What Are Reasonable Efforts

Statute:

Not specified in statutes reviewed

When Reasonable Efforts Are Required

Statute: §§ 16-1615; 16-1610

Prior to the placement of the child in care to prevent the removal of the child from the child's home

To reunify the family in a timely manner in accordance with the case plan

To complete the steps necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child

When Reasonable Efforts Are NOT Required

Statute: § 16-1608(f)

Reasonable efforts were made but were not successful in eliminating the need for foster placement of the child

Reasonable efforts were not made because of immediate danger to the child

Reasonable efforts to temporarily place the child with a relative were not successful

Reasonable efforts were not required because the parent subjected the child to aggravated circumstances, including abandonment, torture, chronic abuse, sexual abuse, murder or the attempt to commit murder, voluntary manslaughter or the attempt, felony assault that results in serious bodily injury, or the parental rights of the parent to a sibling have been terminated involuntarily