Sec 8-825. Court determinations in preliminary protective hearing

A. The court's determination in the preliminary protective hearing may be based on evidence that is hearsay, in whole or in part, in the following forms:

1. The allegations of the petition.

2. An affidavit.

3. Sworn testimony.

4. The written reports of expert witnesses.

5. The department's written reports if the child safety worker is present and available for cross-examination.

6. Documentary evidence without foundation if there is a substantial basis for believing the foundation will be available at the dependency hearing and the document is otherwise admissible.

7. The testimony of a witness concerning the declarations of another person if the evidence is cumulative or there is a reasonable ground to believe that the other person will be personally available for trial.

B. Evidence considered by the court pursuant to subsection A of this section shall also include any available evidence of substantiated allegations of abuse or neglect committed in another jurisdiction.

C. The court shall determine whether temporary custody of the child is clearly necessary to prevent abuse or neglect pending the hearing on the dependency petition. The court:

1. On finding that the petitioner has not met the burden prescribed in section 8-824, subsection F, shall return the child to the child's parent, guardian or custodian pending the dependency hearing.

2. On finding that the petitioner has met the burden prescribed in section 8-824, subsection F, may declare the child a temporary ward of the court pending the dependency hearing.

D. The court shall also determine if reasonable efforts were made to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of a child from the child's home and if services are available that would eliminate the need for continued removal. If the child is:

1. In the custody of the department, the court shall order the department to make reasonable efforts to provide services to the child and parent to facilitate the reunification of the family, except as provided in section 8-846.

2. Not in the custody of the department and the department is not a party, the court may direct the parties to participate in reasonable services that will facilitate reunification of the family or another permanent plan for the child. The court shall not require the department to provide services pursuant to this paragraph.