Certified Case Manager Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Resource for Exam Success!

A permanency hearing is a critical component of child welfare proceedings aimed at determining the permanent plan for a child who has been removed from their home. This hearing serves to ensure that the child’s best interests are prioritized and that decisions are made in a timely manner regarding their future living situation.

The correct answer emphasizes that a permanency hearing must take place before a child exits the child welfare system or any out-of-home placement. This is essential because it allows for a thorough assessment of the child’s needs and the suitability of the proposed permanent arrangement. The hearing typically reviews the progress made toward achieving permanency, considers the child’s connections, and evaluates whether reunification, adoption, guardianship, or another permanent living arrangement is the most appropriate outcome.

The other options, while they reference timelines important in child welfare proceedings, do not correctly capture the requirement for the permanency hearing. The hearing must be conducted before the child exits care to ensure that all necessary measures are in place for the child’s long-term stability and well-being, making it possible to transition in a safe and planned manner.