Reasonable Efforts to Reunify Families Iowa

What Are Reasonable Efforts

Statute: § 232.102

Efforts made to preserve and unify a family.
Reasonable efforts may include intensive family preservation services or family-centered services if the child's safety in the home can be maintained during the time the services are provided.

When Reasonable Efforts Are Required

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Statute: § 232.102

Prior to out-of-home placement of a child in foster care to eliminate the need for removal of the child

To make it possible for the child to safely return to the family's home

When Reasonable Efforts Are NOT Required

Statute: § 232.102

If the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that aggravated circumstances exist, the court may waive the requirement for making reasonable efforts. Aggravated circumstances include:

The parent has abandoned the child

The court finds the child in need of assistance based on a finding of physical or sexual abuse or neglect

The parental rights to another child have been
terminated and there is evidence that services
will not correct the conditions within a
reasonable time

The parent has been convicted of murder or
voluntary manslaughter of another child or the
attempt to commit either crime

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