H. Aggravated Circumstances
If the court finds aggravated circumstances, it may:
- Waive the requirements of formulating a service plan and making reasonable efforts to return the child to a parent; and
- Accelerate the trial schedule. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.2015(a).
To view the list of aggravated circumstances, see Tex. Fam. Code § 262.2015.
Special Issue: One of the offenses that constitutes aggravated circumstances is knowingly subjecting a child to sex trafficking, receiving a benefit from a venture that involves sex trafficking, or engaging in sexual conduct with a trafficked child.
The court must also:
- Find that reasonable efforts to make it possible for the child to safely return home are not required;
- Set and conduct the initial Permanency Hearing within 30 days of making this finding; and
- Set the final hearing. Note, there is no required time frame other than before dismissal date set pursuant to Tex. Fam. Code § 263.401. Tex. Fam. Code § 262.2015(c) and (d).