Does The Mother need to have a job for reunification?

The mother will have received a case plan, and the requirements of that plan should be met before the child is returned. But every case plan is different. Hers may or may not say that she has to have a job. Sometimes they only address the problems that brought their child into care - like having to get off drugs, or kick out a child abusing boyfriend, and the like. But others address things that may become issues later, like keeping acceptable housing and keeping a job that pays for it. Still others are more general - getting themselves to the place where they can care for a child, feed/clothe/house the child, educate the child, in a safe enviornment. But each parent is usually held only to the items in their case plan, as interpreted by the judge. Hope that helps, although it might not be what you wanted to hear.

Every case plan in Hillsbourgh county has the task of financial stability. In most cases that means a job. Before reunification can occur they will have to do a homestudy on the mother, if she can't pay the bills that is a problem. I just had a reunification held up for that reason. However if she has income(does not have to be a job)and it covers all the bills, then she is fine. So no a job is not always required, but the bills have to be paid.

Thanks you guys. I think I have a copy of the case plan in the "red folder". I appreciate your input.