informed that if after reaching 18 years of age juvenile court jurisdiction is terminated, he or she has the right to file a request to return to foster care and have the juvenile court assume or resume transition jurisdiction over him or her as a nonminor dependent;

(I) Whether all the information, documents, and services in sections 391(e) were provided to the child, and whether the barriers to providing any missing information, documents, or services can be overcome by the date the child attains 18 years of age; and

(J) Whether the notices and information required under section 607.5 were provided to a child who is or was subject to an order for foster care placement.

(e) Orders

(1) For a child previously determined to be a dual status child for whom dependency jurisdiction was suspended under section 241.1(e)(5)(A), dependency jurisdiction must be resumed if the court finds that the child’s rehabilitative goals have been achieved and a return to the home of the parents or legal guardian would be detrimental to the child.

(2) For a child previously determined to be a dual status child for whom the probation department was designated the lead agency under section 241.1(e)(5)(B), the court must terminate dual status, dismiss delinquency jurisdiction, and continue dependency jurisdiction with the child welfare services department responsible for the child’s placement if the court finds that the child’s rehabilitative goals have been achieved and a return to the home of the parents or legal guardian would be detrimental to the child.

(3) For a child who comes within the description of section 450(a), other than a child described in (e)(1) or (e)(2), the court must enter an order modifying its jurisdiction over him or her from delinquency jurisdiction to transition jurisdiction and set a nonminor dependent status review hearing under rule 5.903 within six months of the last hearing held under section 727.2.

(4) For a child who was not subject to the court’s dependency jurisdiction at the time he or she was adjudged a ward and is currently subject to an order for a foster care placement, including a child whose underlying adjudication is subject to vacatur under Penal Code section 236.14, the court must:

(A) Order the probation department or the child’s attorney to submit an application under section 329 to the county child welfare services department to commence a proceeding to declare the child a dependent of the court by filing a petition under section 300 if the court finds:

(i) The child does not come within the description of section 450(a);

(ii) The rehabilitative goals for the child included in his or her case plan have been met and delinquency jurisdiction is no longer required, or the underlying adjudication is subject to vacatur under Penal Code section 236.14; and

(iii) The child appears to come within the description of section 300 and a return to the home of the parents or legal guardian may be detrimental to his or her safety, protection, or physical or emotional well-being.

(B) Set a hearing to review the county child welfare services department’s decision within 20 court days of the date the order to file an application under section 329 was entered and at that hearing:

(i) Affirm the county child welfare services department’s decision not to file a petition under section 300; or

(ii) Order the county child welfare services department to file a petition under section 300.

(C) If the court affirms the decision not to file a petition under section 300 or a petition filed under section 300 is not sustained, the court may:

(i) Return the child to the home of the parents or legal guardian and set a progress report hearing within the next six months;

(ii) Return the child to the home of the parents or legal guardian and terminate juvenile court jurisdiction over the child; or

(iii) Continue the child’s foster care placement and set a hearing under section 727.2 no more than six months from the date of the most recent hearing held under 727.2.

(5) For a child who was subject to an order for foster care placement as a dependent of the court at the time he or she was adjudged a ward, the court must modify its delinquency jurisdiction over the child by vacating the order terminating jurisdiction over the child as a dependent of the court and resuming dependency jurisdiction over him or her if the court finds that:

(A) The child does not come within the description of section 450(a);

(B) The rehabilitative goals for the child included in his or her case plan have been met and delinquency jurisdiction may not be required; and

(C) The child remains within the description of a dependent child under section 300 and a return to the home of a parents or legal guardian would create a substantial risk of detriment to his or her safety, protection, or physical or emotional well-being.

(6) At a hearing described in (a)(1) for a child approaching majority or at any hearing described in (a)(2) or (a)(3) held on behalf of a child more than 17 years, 5 months old and less than 18 years old that did not result in modification of jurisdiction over the child from delinquency jurisdiction to dependency jurisdiction or transition jurisdiction, the court must:

(A) Return the child to the home of the parents or legal guardian and set a progress report hearing within the next six months; or

(B) Return the child to the home of the parents or legal guardian and terminate juvenile court jurisdiction over the child; or

(i) For the child who intends to meet the eligibility requirements for status as a nonminor dependent after attaining 18 years of age, set a nonminor dependent status review hearing under rule 5.903 no more than six months from the most recent hearing held under section 727.2; or

(ii) For the child who does not intend to meet the eligibility requirements for nonminor dependent status after attaining 18 years of age: a. Set a hearing to terminate delinquency jurisdiction under section 607.2(b)(4) and section 607.3 for a date within one month after the child’s 18th birthday; or b. Set a hearing under section 727.2 no more than six months from the date of the most recent hearing held under section 727.2 for the child who will remain under delinquency jurisdiction in a foster care placement.

(7) At any hearing under (a)(2) or (a)(3) held on behalf of a child 17 years, 5 months old or younger that did not result in modification of jurisdiction over the child from delinquency jurisdiction to dependency jurisdiction, the court must:

(A) Return the child to the home of the parents or legal guardian and set a progress report hearing within the next six months;

(B) Return the child to the home of the parents or legal guardian and terminate juvenile court jurisdiction over the child; or

(C) Continue the child’s out-of-home placement and set a hearing under section 727.2 to occur within six months of the most recent hearing under section 727.2.

(8) At any hearing under (a)(4) on behalf of a child less than 18 years of age that did not result in modification of jurisdiction over the child from delinquency jurisdiction to dependency jurisdiction, the court must:

(A) Return the child to the home of the parents or legal guardian and set a progress report hearing within the next six months;

(B) Return the child to the home of the parents or legal guardian and terminate juvenile court jurisdiction over the child; or

(f) Modification of jurisdiction—conditions

(1) Whenever the court modifies its jurisdiction over a dependent or ward under section 241.1, 607.2, or 727.2, the court must ensure that all of the following conditions are met:

(A) The petition under which jurisdiction was taken at the time the dependent or ward was originally removed from his or her parents or legal guardian and placed in foster care is not dismissed until after the new petition is sustained; and

(B) The order modifying the court’s jurisdiction contains all of the following provisions:

(i) A reference to the original removal findings, the date those findings were made, and a statement that the finding “continuation in the home is contrary to the child’s welfare” and the finding “reasonable efforts were made to prevent removal” made at that hearing remain in effect;

(ii) A statement that the child continues to be removed from the parents or legal guardian from whom the child was removed under the original petition; and

(iii) Identification of the agency that is responsible for placement and care of the child based upon the modification of jurisdiction.

(2) Whenever the court modifies jurisdiction over a young person under section 450(a)(1)(B), the court must ensure that all of the following conditions are met:

(A) The order modifying the court’s jurisdiction must be made before the underlying petition is vacated;

(B) The order modifying jurisdiction must contain the following provisions:

(i) Continuance in the home is contrary the child’s welfare, and reasonable efforts were made to prevent removal;

(ii) The child continues to be removed from the parents or legal guardians;

(iii) Identification of the agency that is responsible for placement and care of the young person based on modification of jurisdiction;

(iv) A statement that the underlying adjudication is vacated and the arrest upon which it was based is expunged; and

(v) An order directing the Department of Justice and any law enforcement agency that has records of the arrest to seal those records and destroy them three years from the date of the arrest or one year after the order to seal, whichever occurs later.

End

Plain-English Summary

The risk this rule addresses is a child ageing out of a delinquency case straight into nothing. It attaches to four hearings: the last review before the child turns 18 (or a disposition hearing where the child will turn 18 before another review) — which must be set at least 90 days before the birthday and within six months of the previous review; any review at which terminating jurisdiction will be considered; any hearing to end jurisdiction over a child in foster care; and any hearing to end jurisdiction over a child not currently in foster care who had been removed as a dependent and was under a foster care order when they became a ward.

Every such hearing must be held before a judicial officer and recorded by a court reporter. If the report or the transition plans leave the court unable to make the required findings, the hearing is continued — for no more than five court days — for the missing information.

The report must say whether the child received the statutory notices and describe: the child’s progress toward case plan goals; where reunification services have not been terminated, each parent’s progress on the issues that led to removal; each parent’s current ability to provide safe care and support; and, depending on the child’s status, either a joint assessment by probation and the child welfare agency on the detriment of returning home and whether dependency should resume, or the probation officer’s recommendation on converting jurisdiction from ward to dependent or transition dependent, with the supporting facts. Where the agencies disagree on a joint assessment, the child welfare agency must file its own report.

For a child approaching majority the report adds the transition content: the plans to remain as a nonminor dependent and which participation criterion will be met; the efforts made to help; for an Indian child, the intention to continue being treated as one; any pending Supplemental Security Income or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status application and whether an active case is needed; the efforts to hand over the statutory information, documents and services with the barriers and the steps to clear them; and when and how the child was told they may request dismissal at 18, what the benefits of staying are, and that they may come back later. The Transitional Independent Living Case Plan and Plan go in as well, with both the individualized plan and the alternate plan for independence.

The findings track the reports. Centrally: whether the rehabilitative goals have been met so that wardship is no longer required, with the facts stated on the record. Then, by category — for a dual status child, whether returning home would be detrimental; for others, whether the child appears to come within the dependency statute and cannot safely go home, or remains a dependent child and faces a substantial risk of detriment on return; whether reunification services have ended; whether a hearing is set to terminate parental rights or establish a guardianship; and whether the young person intends to sign a mutual agreement for a supervised placement.

The orders are the point of the rule. Where dependency was suspended and the rehabilitative goals are met and return would be detrimental, dependency must resume. Where probation was the lead agency in a dual status case on the same findings, dual status ends, delinquency is dismissed, and dependency continues with the welfare department responsible for placement. Where the child fits the transition statute, jurisdiction is modified to transition jurisdiction with a nonminor review set within six months.

Where none of those apply and the child is in foster care, the court orders probation or the child’s attorney to apply to the welfare department to start a dependency proceeding — on findings that the child does not fit the transition statute, that the rehabilitative goals are met (or the adjudication is subject to vacatur), and that the child appears to come within the dependency statute with return possibly detrimental. The court then reviews the department’s decision within 20 court days and either affirms a refusal to file or orders a petition filed. If the refusal stands or the petition is not sustained, the court may return the child home with a progress report in six months, return the child home and end jurisdiction, or continue the foster care placement with another review.

Parallel provisions cover a child who was a dependent when adjudged a ward — where the court vacates the order that ended dependency and resumes it — and the several situations where no conversion happens at all, each with the same three-way choice between returning home with a progress hearing, returning home and ending jurisdiction, and continuing the placement with the appropriate next hearing.

Finally, two sets of conditions protect the child during any modification. The original petition must not be dismissed until the new one is sustained, and the modifying order must reference the original removal findings and their date, state that those findings remain in effect, state that the child continues to be removed from the same parent, and identify the agency now responsible for placement and care. Where the modification runs through the trafficking vacatur provision, the modifying order must come before the underlying petition is vacated, and must carry the removal language, the responsible agency, a statement that the adjudication is vacated and the arrest expunged, and an order to seal and later destroy the arrest records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which hearings does this rule apply to?

The last review before the child turns 18 (or a disposition hearing where the child will turn 18 first); any review at which terminating jurisdiction will be considered; any hearing to end jurisdiction over a child in foster care; and any hearing to end jurisdiction over a child who was previously removed as a dependent and was under a foster care order when adjudged a ward.

When must the last review before 18 be set?

At least 90 days before the child’s 18th birthday, and within six months of the previous hearing held under section 727.2 or 727.3.

Does the delinquency case simply end at 18?

Not without the court working through the alternatives. Depending on the findings, dependency may resume, dual status may end with dependency continuing, jurisdiction may be modified to transition jurisdiction, or the court may order an application to the welfare department to commence a dependency proceeding.

What happens if the welfare department refuses to file a petition?

The court reviews that decision within 20 court days and either affirms it or orders a petition filed. If the refusal stands or the petition is not sustained, the court may return the child home with a progress hearing in six months, return the child home and terminate jurisdiction, or continue the foster care placement with a further review.

What must a modification order contain?

A reference to the original removal findings and their date, a statement that those findings remain in effect, a statement that the child continues to be removed from the same parent or guardian, and identification of the agency now responsible for placement and care. The original petition must not be dismissed until the new one is sustained.

Amendment History

Rule 5.812 amended effective January 1, 2019; adopted effective January 1, 2012; previously amended effective July 1, 2012, January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2016.

(Subd (a) amended effective January 1, 2016; previously amended effective July 1, 2012.) (Subd (b) amended effective July 1, 2012.) (Subd (c) amended effective January 1, 2019; previously amended effective July 1, 2012.) (Subd (d) amended effective January 1, 2019; previously amended effective July 1, 2012, and January 1, 2014.) (Subd (e) amended effective January 1, 2019; previously amended effective July 1, 2012.) (Subd (f) amended effective January 1, 2019; previously amended effective July 1, 2012.)

Source & verification. Rule text is reproduced verbatim from the Judicial Council of California. Adopted by the Judicial Council of California. Last verified September 10, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: terminate delinquency jurisdiction foster care childdual status child modification jurisdictionsection 450 transition jurisdiction wardchild approaching majority delinquency review