Reasonable Efforts to Reunify Families Virginia

What Are Reasonable Efforts

Statute: § 16.1-281

Programs, care, services, and other support offered to the child and parents

Participation and conduct to be sought from the
child's parents

Visitation and other contact between the child
and the parents

When Reasonable Efforts Are Required

Statute: § 16.1-281

To return the child to his parents within the shortest practicable time

When Reasonable Efforts Are NOT Required

Statute: § 16.1-281

Parental rights to another child have been terminated involuntarily

The parent has been convicted of murder or
voluntary manslaughter, or an attempt to commit
such offense, if the victim was a child of the
parent or the other parent of the child

The parent has been convicted of felony assault
resulting in serious bodily injury, or felony
sexual assault, if the victim was a child of the
parent

The parent has subjected the child to aggravated
circumstances, which can include torture, chronic
or severe abuse, or chronic or severe sexual abuse