How long must a court wait before terminating parental rights?

Abstract

There are judges and associate judges who will give parents facing TPR every benefit of the doubt, and as much time as allowed by law. With the extensions allowed by Emergency Orders granted by the Texas Supreme Court, cases could linger, and parents could be given more time than provided by statute. However, there will continue to be many cases in which parents fail to fulfill DFPS’ Family Service Plans. The primary purpose of every state child welfare statutory scheme is to preserve the integrity of the family unit to the greatest extent possible. Toward that end, DFPS must make reasonable efforts to reunify children with their parents. But that goal must be weighed against all the other factors involved in TPR cases. Not an easy balance. (from Conclusion)