Senator Garrett proposes the following amendment (SR-121.QG0002S):

Amend the bill, as and if amended, SECTION 2.A., by striking Section 63-7-1700(A) and inserting:

 (A) The family court shall review the status of a child placed in foster care upon motion filed by the department to determine a permanent plan for the child. The permanency planning hearing must be held no later than one year nine months after the date the child was first placed in foster care. At the initial permanency planning hearing, the court shall review the status of the child and the progress being made toward the child's return home or toward any other permanent plan approved at the removal hearing. The court's order shall make specific findings in accordance with this section. An action for permanency planning must be brought for a child who enters the custody of the department by any mechanism, including subarticle 3 or Section 63-7-1660 or 63-9-330. If the child enters the custody of the department pursuant to Section 63-9-330 and no action is pending in the family court concerning the child, the department may initiate the permanency planning hearing with a summons and petition for review. All parties must be served with the motion or the summons and petition at least ten days before the hearing, and no responsive pleading is required. Upon motion by the department and if the court determines it is in the best interest of the child, the court may allow the permanency planning hearing to be held later than nine months, but no later than one year after the date the child was first placed in foster care. The case may not be dismissed for failure to hold the permanency planning hearing after nine months. If the hearing has not been held within nine months, a party aggrieved by the delay may motion the court to set the hearing for a date certain.

Renumber sections to conform.

Amend title to conform.