Can the court terminate my parental rights in a DYFS case?
The court cannot terminate your parental rights in a DYFS case However, if DYFS removes your child, then there may be serious consequences. DYFS is required to file another type of case to terminate your parental rights forever if your child is in foster care for 15 months. This type of case is called a Termination Case. There are three exceptions to this rule: a. Your child is living with a relative who can care for your child permanently; b. DYFS shows that termination of parental rights is not in your child’s best interest; or c. DYFS has not given you the help that it was supposed to provide. In some cases, DYFS may file a case to terminate your parental rights even sooner than 15 months. You must begin immediately to do whatever you need to do to get your child back home. 12. What happens at a DYFS court hearing? The hearings in your abuse or neglect case will take place in open court. The court will make decisions and issue court orders about what must be done. The court may orde
