What Are Reasonable Efforts

Statute: Soc. Serv. Law § 384-b

'Diligent efforts' shall mean reasonable attempts to assist, develop, and encourage a meaningful relationship between the parent and child, including

Consultation with the parents to develop a plan for appropriate services

Making suitable arrangements for the parent to visit with the child

Provision of services and other assistance

Informing the parents of the child's progress, development, and health

Making suitable arrangements with a correctional facility for an incarcerated parent to visit with the child, if such visiting is in the best interests of the child

When Reasonable Efforts Are Required

Statute: Soc. Serv. Law § 358-a

Prior to placement to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from the home

To make it possible for the child to return home
If the permanent plan for the child is other than reunification, efforts to make and finalize such alternative permanent placement

When Reasonable Efforts Are NOT Required

Statute: Soc. Serv. Law §§ 358-a; 384-b

The parent has subjected the child to aggravated circumstances, where the child has been either severely or repeatedly abused

The parent has been convicted of murder or voluntary manslaughter of another child, or the attempt to commit such crime and the victim was the child or another child of the parent

The parent has been convicted of assault that resulted in serious bodily injury of the child or another child

Parental rights to another child have been terminated involuntarily

The parent has failed to keep the agency apprised of his or her location for a period of 6 months

An incarcerated parent has failed to cooperate with agency efforts to assist the parent to plan for the future of the child or to arrange visits with the child