Notice to foster parent, pre-adoptive parent, or relative providing care for a child

The Department shall file a certification with the court that the Department has provided notice and informed the foster parent, pre-adoptive parent or relative providing care for a child, who is the subject of a care and protection petition, of his/her right to attend and be heard at a hearing held pursuant to G. L. c. 119, §§ 26 and 29B . The certification shall be on a form approved by the Chief Justice of the Juvenile Court. In the event the foster parent, pre-adoptive parent or relative chooses to exercise his/her right to be heard, he/she shall testify in court under oath. Failure by the Department to provide timely notice does not preclude the judge from proceeding with the hearing.