Child Protective Proceeding
A civil legal action concerning neglect or abuse of a child by a parent or custodian.

Petition
A complaint or other written allegation that a parent, guardian, nonparent adult, or legal custodian has harmed or failed to properly care for a child.

Preliminary Inquiry
An informal review by the court to determine appropriate action on a petition.

Preliminary Hearing
A court proceeding, on the record, to determine if a legal basis exists for a child protective proceeding to be accepted for filing with the court. Placement of the child/children outside of the parental home may be authorized at this hearing.

Placement
A court-approved transfer of physical custody of a child to foster care, residential treatment, a hospital, or a private treatment agency.

Adjudication
Plea of admission, no contest, or finding of responsibility after trial to determine the Family Court’s jurisdiction over a child.

Disposition
Determination of consequence, action, or services after adjudication.

Referee
Person empowered by Judge and Statute to conduct hearings in Family Court matters.