What Are Reasonable Efforts

Statute: § 712A.18f

The type of placement for the child and the reasons for the placement

Efforts to be made by the parents

Efforts to be made by the agency

Schedule of services to be provided

Schedule of parenting time between the child and the parent, if appropriate

When Reasonable Efforts Are Required

Statute: § 712A.18f

To prevent the child's removal from his or her home

To rectify conditions that caused removal of the child from his or her home

When Reasonable Efforts Are NOT Required

Statute: § 712A.19a

Grounds for not providing reasonable efforts include:

Abandonment of a child

Criminal sexual conduct

Battering, torture, or other severe physical
abuse

Loss or serious impairment of an organ or limb

Life threatening injury

Murder or attempted murder

Voluntary manslaughter

Aiding, abetting, or attempting such crimes