RSA 169-C:15 Preliminary Hearing.

I. After an ex parte order is issued or petition filed, a preliminary hearing shall be conducted by the court to determine if reasonable cause exists to believe that the child is abused or neglected.
II. If the court does not find reasonable cause to believe that the child is abused or neglected, it shall dismiss the petition.
III. Upon a finding of reasonable cause that the child is abused or neglected, the court shall:
(a) Appoint a CASA or other approved program guardian ad litem or an attorney to represent the child pursuant to RSA 169-C:10.
(b) Determine whether any ex parte orders issued should be continued or modified.
(c) Issue orders pursuant to RSA 169-C:16, which shall be immediate and in writing if the court finds that the child's circumstan