HB 971 amends Chapter 11 of Title 15 of the OCGA. A court may consider any evidence, including hearsay evidence, to determine the needs of an alleged dependent child and the most appropriate case and permanency plans. A court may also authorize temporary alternatives to foster case to have any protective powers set forth in this code section without the necessity of a show cause hearing. The bill also requires that a DFCS case manager determine if a child is still eligible for extended care youth services every 12 months instead of 60 days.