Florida Child Welfare Case Manager Certification Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of an adjudicatory hearing?

1. To determine if a child was abused or neglected

2. To adjudicate parental rights

3. To decide on the placement of children

4. To review the progress of a child in foster care

The correct answer is: To determine if a child was abused or neglected

An adjudicatory hearing is designed to determine if a child has been abused or neglected, not to determine the placement of children or to review a child's progress in foster care. While a hearing may involve reviewing and determining the best interests of a child, the primary purpose is to gather evidence and determine if abuse or neglect has occurred. It is not used to adjudicate parental rights, which may be handled in a separate proceeding.