Best Interests of the Child

Statute: Iowa Code Ann. § 232.104(1)(c) (West, WESTLAW through End of 2002 2nd Ex. Sess.)

Law:

During the [permanency] hearing, the court shall consider the child's need for a secure and permanent placement in light of any permanency plan or evidence submitted to the court. Upon completion of the hearing, the court shall enter written findings and make a determination based identifying a primary permanency goal for the child.

Concurrent Planning

Statute: Iowa Code Ann. § 232.2(4)(h) (West, WESTLAW through Iowa 2003 Legis. Serv., H.F. 457)

Law:

If reasonable efforts to place a child for adoption or with a guardian are made concurrently with reasonable efforts as defined in § 232.102, the concurrent goals and timelines may be identified. Concurrent case permanency plan goals for reunification and for adoption or for other permanent out-of-home placement of a child shall not be considered inconsistent in that the goals reflect divergent possible outcomes for a child in an out-of-home placement.