Reasonable Efforts to Reunify Families Rhode Island

What Are Reasonable Efforts

Statute: § 40-11-12.2

Efforts to preserve and reunify families

When Reasonable Efforts Are Required

Statute: § 40-11-12.2

Prior to placement of a child in foster care, to
prevent or eliminate the need for removing the
child from the home, which efforts shall include
placement of the child with a blood relative or
other family member

To make it possible for the child to safely
return home

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

When Reasonable Efforts Are NOT Required

Statute: § 40-11-12.2

The parent has subjected any child to conduct of a cruel and abusive nature.

The parent has:

Committed murder of another child of the parent

Subjected the child to aggravating circumstances,
including abandonment, torture, chronic abuse, or
sexual abuse

Committed voluntary manslaughter of another child
or attempted to commit such crime

Committed a felony assault that results in
serious bodily injury of the child or another
child

Parental rights to another child have been
terminated involuntarily.