Rule 219.Permanency review hearings
Ch. XIV: Child Dependency, Neglect and/or Abuse Proceedings · Last amended 2015 · Current through June 1, 2026 · Last verified September 9, 2026
Full Text of Rule 219
Amendment History
Delaware prints each rule’s amendment history as a single “Credits” line naming every order that adopted or amended it. It is reproduced verbatim below.
[Formerly Rule 217 adopted September 12, 2002. Renumbered Rule 219 and amended effective April 20, 2015.]
Plain-English Summary
Permanency review hearings are held at least every 6 months after the permanency hearing, for as long as the child remains in DSCYF custody. At each one the court determines the appropriateness of the plan established at disposition and reviewed at the permanency hearing, and considers any motion to change it filed under Rule 213. The written order addresses the same findings as the permanency hearing.
At least. Six months is a floor, not a schedule. The court may sit sooner, and a party may move at any time.
While the child remains. The obligation is tied to the child's situation rather than to the calendar of the case. A child still in the State's custody is still owed a review, however long the case has run and however settled the plan looks.
Requiring the same findings as Rule 218 is what keeps these hearings substantive. The court asks again about safety, placement, services, progress and the projected date — so a plan that has quietly stopped moving shows up as an answer that has not changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are permanency review hearings held in Delaware?
At least every 6 months after the permanency hearing, while the child remains in DSCYF custody.
What does the court consider at a permanency review hearing?
The appropriateness of the child's permanency plan, and any motions to change the plan filed under Rule 213. The written order addresses the same findings as the permanency hearing.