What Are Reasonable Efforts

Statute: § 9-27-303

'Reasonable efforts' means efforts to preserve the family, or reasonable care and diligence on the part of the department or agency to utilize all available services related to meeting the needs of the juvenile and the family.

When Reasonable Efforts Are Required

Statute: § 9-27-303

Prior to the placement of a child in foster care to prevent the need for removing the child from the child's home

To reunify a family after a child has been placed out of home to make it possible to return safely home

To obtain permanency for a child who has been in placement more than 12 months, or 15 of the last 22 months

When Reasonable Efforts Are NOT Required

Statute: § 9-27-303

Reunification shall not be required if a court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the parent has:

Subjected the child to aggravated circumstances, which may include abandonment, chronic abuse, cruelty, or sexual abuse

Committed or attempted to commit murder or voluntary manslaughter of any child

Committed felony battery or assault to any child that results in serious bodily injury

Had parental rights terminated to a sibling of the child

Has abandoned an infant