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S.B. 49

             1     

CHILD WELFARE MODIFICATIONS

             2     
2013 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: Wayne A. Harper

             5     
House Sponsor: Ronda Rudd Menlove

             6     
             7      LONG TITLE
             8      General Description:
             9          This bill modifies Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Child and Family Services, and Title 78A,
             10      Chapter 6, Juvenile Court Act, by amending procedures relating to child welfare and
             11      delays the effective date of uncodified laws of Utah relating to the Office of the
             12      Guardian ad Litem.
             13      Highlighted Provisions:
             14          This bill:
             15          .    states that a parent is not required to provide child support to the Division of Child
             16      and Family Services for a child in the protective custody, temporary custody, or
             17      custody of the division if the parent's only form of income is a government-issued
             18      disability benefit;
             19          .    permits a parent or guardian to name two friends as potential emergency
             20      placements, if the division removes the child from the parent or guardian's home;
             21          .    prohibits the court from ordering additional drug or alcohol testing beyond what is
             22      recommended by a parent's substance abuse treatment program;
             23          .    modifies the definition of a "relative" to include the first cousin of the child's parent;
             24          .    permits a parent whose rights were terminated to petition for guardianship of the
             25      parent's child if the child is not adopted within a year of termination, and no
             26      adoption is likely to occur, or if the child's adoptive parents return the child to the
             27      custody of the division;


             28          .    delays the effective date of Uncodified Section 10, Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter
             29      223; and
             30          .    makes technical changes.
             31      Money Appropriated in this Bill:
             32          None
             33      Other Special Clauses:
             34          This bill provides revisor instructions.
             35      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             36      AMENDS:
             37          62A-4a-114, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
             38          62A-4a-209, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapters 3 and 17
             39          78A-6-307, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 17 and renumbered and
             40      amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
             41          78A-6-312, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 293
             42          78A-6-511, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 293
             43          78A-6-513, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
             44          78A-6-1106, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
             45      Uncodified Material Affected:
             46      AMENDS UNCODIFIED MATERIAL:
             47           Uncodified Section 10, Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 223
             48          This uncodified section affects Sections 30-3-5.2, 51-9-408, 78A-2-227, 78A-2-228,
             49      78B-3-102, 78B-7-106, 78B-7-202, and 78B-15-612.
             50     
             51      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             52          Section 1. Section 62A-4a-114 is amended to read:
             53           62A-4a-114. Financial reimbursement by parent or legal guardian.
             54          (1) [The] Except as provided in Subsection (5), the division shall seek reimbursement
             55      of funds it has expended on behalf of a child in the protective custody, temporary custody, or
             56      custody of the division, from the child's parents or legal guardians in accordance with an order
             57      for child support under Section 78A-6-1106 .
             58          (2) A parent or any other obligated person is not responsible for support for periods of


             59      time that a child is removed upon a finding by the juvenile court that there were insufficient
             60      grounds for that removal and that child is returned to the home of the parent, parents, or legal
             61      guardians based upon that finding.
             62          (3) In the event that the juvenile court finds that there were insufficient grounds for the
             63      initial removal, but that the child is to remain in the custody of the state, the juvenile court shall
             64      order that the parents or any other obligated persons are responsible for support from the point
             65      at which it became improper to return the child to the home of [his or her] the child's parent,
             66      parents, or legal guardians.
             67          (4) The attorney general shall represent the division in any legal action taken to enforce
             68      this section.
             69          (5) (a) A parent or any other obligated person is not responsible for support if:
             70          (i) the parent or other obligated person's only source of income is a government-issued
             71      disability benefit; and
             72          (ii) the benefit described in Subsection (5)(a)(i) is issued because of the parent or other
             73      person's disability, and not the child's disability.
             74          (b) A person who seeks to be excused from providing support under Subsection (5)(a)
             75      shall provide the division and the Office of Recovery Services with evidence that the person
             76      meets the requirements of Subsection (5)(a).
             77          Section 2. Section 62A-4a-209 is amended to read:
             78           62A-4a-209. Emergency placement.
             79          (1) As used in this section:
             80          (a) "Nonrelative" means an individual, other than a noncustodial parent or a relative.
             81          (b) "Relative" is as defined in Subsection 78A-6-307 (1)(b).
             82          (2) The division may use an emergency placement under Subsection
             83      62A-4a-202.1 (4)(b)(ii) when:
             84          (a) the case worker has made the determination that:
             85          (i) the child's home is unsafe;
             86          (ii) removal is necessary under the provisions of Section 62A-4a-202.1 ; and
             87          (iii) the child's custodial parent or guardian will agree to not remove the child from the
             88      home of the person that serves as the placement and not have any contact with the child until
             89      after the shelter hearing required by Section 78A-6-306 ;


             90          (b) a person, with preference being given in accordance with Subsection (4), can be
             91      identified who has the ability and is willing to provide care for the child who would otherwise
             92      be placed in shelter care, including:
             93          (i) taking the child to medical, mental health, dental, and educational appointments at
             94      the request of the division; and
             95          (ii) making the child available to division services and the guardian ad litem; and
             96          (c) the person described in Subsection (2)(b) agrees to care for the child on an
             97      emergency basis under the following conditions:
             98          (i) the person meets the criteria for an emergency placement under Subsection (3);
             99          (ii) the person agrees to not allow the custodial parent or guardian to have any contact
             100      with the child until after the shelter hearing unless authorized by the division in writing;
             101          (iii) the person agrees to contact law enforcement and the division if the custodial
             102      parent or guardian attempts to make unauthorized contact with the child;
             103          (iv) the person agrees to allow the division and the child's guardian ad litem to have
             104      access to the child;
             105          (v) the person has been informed and understands that the division may continue to
             106      search for other possible placements for long-term care, if needed;
             107          (vi) the person is willing to assist the custodial parent or guardian in reunification
             108      efforts at the request of the division, and to follow all court orders; and
             109          (vii) the child is comfortable with the person.
             110          (3) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (5), before the division places a child
             111      in an emergency placement, the division:
             112          (a) may request the name of a reference and may contact the reference to determine the
             113      answer to the following questions:
             114          (i) would the person identified as a reference place a child in the home of the
             115      emergency placement; and
             116          (ii) are there any other relatives or friends to consider as a possible emergency or
             117      long-term placement for the child;
             118          (b) shall have the custodial parent or guardian sign an emergency placement agreement
             119      form during the investigation;
             120          (c) (i) if the emergency placement will be with a relative of the child, shall comply with


             121      the background check provisions described in Subsection (7); or
             122          (ii) if the emergency placement will be with a person other than a noncustodial parent
             123      or a relative, shall comply with the criminal background check provisions described in Section
             124      78A-6-308 for adults living in the household where the child will be placed;
             125          (d) shall complete a limited home inspection of the home where the emergency
             126      placement is made; and
             127          (e) shall have the emergency placement approved by a family service specialist.
             128          (4) (a) The following order of preference shall be applied when determining the person
             129      with whom a child will be placed in an emergency placement described in this section,
             130      provided that the person is willing, and has the ability, to care for the child:
             131          (i) a noncustodial parent of the child in accordance with Section 78A-6-307 ;
             132          (ii) a relative of the child;
             133          (iii) subject to Subsection (4)(b), a friend designated by the custodial parent or
             134      guardian of the child, if the friend is a licensed foster parent; and
             135          (iv) a shelter facility, former foster placement, or other foster placement designated by
             136      the division.
             137          (b) Unless the division agrees otherwise, the custodial parent or guardian described in
             138      Subsection (4)(a)(iii) may [only] designate [one friend] up to two friends as a potential
             139      emergency placement.
             140          (5) (a) The division may, pending the outcome of the investigation described in
             141      Subsections (5)(b) and (c), place a child in emergency placement with the child's noncustodial
             142      parent if, based on a limited investigation, prior to making the emergency placement, the
             143      division:
             144          (i) determines that the noncustodial parent has regular, unsupervised visitation with the
             145      child that is not prohibited by law or court order;
             146          (ii) determines that there is not reason to believe that the child's health or safety will be
             147      endangered during the emergency placement; and
             148          (iii) has the custodial parent or guardian sign an emergency placement agreement.
             149          (b) Either before or after making an emergency placement with the noncustodial parent
             150      of the child, the division may conduct the investigation described in Subsection (3)(a) in
             151      relation to the noncustodial parent.


             152          (c) Before, or within one day, excluding weekends and holidays, after a child is placed
             153      in an emergency placement with the noncustodial parent of the child, the division shall conduct
             154      a limited:
             155          (i) background check of the noncustodial parent, pursuant to Subsection (7); and
             156          (ii) inspection of the home where the emergency placement is made.
             157          (6) After an emergency placement, the division caseworker must:
             158          (a) respond to the emergency placement's calls within one hour if the custodial parents
             159      or guardians attempt to make unauthorized contact with the child or attempt to remove the
             160      child;
             161          (b) complete all removal paperwork, including the notice provided to the custodial
             162      parents and guardians under Section 78A-6-306 ;
             163          (c) contact the attorney general to schedule a shelter hearing;
             164          (d) complete the placement procedures required in Section 78A-6-307 ; and
             165          (e) continue to search for other relatives as a possible long-term placement, if needed.
             166          (7) (a) The background check described in Subsection (3)(c)(i) shall include:
             167          (i) completion of a nonfingerprint-based, Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification
             168      background check; and
             169          (ii) a completed search of the Management Information System described in Section
             170      62A-4a-1003 .
             171          (b) The division shall determine whether a person passes the background check
             172      described in this Subsection (7) pursuant to the provisions of Subsections 62A-2-120 (2), (3),
             173      and (8).
             174          (c) Notwithstanding Subsection (7)(b), the division may not place a child with an
             175      individual who is prohibited by court order from having access to that child.
             176          Section 3. Section 78A-6-307 is amended to read:
             177           78A-6-307. Shelter hearing -- Placement -- DCFS custody.
             178          (1) As used in this section:
             179          (a) (i) "Natural parent," notwithstanding the provisions of Section 78A-6-105 , means:
             180          (A) a biological or adoptive mother;
             181          (B) an adoptive father; or
             182          (C) a biological father who:


             183          (I) was married to the child's biological mother at the time the child was conceived or
             184      born; or
             185          (II) has strictly complied with the provisions of Sections 78B-6-120 through
             186      78B-6-122 , prior to removal of the child or voluntary surrender of the child by the custodial
             187      parent.
             188          (ii) The definition of "natural parent" described in Subsection (1)(a)(i) applies
             189      regardless of whether the child has been or will be placed with adoptive parents or whether
             190      adoption has been or will be considered as a long-term goal for the child.
             191          (b) "Relative" means:
             192          (i) an adult who is a grandparent, great grandparent, aunt, great aunt, uncle, great uncle,
             193      brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepparent, first cousin, stepsibling, [or] sibling of a child, or a
             194      first cousin of the child's parent; and
             195          (ii) in the case of a child defined as an "Indian" under the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25
             196      U.S.C. Sec. 1903, "relative" also means an "extended family member" as defined by that
             197      statute.
             198          (2) (a) At the shelter hearing, when the court orders that a child be removed from the
             199      custody of the child's parent in accordance with the requirements of Section 78A-6-306 , the
             200      court shall first determine whether there is another natural parent with whom the child was not
             201      residing at the time the events or conditions that brought the child within the court's jurisdiction
             202      occurred, who desires to assume custody of the child.
             203          (b) If another natural parent requests custody under Subsection (2)(a), the court shall
             204      place the child with that parent unless it finds that the placement would be unsafe or otherwise
             205      detrimental to the child.
             206          (c) The provisions of this Subsection (2) are limited by the provisions of Subsection
             207      (18)(b).
             208          (d) (i) The court shall make a specific finding regarding the fitness of the parent
             209      described in Subsection (2)(b) to assume custody, and the safety and appropriateness of the
             210      placement.
             211          (ii) The court shall, at a minimum, order the division to visit the parent's home, comply
             212      with the criminal background check provisions described in Section 78A-6-308 , and check the
             213      division's management information system for any previous reports of abuse or neglect


             214      received by the division regarding the parent at issue.
             215          (iii) The court may order the division to conduct any further investigation regarding the
             216      safety and appropriateness of the placement.
             217          (iv) The division shall report its findings in writing to the court.
             218          (v) The court may place the child in the temporary custody of the division, pending its
             219      determination regarding that placement.
             220          (3) If the court orders placement with a parent under Subsection (2):
             221          (a) the child and the parent are under the continuing jurisdiction of the court;
             222          (b) the court may order:
             223          (i) that the parent assume custody subject to the supervision of the court; and
             224          (ii) that services be provided to the parent from whose custody the child was removed,
             225      the parent who has assumed custody, or both; and
             226          (c) the court shall order reasonable parent-time with the parent from whose custody the
             227      child was removed, unless parent-time is not in the best interest of the child.
             228          (4) The court shall periodically review an order described in Subsection (3) to
             229      determine whether:
             230          (a) placement with the parent continues to be in the child's best interest;
             231          (b) the child should be returned to the original custodial parent;
             232          (c) the child should be placed in the custody of a relative, pursuant to Subsections (7)
             233      through (12); or
             234          (d) the child should be placed in the custody of the division.
             235          (5) The time limitations described in Section 78A-6-312 with regard to reunification
             236      efforts, apply to children placed with a previously noncustodial parent in accordance with
             237      Subsection (2).
             238          (6) Legal custody of the child is not affected by an order entered under Subsection (2)
             239      or (3). In order to affect a previous court order regarding legal custody, the party must petition
             240      that court for modification of the order.
             241          (7) If, at the time of the shelter hearing, a child is removed from the custody of the
             242      child's parent and is not placed in the custody of the child's other parent, the court:
             243          (a) shall, at that time, determine whether, subject to Subsections (18)(c) through (e),
             244      there is a relative of the child or a friend of a parent of the child who is able and willing to care


             245      for the child;
             246          (b) may order the division to conduct a reasonable search to determine whether, subject
             247      to Subsections (18)(c) through (e), there are relatives of the child or friends of a parent of the
             248      child who are willing and appropriate, in accordance with the requirements of this part and
             249      Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Part 2, Child Welfare Services, for placement of the child;
             250          (c) shall order the parents to cooperate with the division, within five working days, to,
             251      subject to Subsections (18)(c) through (e), provide information regarding relatives of the child
             252      or friends who may be able and willing to care for the child; and
             253          (d) may order that the child be placed in the custody of the division pending the
             254      determination under Subsection (7)(a).
             255          (8) This section may not be construed as a guarantee that an identified relative or friend
             256      will receive custody of the child.
             257          (9) Subject to Subsections (18)(c) through (e), preferential consideration shall be given
             258      to a relative's or a friend's request for placement of the child, if it is in the best interest of the
             259      child, and the provisions of this section are satisfied.
             260          (10) (a) If a willing relative or friend is identified under Subsection (7)(a), the court
             261      shall make a specific finding regarding:
             262          (i) the fitness of that relative or friend as a placement for the child; and
             263          (ii) the safety and appropriateness of placement with that relative or friend.
             264          (b) In order to be considered a "willing relative or friend" under this section, the
             265      relative or friend shall be willing to cooperate with the child's permanency goal.
             266          (11) (a) In making the finding described in Subsection (10)(a), the court shall, at a
             267      minimum, order the division to:
             268          (i) if the child may be placed with a relative of the child, conduct a background check
             269      that includes:
             270          (A) completion of a nonfingerprint-based, Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification
             271      background check of the relative;
             272          (B) a completed search, relating to the relative, of the Management Information System
             273      described in Section 62A-4a-1003 ; and
             274          (C) a background check that complies with the criminal background check provisions
             275      described in Section 78A-6-308 , of each nonrelative, as defined in Subsection


             276      62A-4a-209 (1)(a), of the child who resides in the household where the child may be placed;
             277          (ii) if the child will be placed with a noncustodial parent of the child, complete a
             278      background check that includes:
             279          (A) the background check requirements applicable to an emergency placement with a
             280      noncustodial parent that are described in Subsections 62A-4a-209 (5) and (7);
             281          (B) a completed search, relating to the noncustodial parent of the child, of the
             282      Management Information System described in Section 62A-4a-1003 ; and
             283          (C) a background check that complies with the criminal background check provisions
             284      described in Section 78A-6-308 , of each nonrelative, as defined in Subsection
             285      62A-4a-209 (1)(a), of the child who resides in the household where the child may be placed;
             286          (iii) if the child may be placed with an individual other than a noncustodial parent or a
             287      relative of the child, conduct a criminal background check of the individual, and each adult that
             288      resides in the household where the child may be placed, that complies with the criminal
             289      background check provisions described in Section 78A-6-308 ;
             290          (iv) visit the relative's or friend's home;
             291          (v) check the division's management information system for any previous reports of
             292      abuse or neglect regarding the relative or friend at issue;
             293          (vi) report the division's findings in writing to the court; and
             294          (vii) provide sufficient information so that the court may determine whether:
             295          (A) the relative or friend has any history of abusive or neglectful behavior toward other
             296      children that may indicate or present a danger to this child;
             297          (B) the child is comfortable with the relative or friend;
             298          (C) the relative or friend recognizes the parent's history of abuse and is committed to
             299      protect the child;
             300          (D) the relative or friend is strong enough to resist inappropriate requests by the parent
             301      for access to the child, in accordance with court orders;
             302          (E) the relative or friend is committed to caring for the child as long as necessary; and
             303          (F) the relative or friend can provide a secure and stable environment for the child.
             304          (b) The division may determine to conduct, or the court may order the division to
             305      conduct, any further investigation regarding the safety and appropriateness of the placement.
             306          (c) The division shall complete and file its assessment regarding placement with a


             307      relative or friend as soon as practicable, in an effort to facilitate placement of the child with a
             308      relative or friend.
             309          (12) (a) The court may place a child described in Subsection (2)(a) in the temporary
             310      custody of the division, pending the division's investigation pursuant to Subsections (10) and
             311      (11), and the court's determination regarding the appropriateness of that placement.
             312          (b) The court shall ultimately base its determination regarding the appropriateness of a
             313      placement with a relative or friend on the best interest of the child.
             314          (13) When the court awards custody and guardianship of a child with a relative or
             315      friend:
             316          (a) the court shall order that:
             317          (i) the relative or friend assume custody, subject to the continuing supervision of the
             318      court; and
             319          (ii) any necessary services be provided to the child and the relative or friend;
             320          (b) the child and any relative or friend with whom the child is placed are under the
             321      continuing jurisdiction of the court;
             322          (c) the court may enter any order that it considers necessary for the protection and best
             323      interest of the child;
             324          (d) the court shall provide for reasonable parent-time with the parent or parents from
             325      whose custody the child was removed, unless parent-time is not in the best interest of the child;
             326      and
             327          (e) the court shall conduct a periodic review no less often than every six months, to
             328      determine whether:
             329          (i) placement with the relative or friend continues to be in the child's best interest;
             330          (ii) the child should be returned home; or
             331          (iii) the child should be placed in the custody of the division.
             332          (14) No later than 12 months after placement with a relative or friend, the court shall
             333      schedule a hearing for the purpose of entering a permanent order in accordance with the best
             334      interest of the child.
             335          (15) The time limitations described in Section 78A-6-312 , with regard to reunification
             336      efforts, apply to children placed with a relative or friend pursuant to Subsection (7).
             337          (16) (a) If the court awards custody of a child to the division, and the division places


             338      the child with a relative, the division shall:
             339          (i) conduct a criminal background check of the relative that complies with the criminal
             340      background check provisions described in Section 78A-6-308 ; and
             341          (ii) if the results of the criminal background check described in Subsection (16)(a)(i)
             342      would prohibit the relative from having direct access to the child under Section 62A-2-120 , the
             343      division shall:
             344          (A) take the child into physical custody; and
             345          (B) within three days, excluding weekends and holidays, after taking the child into
             346      physical custody under Subsection (16)(a)(ii)(A), give written notice to the court, and all
             347      parties to the proceedings, of the division's action.
             348          (b) Nothing in Subsection (16)(a) prohibits the division from placing a child with a
             349      relative, pending the results of the background check described in Subsection (16)(a) on the
             350      relative.
             351          (17) When the court orders that a child be removed from the custody of the child's
             352      parent and does not award custody and guardianship to another parent, relative, or friend under
             353      this section, the court shall order that the child be placed in the temporary custody of the
             354      Division of Child and Family Services, to proceed to adjudication and disposition and to be
             355      provided with care and services in accordance with this chapter and Title 62A, Chapter 4a,
             356      Child and Family Services.
             357          (18) (a) Any preferential consideration that a relative or friend is initially granted
             358      pursuant to Subsection (9) expires 120 days from the date of the shelter hearing. After that
             359      time period has expired, a relative or friend who has not obtained custody or asserted an
             360      interest in a child, may not be granted preferential consideration by the division or the court.
             361          (b) When the time period described in Subsection (18)(a) has expired, the preferential
             362      consideration, which is initially granted to a natural parent in accordance with Subsection (2),
             363      is limited. After that time the court shall base its custody decision on the best interest of the
             364      child.
             365          (c) Prior to the expiration of the 120-day period described in Subsection (18)(a), the
             366      following order of preference shall be applied when determining the person with whom a child
             367      will be placed, provided that the person is willing, and has the ability, to care for the child:
             368          (i) a noncustodial parent of the child;


             369          (ii) a relative of the child;
             370          (iii) subject to Subsection (18)(d), a friend of a parent of the child, if the friend is a
             371      licensed foster parent; and
             372          (iv) other placements that are consistent with the requirements of law.
             373          (d) In determining whether a friend is a willing and appropriate placement for a child,
             374      neither the court, nor the division, is required to consider more than one friend designated by
             375      each parent of the child.
             376          (e) If a parent of the child is not able to designate a friend who is a licensed foster
             377      parent for placement of the child, but is able to identify a friend who is willing to become
             378      licensed as a foster parent:
             379          (i) the department shall fully cooperate to expedite the licensing process for the friend;
             380      and
             381          (ii) if the friend becomes licensed as a foster parent within the time frame described in
             382      Subsection (18)(a), the court shall determine whether it is in the best interests of the child to
             383      place the child with the friend.
             384          (19) If, following the shelter hearing, the child is placed with a person who is not a
             385      parent of the child, a relative of the child, a friend of a parent of the child, or a former foster
             386      parent of the child, priority shall be given to a foster placement with a man and a woman who
             387      are married to each other, unless it is in the best interests of the child to place the child with a
             388      single foster parent.
             389          (20) In determining the placement of a child, neither the court, nor the division, may
             390      take into account, or discriminate against, the religion of a person with whom the child may be
             391      placed, unless the purpose of taking religion into account is to place the child with a person or
             392      family of the same religion as the child.
             393          Section 4. Section 78A-6-312 is amended to read:
             394           78A-6-312. Dispositional hearing -- Reunification services -- Exceptions.
             395          (1) The court may:
             396          (a) make any of the dispositions described in Section 78A-6-117 ;
             397          (b) place the minor in the custody or guardianship of any:
             398          (i) individual; or
             399          (ii) public or private entity or agency; or


             400          (c) order:
             401          (i) protective supervision;
             402          (ii) family preservation;
             403          (iii) subject to [Subsection] Subsections (12)(b) and 78A-6-117 (2)(n)(iii), medical or
             404      mental health treatment; or
             405          (iv) other services.
             406          (2) Whenever the court orders continued removal at the dispositional hearing, and that
             407      the minor remain in the custody of the division, the court shall first:
             408          (a) establish a primary permanency goal for the minor; and
             409          (b) determine whether, in view of the primary permanency goal, reunification services
             410      are appropriate for the minor and the minor's family, pursuant to Subsections (20) through (22).
             411          (3) Subject to Subsections (6) and (7), if the court determines that reunification
             412      services are appropriate for the minor and the minor's family, the court shall provide for
             413      reasonable parent-time with the parent or parents from whose custody the minor was removed,
             414      unless parent-time is not in the best interest of the minor.
             415          (4) In cases where obvious sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, abandonment, severe
             416      abuse, or severe neglect are involved, neither the division nor the court has any duty to make
             417      "reasonable efforts" or to, in any other way, attempt to provide reunification services, or to
             418      attempt to rehabilitate the offending parent or parents.
             419          (5) In all cases, the minor's health, safety, and welfare shall be the court's paramount
             420      concern in determining whether reasonable efforts to reunify should be made.
             421          (6) For purposes of Subsection (3), parent-time is in the best interests of a minor unless
             422      the court makes a finding that it is necessary to deny parent-time in order to:
             423          (a) protect the physical safety of the minor;
             424          (b) protect the life of the minor; or
             425          (c) prevent the minor from being traumatized by contact with the parent due to the
             426      minor's fear of the parent in light of the nature of the alleged abuse or neglect.
             427          (7) Notwithstanding Subsection (3), a court may not deny parent-time based solely on a
             428      parent's failure to:
             429          (a) prove that the parent has not used legal or illegal substances; or
             430          (b) comply with an aspect of the child and family plan that is ordered by the court.


             431          (8) In addition to the primary permanency goal, the court shall establish a concurrent
             432      permanency goal that shall include:
             433          (a) a representative list of the conditions under which the primary permanency goal
             434      will be abandoned in favor of the concurrent permanency goal; and
             435          (b) an explanation of the effect of abandoning or modifying the primary permanency
             436      goal.
             437          (9) A permanency hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Subsection
             438      78A-6-314 (1)(b) within 30 days after the day on which the dispositional hearing ends if
             439      something other than reunification is initially established as a minor's primary permanency
             440      goal.
             441          (10) (a) The court may amend a minor's primary permanency goal before the
             442      establishment of a final permanency plan under Section 78A-6-314 .
             443          (b) The court is not limited to the terms of the concurrent permanency goal in the event
             444      that the primary permanency goal is abandoned.
             445          (c) If, at any time, the court determines that reunification is no longer a minor's primary
             446      permanency goal, the court shall conduct a permanency hearing in accordance with Section
             447      78A-6-314 on or before the earlier of:
             448          (i) 30 days after the day on which the court makes the determination described in this
             449      Subsection (10)(c); or
             450          (ii) the day on which the provision of reunification services, described in Section
             451      78A-6-314 , ends.
             452          (11) (a) If the court determines that reunification services are appropriate, it shall order
             453      that the division make reasonable efforts to provide services to the minor and the minor's
             454      parent for the purpose of facilitating reunification of the family, for a specified period of time.
             455          (b) In providing the services described in Subsection (11)(a), the minor's health, safety,
             456      and welfare shall be the division's paramount concern, and the court shall so order.
             457          (12) (a) The court shall:
             458          [(a)] (i) determine whether the services offered or provided by the division under the
             459      child and family plan constitute "reasonable efforts" on the part of the division;
             460          [(b)] (ii) determine and define the responsibilities of the parent under the child and
             461      family plan in accordance with Subsection 62A-4a-205 (6)(e); and


             462          [(c)] (iii) identify verbally on the record, or in a written document provided to the
             463      parties, the responsibilities described in Subsection (12)[(b)](a)(ii), for the purpose of assisting
             464      in any future determination regarding the provision of reasonable efforts, in accordance with
             465      state and federal law.
             466          (b) If the parent is in a substance abuse treatment program:
             467          (i) the court may not order the parent to submit to supplementary drug or alcohol
             468      testing in addition to the testing recommended by the parent's substance abuse program as a
             469      condition of reunification or maintaining custody of the parent's child; and
             470          (ii) the court may order the parent to provide the results of drug or alcohol testing
             471      recommended by the substance abuse program to the court or division.
             472          (13) (a) The time period for reunification services may not exceed 12 months from the
             473      date that the minor was initially removed from the minor's home, unless the time period is
             474      extended under Subsection 78A-6-314 (8).
             475          (b) Nothing in this section may be construed to entitle any parent to an entire 12
             476      months of reunification services.
             477          (14) (a) If reunification services are ordered, the court may terminate those services at
             478      any time.
             479          (b) If, at any time, continuation of reasonable efforts to reunify a minor is determined
             480      to be inconsistent with the final permanency plan for the minor established pursuant to Section
             481      78A-6-314 , then measures shall be taken, in a timely manner, to:
             482          (i) place the minor in accordance with the permanency plan; and
             483          (ii) complete whatever steps are necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the
             484      minor.
             485          (15) Any physical custody of the minor by the parent or a relative during the period
             486      described in Subsections (11) through (14) does not interrupt the running of the period.
             487          (16) (a) If reunification services are ordered, a permanency hearing shall be conducted
             488      by the court in accordance with Section 78A-6-314 at the expiration of the time period for
             489      reunification services.
             490          (b) The permanency hearing shall be held no later than 12 months after the original
             491      removal of the minor.
             492          (c) If reunification services are not ordered, a permanency hearing shall be conducted


             493      within 30 days, in accordance with Section 78A-6-314 .
             494          (17) With regard to a minor who is 36 months of age or younger at the time the minor
             495      is initially removed from the home, the court shall:
             496          (a) hold a permanency hearing eight months after the date of the initial removal,
             497      pursuant to Section 78A-6-314 ; and
             498          (b) order the discontinuance of those services after eight months from the initial
             499      removal of the minor from the home if the parent or parents have not made substantial efforts
             500      to comply with the child and family plan.
             501          (18) With regard to a minor in the custody of the division whose parent or parents are
             502      ordered to receive reunification services but who have abandoned that minor for a period of six
             503      months from the date that reunification services were ordered:
             504          (a) the court shall terminate reunification services; and
             505          (b) the division shall petition the court for termination of parental rights.
             506          (19) When a court conducts a permanency hearing for a minor under Section
             507      78A-6-314 , the court shall attempt to keep the minor's sibling group together if keeping the
             508      sibling group together is:
             509          (a) practicable; and
             510          (b) in accordance with the best interest of the minor.
             511          (20) (a) Because of the state's interest in and responsibility to protect and provide
             512      permanency for minors who are abused, neglected, or dependent, the Legislature finds that a
             513      parent's interest in receiving reunification services is limited.
             514          (b) The court may determine that:
             515          (i) efforts to reunify a minor with the minor's family are not reasonable or appropriate,
             516      based on the individual circumstances; and
             517          (ii) reunification services should not be provided.
             518          (c) In determining "reasonable efforts" to be made with respect to a minor, and in
             519      making "reasonable efforts," the minor's health, safety, and welfare shall be the paramount
             520      concern.
             521          (21) There is a presumption that reunification services should not be provided to a
             522      parent if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that any of the following
             523      circumstances exist:


             524          (a) the whereabouts of the parents are unknown, based upon a verified affidavit
             525      indicating that a reasonably diligent search has failed to locate the parent;
             526          (b) subject to Subsection (22)(a), the parent is suffering from a mental illness of such
             527      magnitude that it renders the parent incapable of utilizing reunification services;
             528          (c) the minor was previously adjudicated as an abused child due to physical abuse,
             529      sexual abuse, or sexual exploitation, and following the adjudication the minor:
             530          (i) was removed from the custody of the minor's parent;
             531          (ii) was subsequently returned to the custody of the parent; and
             532          (iii) is being removed due to additional physical abuse, sexual abuse, or sexual
             533      exploitation;
             534          (d) the parent:
             535          (i) caused the death of another minor through abuse or neglect;
             536          (ii) committed, aided, abetted, attempted, conspired, or solicited to commit:
             537          (A) murder or manslaughter of a child; or
             538          (B) child abuse homicide;
             539          (iii) committed sexual abuse against the child; or
             540          (iv) is a registered sex offender or required to register as a sex offender;
             541          (e) the minor suffered severe abuse by the parent or by any person known by the
             542      parent, if the parent knew or reasonably should have known that the person was abusing the
             543      minor;
             544          (f) the minor is adjudicated an abused child as a result of severe abuse by the parent,
             545      and the court finds that it would not benefit the minor to pursue reunification services with the
             546      offending parent;
             547          (g) the parent's rights are terminated with regard to any other minor;
             548          (h) the minor [is] was removed from the minor's home on at least two previous
             549      occasions and reunification services were offered or provided to the family at those times;
             550          (i) the parent has abandoned the minor for a period of six months or longer;
             551          (j) the parent permitted the child to reside, on a permanent or temporary basis, at a
             552      location where the parent knew or should have known that a clandestine laboratory operation
             553      was located;
             554          (k) except as provided in Subsection (22)(b), with respect to a parent who is the child's


             555      birth mother, the child has fetal alcohol syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or was
             556      exposed to an illegal or prescription drug that was abused by the child's mother while the child
             557      was in utero, if the child was taken into division custody for that reason, unless the mother
             558      agrees to enroll in, is currently enrolled in, or has recently and successfully completed a
             559      substance abuse treatment program approved by the department; or
             560          (l) any other circumstance that the court determines should preclude reunification
             561      efforts or services.
             562          (22) (a) The finding under Subsection (21)(b) shall be based on competent evidence
             563      from at least two medical or mental health professionals, who are not associates, establishing
             564      that, even with the provision of services, the parent is not likely to be capable of adequately
             565      caring for the minor within 12 months after the day on which the court finding is made.
             566          (b) A judge may disregard the provisions of Subsection (21)(k) if the court finds, under
             567      the circumstances of the case, that the substance abuse treatment described in Subsection
             568      (21)(k) is not warranted.
             569          (23) In determining whether reunification services are appropriate, the court shall take
             570      into consideration:
             571          (a) failure of the parent to respond to previous services or comply with a previous child
             572      and family plan;
             573          (b) the fact that the minor was abused while the parent was under the influence of
             574      drugs or alcohol;
             575          (c) any history of violent behavior directed at the child or an immediate family
             576      member;
             577          (d) whether a parent continues to live with an individual who abused the minor;
             578          (e) any patterns of the parent's behavior that have exposed the minor to repeated abuse;
             579          (f) testimony by a competent professional that the parent's behavior is unlikely to be
             580      successful; and
             581          (g) whether the parent has expressed an interest in reunification with the minor.
             582          (24) (a) If reunification services are not ordered pursuant to Subsections (20) through
             583      (22), and the whereabouts of a parent become known within six months after the day on which
             584      the out-of-home placement of the minor is made, the court may order the division to provide
             585      reunification services.


             586          (b) The time limits described in Subsections (2) through (19) are not tolled by the
             587      parent's absence.
             588          (25) (a) If a parent is incarcerated or institutionalized, the court shall order reasonable
             589      services unless it determines that those services would be detrimental to the minor.
             590          (b) In making the determination described in Subsection (25)(a), the court shall
             591      consider:
             592          (i) the age of the minor;
             593          (ii) the degree of parent-child bonding;
             594          (iii) the length of the sentence;
             595          (iv) the nature of the treatment;
             596          (v) the nature of the crime or illness;
             597          (vi) the degree of detriment to the minor if services are not offered;
             598          (vii) for a minor 10 years of age or older, the minor's attitude toward the
             599      implementation of family reunification services; and
             600          (viii) any other appropriate factors.
             601          (c) Reunification services for an incarcerated parent are subject to the time limitations
             602      imposed in Subsections (2) through (19).
             603          (d) Reunification services for an institutionalized parent are subject to the time
             604      limitations imposed in Subsections (2) through (19), unless the court determines that continued
             605      reunification services would be in the minor's best interest.
             606          (26) If, pursuant to Subsections (21)(b) through (l), the court does not order
             607      reunification services, a permanency hearing shall be conducted within 30 days, in accordance
             608      with Section 78A-6-314 .
             609          Section 5. Section 78A-6-511 is amended to read:
             610           78A-6-511. Court disposition of child upon termination -- Posttermination
             611      reunification.
             612          (1) As used in this section, "relative" means:
             613          (a) an adult who is a grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt, great aunt, uncle, great
             614      uncle, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepparent, first cousin, sibling, or stepsibling of a child;
             615      and
             616          (b) in the case of a child defined as an "Indian" under the Indian Child Welfare Act, 25


             617      U.S.C. Sec. 1903, "relative" also means an "extended family member" as defined by that
             618      statute.
             619          (2) Upon entry of an order under this part the court may:
             620          (a) place the child in the legal custody and guardianship of a licensed child placement
             621      agency or the division for adoption; or
             622          (b) make any other disposition of the child authorized under Section 78A-6-117 .
             623          (3) Subject to the requirements of Subsections (4) and (5), all adoptable children
             624      placed in the custody of the division shall be placed for adoption.
             625          (4) If the parental rights of all parents of an adoptable child placed in the custody of the
             626      division have been terminated and a suitable adoptive placement is not already available, the
             627      court:
             628          (a) shall determine whether there is a relative who desires to adopt the child;
             629          (b) may order the division to conduct a reasonable search to determine whether there
             630      are relatives who are willing to adopt the child; and
             631          (c) shall, if a relative desires to adopt the child:
             632          (i) make a specific finding regarding the fitness of the relative to adopt the child; and
             633          (ii) place the child for adoption with that relative unless it finds that adoption by the
             634      relative is not in the best interest of the child.
             635          (5) This section does not guarantee that a relative will be permitted to adopt the child.
             636          (6) A parent whose rights were terminated under this part may petition for guardianship
             637      of the parent's child if:
             638          (a) (i) following an adoptive placement, the child's adoptive parent returns the child to
             639      the custody of the division; or
             640          (ii) the child is in the custody of the division for one year following the day on which
             641      the parent's rights were terminated, and no permanent placement has been found or is likely to
             642      be found; and
             643          (b) reunification is in the best interest of the child.
             644          Section 6. Section 78A-6-513 is amended to read:
             645           78A-6-513. Effect of decree.
             646          (1) [An] Except as provided in Subsection 78A-6-511 (6), an order for the termination
             647      of the parent-child legal relationship divests the child and the parents of all legal rights, powers,


             648      immunities, duties, and obligations with respect to each other, except the right of the child to
             649      inherit from the parent.
             650          (2) An order or decree entered pursuant to this part may not disentitle a child to any
             651      benefit due [him] the child from any third person, including, but not limited to, any Indian
             652      tribe, agency, state, or the United States.
             653          (3) [After] Except as provided in Subsection 78A-6-511 (6), after the termination of a
             654      parent-child legal relationship, the former parent is neither entitled to any notice of proceedings
             655      for the adoption of the child nor has any right to object to the adoption or to participate in any
             656      other placement proceedings.
             657          Section 7. Section 78A-6-1106 is amended to read:
             658           78A-6-1106. Child support obligation when custody of a child is vested in an
             659      individual or institution.
             660          (1) [When] Except as provided in Subsection (11), when legal custody of a child is
             661      vested by the court in a secure youth corrections facility or any other state department, division,
             662      or agency other than the child's parents, or if the guardianship of the child has been granted to
             663      another party and an agreement for a guardianship subsidy has been signed by the guardian, the
             664      court shall order the parents, a parent, or any other obligated person to pay child support for
             665      each month the child is in custody. In the same proceeding the court shall inform the parents, a
             666      parent, or any other obligated person, verbally and in writing, of the requirement to pay child
             667      support in accordance with Title 78B, Chapter 12, Utah Child Support Act.
             668          (2) If legal custody of a child is vested by the court in a secure youth corrections
             669      facility, or any other state department, division, or agency, the court may refer the
             670      establishment of a child support order to the Office of Recovery Services. The referral shall be
             671      sent to the Office of Recovery Services within three working days of the hearing. Support
             672      obligation amounts shall be set by the Office of Recovery Services in accordance with Title
             673      78B, Chapter 12, Utah Child Support Act.
             674          (3) If referred to the Office of Recovery Services pursuant to Subsection (2), the court
             675      shall also inform the parties that they are required to contact the Office of Recovery Services
             676      within 30 days of the date of the hearing to establish a child support order and the penalty in
             677      Subsection (5) for failing to do so. If there is no existing child support order for the child, the
             678      liability for support shall accrue beginning on the 61st day following the hearing that occurs the


             679      first time the court vests custody of the child in a secure youth corrections facility, or any other
             680      state department, division, or agency other than [his] the child's parents.
             681          (4) If a child is returned home and legal custody is subsequently vested by the court in
             682      a secure youth corrections facility or any other state department, division, or agency other than
             683      [his] the child's parents, the liability for support shall accrue from the date the child is
             684      subsequently removed from the home, including time spent in detention or sheltered care.
             685          (5) (a) If the parents, parent, or other obligated person meets with the Office of
             686      Recovery Services within 30 days of the date of the hearing, the child support order may not
             687      include a judgment for past due support for more than two months.
             688          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (5)(a), the court may order the liability of support to
             689      begin to accrue from the date of the proceeding referenced in Subsection (1) if:
             690          (i) the parents, parent, or any other person obligated fails to meet with the Office of
             691      Recovery Services within 30 days after being informed orally and in writing by the court of that
             692      requirement; and
             693          (ii) the Office of Recovery Services took reasonable steps under the circumstances to
             694      contact the parents, parent, or other person obligated within the subsequent 30-day period to
             695      facilitate the establishment of the child support order.
             696          (c) For purposes of Subsection (5)(b)(ii), the Office of Recovery Services shall be
             697      presumed to have taken reasonable steps if the office:
             698          (i) has a signed, returned receipt for a certified letter mailed to the address of the
             699      parents, parent, or other obligated person regarding the requirement that a child support order
             700      be established; or
             701          (ii) has had a documented conversation, whether by telephone or in person, with the
             702      parents, parent, or other obligated person regarding the requirement that a child support order
             703      be established.
             704          (6) In collecting arrears, the Office of Recovery Services shall comply with Section
             705      62A-11-320 in setting a payment schedule or demanding payment in full.
             706          (7) Unless otherwise ordered, the parents or other person shall pay the child support to
             707      the Office of Recovery Services. The clerk of the court, the Office of Recovery Services, or the
             708      Department of Human Services and its divisions shall have authority to receive periodic
             709      payments for the care and maintenance of the child, such as Social Security payments or


             710      railroad retirement payments made in the name of or for the benefit of the child.
             711          (8) No court order under this section against a parent or other person shall be entered,
             712      unless notice of hearing has been served within the state, a voluntary appearance is made, or a
             713      waiver of service given. The notice shall specify that a hearing with respect to the financial
             714      support of the child will be held.
             715          (9) An existing child support order payable to a parent or other obligated person shall
             716      be assigned to the Department of Human Services as provided in Section 62A-1-117 .
             717          (10) (a) Subsections (3) through (9) shall not apply if legal custody of a child is vested
             718      by the court in an individual.
             719          (b) If legal custody of a child is vested by the court in an individual, the court may
             720      order the parents, a parent, or any other obligated person to pay child support to the individual.
             721      In the same proceeding the court shall inform the parents, a parent, or any other obligated
             722      person, verbally and in writing, of the requirement to pay child support in accordance with
             723      Title 78B, Chapter 12, Utah Child Support Act.
             724          (11) (a) The court may not order the parent or any other obligated person to pay child
             725      support for a child in state custody if:
             726          (i) the parent or other obligated person's only form of income is a government-issued
             727      disability benefit; and
             728          (ii) the benefit described in Subsection (11)(a)(i) is issued because of the parent or
             729      other person's disability, and not the child's disability.
             730          (b) If a person seeks to be excused from providing support under Subsection (11)(a),
             731      the person shall provide the court and the Office of Recovery Services with evidence that the
             732      person meets the requirements of Subsection (11)(a).
             733          Section 8. Uncodified Section 10, Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 223 is amended to
             734      read:
             735          Section 10. Effective date.
             736          (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), this bill takes effect on May 8, 2012.
             737          (2) The following sections take effect on July 1, [2013] 2014:
             738          (a) Section 30-3-5.2;
             739          (b) Section 51-9-408;
             740          (c) Section 78A-2-227;


             741          (d) Section 78A-2-228;
             742          (e) Section 78B-3-102;
             743          (f) Section 78B-7-106;
             744          (g) Section 78B-7-202; and
             745          (h) Section 78B-15-612.
             746          Section 9. Revisor instructions.
             747          The Legislature intends that the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, in
             748      preparing the Utah Code database for publication, change the effective date in Sections
             749      30-3-5.2 , 51-9-408 , 78A-2-227 , 78A-2-228 , 78B-3-102 , 78B-7-106 , 78B-7-202 , and
             750      78B-15-612 from July 1, 2013 to July 1, 2014.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 1-17-13 9:08 AM


Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


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