Reasonable Efforts to Reunify Families Montana

What Are Reasonable Efforts

Statute: § 41-3-423

Voluntary protective services agreements

Development of individual written case plans specifying State efforts to reunify families

Placement in the least disruptive setting possible

Provision of services pursuant to a case plan

Periodic review to ensure timely progress

When Reasonable Efforts Are Required

Statute: § 41-3-423

To prevent the necessity of removal of a child from a child's home

To reunify families that have been separated

When Reasonable Efforts Are NOT Required

Statute: § 41-3-423

A parent has:

Subjected a child to aggravated circumstances, including abandonment, torture, chronic abuse, sexual abuse, or chronic, severe neglect

Committed, aided, abetted, or attempted to commit homicide of a child

Committed aggravated assault against a child

Committed neglect of a child that resulted in serious bodily injury or death

Had parental rights to a sibling terminated involuntarily and circumstances are relevant to the parent's ability to adequately care for the child at issue