PERMANENCY HEARINGS.

SEC. 302. PERMANENCY HEARINGS. Section 475(5)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 675(5)(C)) is amended— (1) by striking “dispositional” and inserting “permanency”; (2) by striking “eighteen” and inserting “12”; (3) by striking “original placement” and inserting “date the child is considered to have entered foster care (as determined under subparagraph (F))”; and (4) by striking “future status of” and all that follows through “long term basis)” and inserting “permanency plan for the child that includes whether, and if applicable when, the child will be returned to the parent, placed for adoption and the State will file a petition for termination of parental rights, or referred for legal guardianship, or (in cases where 111 STAT. 2129the State agency has documented to the State court a compelling reason for determining that it would not be in the best interests of the child to return home, be referred for termination of parental rights, or be placed for adoption, with a fit and willing relative, or with a legal guardian) placed in another planned permanent living arrangement”.