If a parent has committed specific types of serious child abuse, the court may make a finding that a parent has subjected a child to aggravated circumstances.

If the court makes such a finding, the court may do the following:

• Waive the requirement to develop a service plan.
• Waive the requirement to make reasonable efforts to return the child.
• Accelerate the trial schedule to result in a final order at an earlier date than otherwise required under the mandatory dismissal deadline.

If the court makes such a finding with respect to at least one parent, the initial permanency hearing must still be held no more than 30 days after the adversary hearing.

Texas Family Code 262.2015External Link

Examples of aggravated circumstances include a parent who has done any of the following:

• Inflicted (or permitted someone else to inflict) serious bodily injury on their child.
• Sexually abused their child.
• Promoted pornography or trafficking involving their child.
• Was convicted of murder, manslaughter, or felony assault of their child.

For a complete list of aggravated circumstances, see Aggravated Circumstances in the Hearings and Legal Proceedings Resource GuidePDF Document.