SOWK 4700 Child Welfare Practice and Services Practice Test

The adjudication hearing is the fact-finding, trial-like stage where the court decides whether the petition’s allegations of abuse, neglect, or risk are substantiated. In this hearing, evidence is presented, witnesses may testify, and the judge weighs the facts to determine if the identified concerns are true and meet the applicable legal standards. The outcome is a formal finding about the child’s safety and the family’s situation, which provides the factual basis for what happens next in the case.

Custody decisions and financial responsibilities are not decided at this stage; those issues are addressed later during the disposition phase after the facts have been established. The primary purpose of adjudication is to determine the truth of the allegations, not to resolve custody or fees.