The Department of Health and Human Services assigns codes to represent the legal status of children in care. You may hear some of these codes while you are in court.
Children who are in the state’s custody under the Child and Family Services and Child Protection Act:
- C-1 The Superior Court, District Court or probate court has made a preliminary protection order giving temporary custody to the Department of Health & Human Services because it has decided that the child or youth is at immediate risk of serious harm. A hearing on the child protection petition (the papers the judge first signs) must be held within ten days of the time the judge gives temporary custody to the Department in an emergency situation.
- C-2 A hearing is held on the child protection petition and the court has ruled that the child is in jeopardy (put in danger). The child is then placed in the full custody of the Department of Health & Human Services by a District Court. (Unless you have come into custody through the Juvenile Court, you probably fit into this category.) At the C-2 hearing, the judge may also decide that the child is not unsafe and can go home.
- C-3 The court has terminated the rights of the child’s parents and the child is available for adoption.
- C-5 Children are placed in the custody of the Department of Health & Human Services by a juvenile court because they have committed a crime and it would not be in their best interest to stay at home.
Children who are in the state’s custody under the Divorce Laws:
- C-6 Children are placed in the custody of the Department until a divorce is final.
- C-7 Children are placed in the custody of the Department of Health & Human Services in a divorce judgment by the Superior or District Court.
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- V-5 Children are placed in the Department’s custody because they have been voluntarily surrendered and released by their parents for the purpose of adoption in probate court.
Children who are on Child Welfare Voluntary Status:
- V-2 Children are placed in the Department’s care through a voluntary agreement between the Department and the parent; parents keep custody.
- V-9 Young adults between 18 and 21 agree to be in the Department’s extended care program and are provided services to continue their education.