Reasonable Efforts to Reunify Families New Jersey

What Are Reasonable Efforts

Statute: § 30:4C-15.1

Attempts by an agency to assist parents in remedying the circumstances and conditions that led to placement of the child and reinforcing family structure, including:

Consultation with the parent in developing a plan for appropriate services

Providing the services agreed upon

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

Facilitating appropriate visitation

When Reasonable Efforts Are Required

Statute: § 30:4C-11.1

Prior to placement, to preserve the family in order to prevent the need for removing the child from the home

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

In any case where reunification is not the permanency plan, efforts to place the child in a timely manner and finalize the permanent placement of the child

When Reasonable Efforts Are NOT Required

Statute: § 30:4C-11.2

The parent has subjected the child to aggravated circumstances of abuse, neglect, cruelty, or abandonment

The parent has been convicted of murder or manslaughter of a child, or aiding, abetting, or attempting to commit such a crime; committing or attempting to commit a assault resulting in serious bodily injury to a child

Parental rights to another child have been terminated involuntarily

Removal of the child was required due to imminent
danger to the child's life, safety, or health

Efforts to prevent placement were not reasonable
due to risk of harm to the child's health or
safety