What Are Reasonable Efforts

Statute: § 27-20-32.2

The exercise of due diligence by the agency to use appropriate and available services to meet the needs of the child and the child's family

When Reasonable Efforts Are Required

Statute: § 27-20-32.2

Prior to placement, to prevent or eliminate the need for removing the child from the home

After removal, to make it possible for the child to safely return home

If it is determined that continuation of efforts is inconsistent with the permanency plan, efforts to place the child in a timely manner and to finalize the permanent placement of the child

When Reasonable Efforts Are NOT Required

Statute: §§ 27-20-02; 27-20-32.2

The parent has subjected the child to aggravated circumstances, in which a parent:

Abandons, tortures, chronically abuses, or
sexually abuses a child

Fails to make substantial efforts to secure
treatment of an addiction, mental illness, or
other condition for 1 year or one-half a child's
lifetime, whichever time period is less

Engages in deviate sexual acts, sexual abuse,
etc., in which the victim is a child

Commits murder, manslaughter, or negligently
causing the death of another, or the attempt to
commit such crimes

Commits aggravated assault in which the victim
suffers serious bodily injury

Commits assault, aggravated assault, reckless
endangerment or terrorizing in which a child is
the victim or intended victim

Has been incarcerated under a sentence for which
the release date is: a) In the case of a child
age 9 older, after the child's majority; or b) in
the case of a child under age 9, after the child
is twice the child's current age

Has had his or her parental rights to another
child terminated involuntarily