Legal Definitions - shelter-care hearing

A shelter-care hearing is a type of hearing held in family law cases shortly after a child has been removed from their home due to suspected abuse or neglect. The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether the state has adequate cause to maintain the children in protective care.

For example, if a child is removed from their home by child protective services due to suspected abuse, a shelter-care hearing will be held within 24 to 72 hours to determine whether the child should remain in protective care or be returned to their home.

Another example is if a child is removed from their home due to neglect, a shelter-care hearing will be held to determine whether the state has adequate cause to maintain the child in protective care.