Reasonable Efforts to Reunify Families Florida

What Are Reasonable Efforts

Statute: § 39.521(1)(f)

'Reasonable effort' means the exercise of reasonable diligence and care by the department to provide the services ordered by the court or delineated in the case plan.

When Reasonable Efforts Are Required

Statute: § 39.521(1)(f)

The court shall make a finding regarding whether reasonable efforts have been made:

Whether or not prevention or reunification services were indicated

A written description of what appropriate and available efforts were made

Why further efforts could or could not have prevented or shortened the separation of parent and child

When Reasonable Efforts Are NOT Required

Statute: § 39.521(1)(f)

A reasonable effort has been made if the appraisal of the home situation indicates the severity of conditions is such that reunification efforts were inappropriate.