Blog

Reunification Timelines in California Juvenile Dependency Court

January 26, 2026

Hema Dey

Orange County Criminal Defense, Other Crimes

Summary: This page covers How Long Does Reunification Take in Foster Care?, How Long Does a Parent Have to Get Their Child Back From Foster Care?, Learn What to Expect From Reunification Timelines in Dependency Court.

• How Long Does Reunification Take in Foster Care?
• How Long Does a Parent Have to Get Their Child Back From Foster Care?
• Learn What to Expect From Reunification Timelines in Dependency Court

While the foster care reunification process can vary from case to case, there is a general reunification timeline that you can expect in California juvenile dependency court. If you are worried about what to expect from your case, contacta juvenile dependency attorney in California. With the right insights, you can navigate Child Protective Services (CPS) and learn how to regain custody.

How Long Does Reunification Take in Foster Care?

In the majority of cases, the foster care reunification process takes 6 to 18 months to wrap up with the courts. Under the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), the government is supposed to seek a permanent living situation for the child, ensuring stability and safety for the child’s future. This means that the government is required to find a permanent placement if the child is in foster care for 15 out of the last 22 months.

The Reunification Timeline

If you have been assigned reunification services in California, your lawyer can walk you through what to expect. In general, juvenile dependency cases will go through the following process.

• Emergency Removal and Detention Hearings: The dependency case often begins with the child’s emergency removal. Afterward, CPS has to petition the court, and the court must hear the petition by the end of the next day. The detention hearing will decide if the child’s removal is necessary.
• Jurisdictional Hearing: Within the next 15 to 30 days, a jurisdictional hearing will take place with the juvenile dependency court. This is where the court will decide if the allegations are true or not, and your chance to disprove their argument.
• Disposition Hearing: The dispositional hearing will be held within 30 days in most cases. In it, the judge will decide what types of family reunification services are necessary, visitation rights, and what will happen with the child.
• Six-Month Review: At the six-month review, the judge will see if the parent has made progress with family reunification services. If not, they may decide to delay the case, requiring everyone to reconvene to review matters in another six months.
• 12-Month Review: Again, the judge will check the status of the case. The child can be returned home, or the judge may give you more time to complete your family reunification services.
• 18-Month Review: Unless very unusual circumstances apply according to WIC 366.22(a), the court will either return the child to their parent or find a permanent solution with someone else.

Major Deadlines in CPS Cases

As you proceed with the dependency court process, keep a few important deadlines in mind.

• Dispositional Hearings: There is a 60-day deadline for these hearings.
• 12-Month Reunification: The goal of the court is to achieve reunification in 12 months.
• 18-Month Reunification: At the 18-month mark, the court will make a final decision about the child if a permanent solution hasn’t been found.

What Causes Reunification to Fail?

Many factors can cause family reunification to fail. If CPS requires specific reunification services, these services must be completed in order for the process to be completed successfully. If they aren’t completed or it takes longer than 18 months, reunification will fail. Additionally, parents need to continue a relationship with their child in foster care so that reunification can be successful.

How Long Does a Parent Have to Get Their Child Back From Foster Care?

If you are battling CPS, you can talk to a juvenile dependency lawyer in California about the timeline you can expect. As a general rule, children cannot stay in foster care for more than 15 out of the last 22 months. Otherwise, the court is obligated to find them a permanent solution with an adoptive family or relative. Additionally, the 18-month hearing is generally the family’s last chance for reunification.

Learn What to Expect From Reunification Timelines in Dependency Court

If you are dealing with the foster care reunification process, you are not alone. Our team is here to help you understand the reunification timeline and what to expect in juvenile dependency court. To find out more information, reach out to our team of legal professionals today.