SOWK 4700 Child Welfare Practice And Services Practice Test

Under ASFA, what factors may extend the 12-month requirement for a permanency hearing?

No extensions are allowed. Extensions are only granted for administrative delays. Extensions may be granted in certain circumstances when continued efforts toward permanency are appropriate. Extensions are automatic after one year.

Correct Answer:

Extensions may be granted in certain circumstances when continued efforts toward permanency are appropriate.

Explanation:

The important idea here is that the 12-month deadline for a permanency hearing under ASFA is a target, not a hard cap. Extensions can be allowed when there are ongoing efforts to reach a permanent plan that are appropriate for the child’s safety and well-being. In practice, this means the court may extend the timeline if continued efforts toward permanency—such as reunification work, identifying a suitable relative caregiver, or moving toward adoption or guardianship—are still in progress and in the child’s best interests. The extension is not automatic and isn’t limited to administrative delays; it requires a determination that more time is warranted to pursue a safe, permanent arrangement.

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