S.B. 173 Enrolled

             1     

CHILD PROTECTION AMENDMENTS

             2     
2014 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: Todd Weiler

             5     
House Sponsor: Craig Hall

             6     
             7      LONG TITLE
             8      General Description:
             9          This bill modifies provisions of the Juvenile Court Act.
             10      Highlighted Provisions:
             11          This bill:
             12          .    expands the definition of abuse to include a child's natural parent intentionally,
             13      knowingly, or recklessly causing the death of another parent of the child; being
             14      identified by a law enforcement agency as the primary suspect in an investigation
             15      for intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing the death of another parent of the
             16      child; or being prosecuted for or convicted of intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly
             17      causing the death of another parent of the child;
             18          .    adds similar provisions for a court to order a child's removal from the child's home;
             19      continued protective custody of the Division of Child and Family Services (the
             20      division) at a shelter hearing; denial of reunification services; and continued
             21      protective custody of the division at a permanency hearing; and
             22          .    makes technical changes.
             23      Money Appropriated in this Bill:
             24          None
             25      Other Special Clauses:
             26          None
             27      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             28      AMENDS:
             29           78A-6-105 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapters 49, 303, and 316


             30           78A-6-302 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 293
             31           78A-6-306 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 293
             32           78A-6-312 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2013, Chapters 171 and 416
             33           78A-6-314 , as last amended by Laws of Utah 2010, Chapter 322
             34     
             35      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             36          Section 1. Section 78A-6-105 is amended to read:
             37           78A-6-105. Definitions.
             38          As used in this chapter:
             39          (1) (a) "Abuse" means:
             40          (i) nonaccidental harm of a child;
             41          (ii) threatened harm of a child;
             42          (iii) sexual exploitation; or
             43          (iv) sexual abuse.
             44          (v) that a child's natural parent:
             45          (A) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes the death of another parent of the
             46      child;
             47          (B) is identified by a law enforcement agency as the primary suspect in an investigation
             48      for intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing the death of another parent of the child; or
             49          (C) is being prosecuted for or has been convicted of intentionally, knowingly, or
             50      recklessly causing the death of another parent of the child.
             51          (b) "Abuse" does not include:
             52          (i) reasonable discipline or management of a child, including withholding privileges;
             53          (ii) conduct described in Section 76-2-401 ; or
             54          (iii) the use of reasonable and necessary physical restraint or force on a child:
             55          (A) in self-defense;
             56          (B) in defense of others;
             57          (C) to protect the child; or


             58          (D) to remove a weapon in the possession of a child for any of the reasons described in
             59      Subsections (1)(b)(iii)(A) through (C).
             60          (2) "Abused child" means a child who has been subjected to abuse.
             61          (3) "Adjudication" means a finding by the court, incorporated in a decree, that the facts
             62      alleged in the petition have been proved. A finding of not competent to proceed pursuant to
             63      Section 78A-6-1302 is not an adjudication.
             64          (4) "Adult" means a person 18 years of age or over, except that a person 18 years or
             65      over under the continuing jurisdiction of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 78A-6-120 shall
             66      be referred to as a minor.
             67          (5) "Board" means the Board of Juvenile Court Judges.
             68          (6) "Child" means a person under 18 years of age.
             69          (7) "Child placement agency" means:
             70          (a) a private agency licensed to receive a child for placement or adoption under this
             71      code; or
             72          (b) a private agency that receives a child for placement or adoption in another state,
             73      which agency is licensed or approved where such license or approval is required by law.
             74          (8) "Clandestine laboratory operation" is as defined in Section 58-37d-3 .
             75          (9) "Commit" means, unless specified otherwise:
             76          (a) with respect to a child, to transfer legal custody; and
             77          (b) with respect to a minor who is at least 18 years of age, to transfer custody.
             78          (10) "Court" means the juvenile court.
             79          (11) "Dependent child" includes a child who is homeless or without proper care
             80      through no fault of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.
             81          (12) "Deprivation of custody" means transfer of legal custody by the court from a
             82      parent or the parents or a previous legal custodian to another person, agency, or institution.
             83          (13) "Detention" means home detention and secure detention as defined in Section
             84      62A-7-101 for the temporary care of a minor who requires secure custody in a physically
             85      restricting facility:


             86          (a) pending court disposition or transfer to another jurisdiction; or
             87          (b) while under the continuing jurisdiction of the court.
             88          (14) "Division" means the Division of Child and Family Services.
             89          (15) "Formal referral" means a written report from a peace officer or other person
             90      informing the court that a minor is or appears to be within the court's jurisdiction and that a
             91      petition may be filed.
             92          (16) "Group rehabilitation therapy" means psychological and social counseling of one
             93      or more persons in the group, depending upon the recommendation of the therapist.
             94          (17) "Guardianship of the person" includes the authority to consent to:
             95          (a) marriage;
             96          (b) enlistment in the armed forces;
             97          (c) major medical, surgical, or psychiatric treatment; or
             98          (d) legal custody, if legal custody is not vested in another person, agency, or institution.
             99          (18) "Habitual truant" is as defined in Section 53A-11-101 .
             100          (19) "Harm" means:
             101          (a) physical, emotional, or developmental injury or damage;
             102          (b) sexual abuse; or
             103          (c) sexual exploitation.
             104          (20) (a) "Incest" means engaging in sexual intercourse with a person whom the
             105      perpetrator knows to be the perpetrator's ancestor, descendant, brother, sister, uncle, aunt,
             106      nephew, niece, or first cousin.
             107          (b) The relationships described in Subsection (20)(a) include:
             108          (i) blood relationships of the whole or half blood, without regard to legitimacy;
             109          (ii) relationships of parent and child by adoption; and
             110          (iii) relationships of stepparent and stepchild while the marriage creating the
             111      relationship of a stepparent and stepchild exists.
             112          (21) "Intellectual disability" means:
             113          (a) significantly subaverage intellectual functioning, an IQ of approximately 70 or


             114      below on an individually administered IQ test, for infants, a clinical judgment of significantly
             115      subaverage intellectual functioning;
             116          (b) concurrent deficits or impairments in present adaptive functioning, the person's
             117      effectiveness in meeting the standards expected for his or her age by the person's cultural
             118      group, in at least two of the following areas: communication, self-care, home living,
             119      social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self-direction, functional academic
             120      skills, work, leisure, health, and safety; and
             121          (c) the onset is before the person reaches the age of 18 years.
             122          (22) "Legal custody" means a relationship embodying the following rights and duties:
             123          (a) the right to physical custody of the minor;
             124          (b) the right and duty to protect, train, and discipline the minor;
             125          (c) the duty to provide the minor with food, clothing, shelter, education, and ordinary
             126      medical care;
             127          (d) the right to determine where and with whom the minor shall live; and
             128          (e) the right, in an emergency, to authorize surgery or other extraordinary care.
             129          (23) "Mental disorder" means a serious emotional and mental disturbance that severely
             130      limits a minor's development and welfare over a significant period of time.
             131          (24) "Minor" means:
             132          (a) a child; or
             133          (b) a person who is:
             134          (i) at least 18 years of age and younger than 21 years of age; and
             135          (ii) under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.
             136          (25) "Molestation" means that a person, with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual
             137      desire of any person:
             138          (a) touches the anus or any part of the genitals of a child;
             139          (b) takes indecent liberties with a child; or
             140          (c) causes a child to take indecent liberties with the perpetrator or another.
             141          (26) "Natural parent" means a minor's biological or adoptive parent, and includes the


             142      minor's noncustodial parent.
             143          (27) (a) "Neglect" means action or inaction causing:
             144          (i) abandonment of a child, except as provided in Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Part 8, Safe
             145      Relinquishment of a Newborn Child;
             146          (ii) lack of proper parental care of a child by reason of the fault or habits of the parent,
             147      guardian, or custodian;
             148          (iii) failure or refusal of a parent, guardian, or custodian to provide proper or necessary
             149      subsistence, education, or medical care, or any other care necessary for the child's health,
             150      safety, morals, or well-being; or
             151          (iv) a child to be at risk of being neglected or abused because another child in the same
             152      home is neglected or abused.
             153          (b) The aspect of neglect relating to education, described in Subsection (27)(a)(iii),
             154      means that, after receiving a notice of compulsory education violation under Section
             155      53A-11-101.5 , or notice that a parent or guardian has failed to cooperate with school
             156      authorities in a reasonable manner as required under Subsection 53A-11-101.7 (5)(a), the parent
             157      or guardian fails to make a good faith effort to ensure that the child receives an appropriate
             158      education.
             159          (c) A parent or guardian legitimately practicing religious beliefs and who, for that
             160      reason, does not provide specified medical treatment for a child, is not guilty of neglect.
             161          (d) (i) Notwithstanding Subsection (27)(a), a health care decision made for a child by
             162      the child's parent or guardian does not constitute neglect unless the state or other party to the
             163      proceeding shows, by clear and convincing evidence, that the health care decision is not
             164      reasonable and informed.
             165          (ii) Nothing in Subsection (27)(d)(i) may prohibit a parent or guardian from exercising
             166      the right to obtain a second health care opinion.
             167          (28) "Neglected child" means a child who has been subjected to neglect.
             168          (29) "Nonjudicial adjustment" means closure of the case by the assigned probation
             169      officer without judicial determination upon the consent in writing of:


             170          (a) the assigned probation officer; and
             171          (b) (i) the minor; or
             172          (ii) the minor and the minor's parent, legal guardian, or custodian.
             173          (30) "Not competent to proceed" means that a minor, due to a mental disorder,
             174      intellectual disability, or related condition as defined, lacks the ability to:
             175          (a) understand the nature of the proceedings against them or of the potential disposition
             176      for the offense charged; or
             177          (b) consult with counsel and participate in the proceedings against them with a
             178      reasonable degree of rational understanding.
             179          (31) "Physical abuse" means abuse that results in physical injury or damage to a child.
             180          (32) "Probation" means a legal status created by court order following an adjudication
             181      on the ground of a violation of law or under Section 78A-6-103 , whereby the minor is
             182      permitted to remain in the minor's home under prescribed conditions and under supervision by
             183      the probation department or other agency designated by the court, subject to return to the court
             184      for violation of any of the conditions prescribed.
             185          (33) "Protective supervision" means a legal status created by court order following an
             186      adjudication on the ground of abuse, neglect, or dependency, whereby the minor is permitted to
             187      remain in the minor's home, and supervision and assistance to correct the abuse, neglect, or
             188      dependency is provided by the probation department or other agency designated by the court.
             189          (34) "Related condition" means a condition closely related to intellectual disability in
             190      accordance with 42 C.F.R. Part 435.1010 and further defined in Rule R539-1-3, Utah
             191      Administrative Code.
             192          (35) (a) "Residual parental rights and duties" means those rights and duties remaining
             193      with the parent after legal custody or guardianship, or both, have been vested in another person
             194      or agency, including:
             195          (i) the responsibility for support;
             196          (ii) the right to consent to adoption;
             197          (iii) the right to determine the child's religious affiliation; and


             198          (iv) the right to reasonable parent-time unless restricted by the court.
             199          (b) If no guardian has been appointed, "residual parental rights and duties" also include
             200      the right to consent to:
             201          (i) marriage;
             202          (ii) enlistment; and
             203          (iii) major medical, surgical, or psychiatric treatment.
             204          (36) "Secure facility" means any facility operated by or under contract with the
             205      Division of Juvenile Justice Services, that provides 24-hour supervision and confinement for
             206      youth offenders committed to the division for custody and rehabilitation.
             207          (37) "Severe abuse" means abuse that causes or threatens to cause serious harm to a
             208      child.
             209          (38) "Severe neglect" means neglect that causes or threatens to cause serious harm to a
             210      child.
             211          (39) "Sexual abuse" means:
             212          (a) an act or attempted act of sexual intercourse, sodomy, incest, or molestation
             213      directed towards a child; or
             214          (b) engaging in any conduct with a child that would constitute an offense under any of
             215      the following, regardless of whether the person who engages in the conduct is actually charged
             216      with, or convicted of, the offense:
             217          (i) Title 76, Chapter 5, Part 4, Sexual Offenses;
             218          (ii) child bigamy, Section 76-7-101.5 ;
             219          (iii) incest, Section 76-7-102 ;
             220          (iv) lewdness, Section 76-9-702 ;
             221          (v) sexual battery, Section 76-9-702.1 ;
             222          (vi) lewdness involving a child, Section 76-9-702.5 ; or
             223          (vii) voyeurism, Section 76-9-702.7 .
             224          (40) "Sexual exploitation" means knowingly:
             225          (a) employing, using, persuading, inducing, enticing, or coercing any child to:


             226          (i) pose in the nude for the purpose of sexual arousal of any person; or
             227          (ii) engage in any sexual or simulated sexual conduct for the purpose of photographing,
             228      filming, recording, or displaying in any way the sexual or simulated sexual conduct;
             229          (b) displaying, distributing, possessing for the purpose of distribution, or selling
             230      material depicting a child:
             231          (i) in the nude, for the purpose of sexual arousal of any person; or
             232          (ii) engaging in sexual or simulated sexual conduct; or
             233          (c) engaging in any conduct that would constitute an offense under Section 76-5b-201 ,
             234      Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, regardless of whether the person who engages in the conduct is
             235      actually charged with, or convicted of, the offense.
             236          (41) "Shelter" means the temporary care of a child in a physically unrestricted facility
             237      pending court disposition or transfer to another jurisdiction.
             238          (42) "State supervision" means a disposition that provides a more intensive level of
             239      intervention than standard probation but is less intensive or restrictive than a community
             240      placement with the Division of Juvenile Justice Services.
             241          (43) "Substance abuse" means the misuse or excessive use of alcohol or other drugs or
             242      substances.
             243          (44) "Substantiated" is as defined in Section 62A-4a-101 .
             244          (45) "Supported" is as defined in Section 62A-4a-101 .
             245          (46) "Termination of parental rights" means the permanent elimination of all parental
             246      rights and duties, including residual parental rights and duties, by court order.
             247          (47) "Therapist" means:
             248          (a) a person employed by a state division or agency for the purpose of conducting
             249      psychological treatment and counseling of a minor in its custody; or
             250          (b) any other person licensed or approved by the state for the purpose of conducting
             251      psychological treatment and counseling.
             252          (48) "Unsubstantiated" is as defined in Section 62A-4a-101 .
             253          (49) "Without merit" is as defined in Section 62A-4a-101 .


             254          Section 2. Section 78A-6-302 is amended to read:
             255           78A-6-302. Court-ordered protective custody of a child following petition filing --
             256      Grounds.
             257          (1) After a petition has been filed under Section 78A-6-304 , if the child who is the
             258      subject of the petition is not in the protective custody of the division, a court may order that the
             259      child be removed from the child's home or otherwise taken into protective custody if the court
             260      finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that any one or more of the following circumstances
             261      exist:
             262          (a) (i) there is an imminent danger to the physical health or safety of the child; and
             263          (ii) the child's physical health or safety may not be protected without removing the
             264      child from the custody of the child's parent or guardian;
             265          (b) (i) a parent or guardian engages in or threatens the child with unreasonable conduct
             266      that causes the child to suffer emotional damage; and
             267          (ii) there are no reasonable means available by which the child's emotional health may
             268      be protected without removing the child from the custody of the child's parent or guardian;
             269          (c) the child or another child residing in the same household has been, or is considered
             270      to be at substantial risk of being, physically abused, sexually abused, or sexually exploited, by a
             271      parent or guardian, a member of the parent's or guardian's household, or other person known to
             272      the parent or guardian;
             273          (d) the parent or guardian is unwilling to have physical custody of the child;
             274          (e) the child is abandoned or left without any provision for the child's support;
             275          (f) a parent or guardian who has been incarcerated or institutionalized has not arranged
             276      or cannot arrange for safe and appropriate care for the child;
             277          (g) (i) a relative or other adult custodian with whom the child is left by the parent or
             278      guardian is unwilling or unable to provide care or support for the child;
             279          (ii) the whereabouts of the parent or guardian are unknown; and
             280          (iii) reasonable efforts to locate the parent or guardian are unsuccessful;
             281          (h) the child is in immediate need of medical care;


             282          (i) (i) a parent's or guardian's actions, omissions, or habitual action create an
             283      environment that poses a threat to the child's health or safety; or
             284          (ii) a parent's or guardian's action in leaving a child unattended would reasonably pose
             285      a threat to the child's health or safety;
             286          (j) the child or another child residing in the same household has been neglected;
             287          (k) the child's natural parent:
             288          (A) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes the death of another parent of the
             289      child;
             290          (B) is identified by a law enforcement agency as the primary suspect in an investigation
             291      for intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing the death of another parent of the child; or
             292          (C) is being prosecuted for or has been convicted of intentionally, knowingly, or
             293      recklessly causing the death of another parent of the child;
             294          [(k)] (l) an infant has been abandoned, as defined in Section 78A-6-316 ;
             295          [(l)] (m) (i) the parent or guardian, or an adult residing in the same household as the
             296      parent or guardian, is charged or arrested pursuant to Title 58, Chapter 37d, Clandestine Drug
             297      Lab Act; and
             298          (ii) any clandestine laboratory operation was located in the residence or on the property
             299      where the child resided; or
             300          [(m)] (n) the child's welfare is otherwise endangered.
             301          (2) (a) For purposes of Subsection (1)(a), if a child has previously been adjudicated as
             302      abused, neglected, or dependent, and a subsequent incident of abuse, neglect, or dependency
             303      occurs involving the same substantiated abuser or under similar circumstance as the previous
             304      abuse, that fact constitutes prima facie evidence that the child cannot safely remain in the
             305      custody of the child's parent.
             306          (b) For purposes of Subsection (1)(c):
             307          (i) another child residing in the same household may not be removed from the home
             308      unless that child is considered to be at substantial risk of being physically abused, sexually
             309      abused, or sexually exploited as described in Subsection (1)(c) or Subsection (2)(b)(ii); and


             310          (ii) if a parent or guardian has received actual notice that physical abuse, sexual abuse,
             311      or sexual exploitation by a person known to the parent has occurred, and there is evidence that
             312      the parent or guardian failed to protect the child, after having received the notice, by allowing
             313      the child to be in the physical presence of the alleged abuser, that fact constitutes prima facie
             314      evidence that the child is at substantial risk of being physically abused, sexually abused, or
             315      sexually exploited.
             316          (3) In the absence of one of the factors described in Subsection (1), a court may not
             317      remove a child from the parent's or guardian's custody on the basis of:
             318          (a) educational neglect, truancy, or failure to comply with a court order to attend
             319      school;
             320          (b) mental illness or poverty of the parent or guardian; or
             321          (c) disability of the parent or guardian, as defined in Section 57-21-2 .
             322          (4) A child removed from the custody of the child's parent or guardian under this
             323      section may not be placed or kept in a secure detention facility pending further court
             324      proceedings unless the child is detainable based on guidelines promulgated by the Division of
             325      Juvenile Justice Services.
             326          (5) This section does not preclude removal of a child from the child's home without a
             327      warrant or court order under Section 62A-4a-202.1 .
             328          (6) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (6)(b), a court or the Division of Child and
             329      Family Services may not remove a child from the custody of the child's parent or guardian on
             330      the sole or primary basis that the parent or guardian refuses to consent to:
             331          (i) the administration of a psychotropic medication to a child;
             332          (ii) a psychiatric, psychological, or behavioral treatment for a child; or
             333          (iii) a psychiatric or behavioral health evaluation of a child.
             334          (b) Notwithstanding Subsection (6)(a), a court or the Division of Child and Family
             335      Services may remove a child under conditions that would otherwise be prohibited under
             336      Subsection (6)(a) if failure to take an action described under Subsection (6)(a) would present a
             337      serious, imminent risk to the child's physical safety or the physical safety of others.


             338          Section 3. Section 78A-6-306 is amended to read:
             339           78A-6-306. Shelter hearing.
             340          (1) A shelter hearing shall be held within 72 hours excluding weekends and holidays
             341      after any one or all of the following occur:
             342          (a) removal of the child from the child's home by the division;
             343          (b) placement of the child in the protective custody of the division;
             344          (c) emergency placement under Subsection 62A-4a-202.1 (4);
             345          (d) as an alternative to removal of the child, a parent enters a domestic violence shelter
             346      at the request of the division; or
             347          (e) a "Motion for Expedited Placement in Temporary Custody" is filed under
             348      Subsection 78A-6-106 (4).
             349          (2) Upon the occurrence of any of the circumstances described in Subsections (1)(a)
             350      through (e), the division shall issue a notice that contains all of the following:
             351          (a) the name and address of the person to whom the notice is directed;
             352          (b) the date, time, and place of the shelter hearing;
             353          (c) the name of the child on whose behalf a petition is being brought;
             354          (d) a concise statement regarding:
             355          (i) the reasons for removal or other action of the division under Subsection (1); and
             356          (ii) the allegations and code sections under which the proceeding has been instituted;
             357          (e) a statement that the parent or guardian to whom notice is given, and the child, are
             358      entitled to have an attorney present at the shelter hearing, and that if the parent or guardian is
             359      indigent and cannot afford an attorney, and desires to be represented by an attorney, one will be
             360      provided in accordance with the provisions of Section 78A-6-1111 ; and
             361          (f) a statement that the parent or guardian is liable for the cost of support of the child in
             362      the protective custody, temporary custody, and custody of the division, and the cost for legal
             363      counsel appointed for the parent or guardian under Subsection (2)(e), according to the financial
             364      ability of the parent or guardian.
             365          (3) The notice described in Subsection (2) shall be personally served as soon as


             366      possible, but no later than one business day after removal of the child from the child's home, or
             367      the filing of a "Motion for Expedited Placement in Temporary Custody" under Subsection
             368      78A-6-106 (4), on:
             369          (a) the appropriate guardian ad litem; and
             370          (b) both parents and any guardian of the child, unless the parents or guardians cannot
             371      be located.
             372          (4) The following persons shall be present at the shelter hearing:
             373          (a) the child, unless it would be detrimental for the child;
             374          (b) the child's parents or guardian, unless the parents or guardian cannot be located, or
             375      fail to appear in response to the notice;
             376          (c) counsel for the parents, if one is requested;
             377          (d) the child's guardian ad litem;
             378          (e) the caseworker from the division who is assigned to the case; and
             379          (f) the attorney from the attorney general's office who is representing the division.
             380          (5) (a) At the shelter hearing, the court shall:
             381          (i) provide an opportunity to provide relevant testimony to:
             382          (A) the child's parent or guardian, if present; and
             383          (B) any other person having relevant knowledge; and
             384          (ii) subject to Section 78A-6-305 , provide an opportunity for the child to testify.
             385          (b) The court:
             386          (i) may consider all relevant evidence, in accordance with the Utah Rules of Juvenile
             387      Procedure;
             388          (ii) shall hear relevant evidence presented by the child, the child's parent or guardian,
             389      the requesting party, or their counsel; and
             390          (iii) may in its discretion limit testimony and evidence to only that which goes to the
             391      issues of removal and the child's need for continued protection.
             392          (6) If the child is in the protective custody of the division, the division shall report to
             393      the court:


             394          (a) the reason why the child was removed from the parent's or guardian's custody;
             395          (b) any services provided to the child and the child's family in an effort to prevent
             396      removal;
             397          (c) the need, if any, for continued shelter;
             398          (d) the available services that could facilitate the return of the child to the custody of
             399      the child's parent or guardian; and
             400          (e) subject to Subsections 78A-6-307 (18)(c) through (e), whether any relatives of the
             401      child or friends of the child's parents may be able and willing to accept temporary placement of
             402      the child.
             403          (7) The court shall consider all relevant evidence provided by persons or entities
             404      authorized to present relevant evidence pursuant to this section.
             405          (8) (a) If necessary to protect the child, preserve the rights of a party, or for other good
             406      cause shown, the court may grant no more than one continuance, not to exceed five judicial
             407      days.
             408          (b) A court shall honor, as nearly as practicable, the request by a parent or guardian for
             409      a continuance under Subsection (8)(a).
             410          (9) (a) If the child is in the protective custody of the division, the court shall order that
             411      the child be released from the protective custody of the division unless it finds, by a
             412      preponderance of the evidence, that any one of the following exist:
             413          (i) subject to Subsection (9)(b)(i), there is a substantial danger to the physical health or
             414      safety of the child and the child's physical health or safety may not be protected without
             415      removing the child from the custody of the child's parent;
             416          (ii) (A) the child is suffering emotional damage; and
             417          (B) there are no reasonable means available by which the child's emotional health may
             418      be protected without removing the child from the custody of the child's parent;
             419          (iii) there is a substantial risk that the child will suffer abuse or neglect if the child is
             420      not removed from the custody of the child's parents;
             421          (iv) subject to Subsection (9)(b)(ii), the child or a minor residing in the same


             422      household has been, or is considered to be at substantial risk of being, physically abused,
             423      sexually abused, or sexually exploited by a:
             424          (A) parent;
             425          (B) member of the parent's household; or
             426          (C) person known to the parent;
             427          (v) the parent is unwilling to have physical custody of the child;
             428          (vi) the child is without any provision for the child's support;
             429          (vii) a parent who is incarcerated or institutionalized has not or cannot arrange for safe
             430      and appropriate care for the child;
             431          (viii) (A) a relative or other adult custodian with whom the child is left by the parent is
             432      unwilling or unable to provide care or support for the child;
             433          (B) the whereabouts of the parent are unknown; and
             434          (C) reasonable efforts to locate the parent are unsuccessful;
             435          (ix) the child is in urgent need of medical care;
             436          (x) the physical environment or the fact that the child is left unattended beyond a
             437      reasonable period of time poses a threat to the child's health or safety;
             438          (xi) the child or a minor residing in the same household has been neglected;
             439          (xii) the parent, or an adult residing in the same household as the parent, is charged or
             440      arrested pursuant to Title 58, Chapter 37d, Clandestine Drug Lab Act, and any clandestine
             441      laboratory operation was located in the residence or on the property where the child resided;
             442      [or]
             443          (xiii) the child's welfare is substantially endangered[.]; or
             444          (xiv) the child's natural parent:
             445          (A) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes the death of another parent of the
             446      child;
             447          (B) is identified by a law enforcement agency as the primary suspect in an investigation
             448      for intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing the death of another parent of the child; or
             449          (C) is being prosecuted for or has been convicted of intentionally, knowingly, or


             450      recklessly causing the death of another parent of the child.
             451          (b) (i) Prima facie evidence of the finding described in Subsection (9)(a)(i) is
             452      established if:
             453          (A) a court previously adjudicated that the child suffered abuse, neglect, or dependency
             454      involving the parent; and
             455          (B) a subsequent incident of abuse, neglect, or dependency involving the parent occurs.
             456          (ii) For purposes of Subsection (9)(a)(iv), if the court finds that the parent knowingly
             457      allowed the child to be in the physical care of a person after the parent received actual notice
             458      that the person physically abused, sexually abused, or sexually exploited the child, that fact
             459      constitutes prima facie evidence that there is a substantial risk that the child will be physically
             460      abused, sexually abused, or sexually exploited.
             461          (10) (a) (i) The court shall also make a determination on the record as to whether
             462      reasonable efforts were made to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from the
             463      child's home and whether there are available services that would prevent the need for continued
             464      removal.
             465          (ii) If the court finds that the child can be safely returned to the custody of the child's
             466      parent or guardian through the provision of those services, the court shall place the child with
             467      the child's parent or guardian and order that those services be provided by the division.
             468          (b) In making the determination described in Subsection (10)(a), and in ordering and
             469      providing services, the child's health, safety, and welfare shall be the paramount concern, in
             470      accordance with federal law.
             471          (11) Where the division's first contact with the family occurred during an emergency
             472      situation in which the child could not safely remain at home, the court shall make a finding that
             473      any lack of preplacement preventive efforts was appropriate.
             474          (12) In cases where actual sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, abandonment, severe
             475      abuse, or severe neglect are involved, neither the division nor the court has any duty to make
             476      "reasonable efforts" or to, in any other way, attempt to maintain a child in the child's home,
             477      return a child to the child's home, provide reunification services, or attempt to rehabilitate the


             478      offending parent or parents.
             479          (13) The court may not order continued removal of a child solely on the basis of
             480      educational neglect as described in Subsection 78A-6-105 (25)(b) truancy, or failure to comply
             481      with a court order to attend school.
             482          (14) (a) Whenever a court orders continued removal of a child under this section, the
             483      court shall state the facts on which that decision is based.
             484          (b) If no continued removal is ordered and the child is returned home, the court shall
             485      state the facts on which that decision is based.
             486          (15) If the court finds that continued removal and temporary custody are necessary for
             487      the protection of a child because harm may result to the child if the child were returned home,
             488      the court shall order continued removal regardless of:
             489          (a) any error in the initial removal of the child;
             490          (b) the failure of a party to comply with notice provisions; or
             491          (c) any other procedural requirement of this chapter or Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Child
             492      and Family Services.
             493          Section 4. Section 78A-6-312 is amended to read:
             494           78A-6-312. Dispositional hearing -- Reunification services -- Exceptions.
             495          (1) The court may:
             496          (a) make any of the dispositions described in Section 78A-6-117 ;
             497          (b) place the minor in the custody or guardianship of any:
             498          (i) individual; or
             499          (ii) public or private entity or agency; or
             500          (c) order:
             501          (i) protective supervision;
             502          (ii) family preservation;
             503          (iii) subject to Subsections (12)(b) and 78A-6-117 (2)(n)(iii), medical or mental health
             504      treatment; or
             505          (iv) other services.


             506          (2) Whenever the court orders continued removal at the dispositional hearing, and that
             507      the minor remain in the custody of the division, the court shall first:
             508          (a) establish a primary permanency goal for the minor; and
             509          (b) determine whether, in view of the primary permanency goal, reunification services
             510      are appropriate for the minor and the minor's family, pursuant to Subsections (20) through (22).
             511          (3) Subject to Subsections (6) and (7), if the court determines that reunification
             512      services are appropriate for the minor and the minor's family, the court shall provide for
             513      reasonable parent-time with the parent or parents from whose custody the minor was removed,
             514      unless parent-time is not in the best interest of the minor.
             515          (4) In cases where obvious sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, abandonment, severe
             516      abuse, or severe neglect are involved, neither the division nor the court has any duty to make
             517      "reasonable efforts" or to, in any other way, attempt to provide reunification services, or to
             518      attempt to rehabilitate the offending parent or parents.
             519          (5) In all cases, the minor's health, safety, and welfare shall be the court's paramount
             520      concern in determining whether reasonable efforts to reunify should be made.
             521          (6) For purposes of Subsection (3), parent-time is in the best interests of a minor unless
             522      the court makes a finding that it is necessary to deny parent-time in order to:
             523          (a) protect the physical safety of the minor;
             524          (b) protect the life of the minor; or
             525          (c) prevent the minor from being traumatized by contact with the parent due to the
             526      minor's fear of the parent in light of the nature of the alleged abuse or neglect.
             527          (7) Notwithstanding Subsection (3), a court may not deny parent-time based solely on a
             528      parent's failure to:
             529          (a) prove that the parent has not used legal or illegal substances; or
             530          (b) comply with an aspect of the child and family plan that is ordered by the court.
             531          (8) (a) In addition to the primary permanency goal, the court shall establish a
             532      concurrent permanency goal that shall include:
             533          (i) a representative list of the conditions under which the primary permanency goal will


             534      be abandoned in favor of the concurrent permanency goal; and
             535          (ii) an explanation of the effect of abandoning or modifying the primary permanency
             536      goal.
             537          (b) In determining the primary permanency goal and concurrent permanency goal, the
             538      court shall consider:
             539          (i) the preference for kinship placement over nonkinship placement;
             540          (ii) the potential for a guardianship placement if the parent-child relationship is legally
             541      terminated and no appropriate adoption placement is available; and
             542          (iii) the use of an individualized permanency goal, only as a last resort.
             543          (9) A permanency hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Subsection
             544      78A-6-314 (1)(b) within 30 days after the day on which the dispositional hearing ends if
             545      something other than reunification is initially established as a minor's primary permanency
             546      goal.
             547          (10) (a) The court may amend a minor's primary permanency goal before the
             548      establishment of a final permanency plan under Section 78A-6-314 .
             549          (b) The court is not limited to the terms of the concurrent permanency goal in the event
             550      that the primary permanency goal is abandoned.
             551          (c) If, at any time, the court determines that reunification is no longer a minor's primary
             552      permanency goal, the court shall conduct a permanency hearing in accordance with Section
             553      78A-6-314 on or before the earlier of:
             554          (i) 30 days after the day on which the court makes the determination described in this
             555      Subsection (10)(c); or
             556          (ii) the day on which the provision of reunification services, described in Section
             557      78A-6-314 , ends.
             558          (11) (a) If the court determines that reunification services are appropriate, it shall order
             559      that the division make reasonable efforts to provide services to the minor and the minor's
             560      parent for the purpose of facilitating reunification of the family, for a specified period of time.
             561          (b) In providing the services described in Subsection (11)(a), the minor's health, safety,


             562      and welfare shall be the division's paramount concern, and the court shall so order.
             563          (12) (a) The court shall:
             564          (i) determine whether the services offered or provided by the division under the child
             565      and family plan constitute "reasonable efforts" on the part of the division;
             566          (ii) determine and define the responsibilities of the parent under the child and family
             567      plan in accordance with Subsection 62A-4a-205 (6)(e); and
             568          (iii) identify verbally on the record, or in a written document provided to the parties,
             569      the responsibilities described in Subsection (12)(a)(ii), for the purpose of assisting in any future
             570      determination regarding the provision of reasonable efforts, in accordance with state and
             571      federal law.
             572          (b) If the parent is in a substance abuse treatment program, other than a certified drug
             573      court program:
             574          (i) the court may order the parent to submit to supplementary drug or alcohol testing in
             575      addition to the testing recommended by the parent's substance abuse program based on a
             576      finding of reasonable suspicion that the parent is abusing drugs or alcohol; and
             577          (ii) the court may order the parent to provide the results of drug or alcohol testing
             578      recommended by the substance abuse program to the court or division.
             579          (13) (a) The time period for reunification services may not exceed 12 months from the
             580      date that the minor was initially removed from the minor's home, unless the time period is
             581      extended under Subsection 78A-6-314 (8).
             582          (b) Nothing in this section may be construed to entitle any parent to an entire 12
             583      months of reunification services.
             584          (14) (a) If reunification services are ordered, the court may terminate those services at
             585      any time.
             586          (b) If, at any time, continuation of reasonable efforts to reunify a minor is determined
             587      to be inconsistent with the final permanency plan for the minor established pursuant to Section
             588      78A-6-314 , then measures shall be taken, in a timely manner, to:
             589          (i) place the minor in accordance with the permanency plan; and


             590          (ii) complete whatever steps are necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the
             591      minor.
             592          (15) Any physical custody of the minor by the parent or a relative during the period
             593      described in Subsections (11) through (14) does not interrupt the running of the period.
             594          (16) (a) If reunification services are ordered, a permanency hearing shall be conducted
             595      by the court in accordance with Section 78A-6-314 at the expiration of the time period for
             596      reunification services.
             597          (b) The permanency hearing shall be held no later than 12 months after the original
             598      removal of the minor.
             599          (c) If reunification services are not ordered, a permanency hearing shall be conducted
             600      within 30 days, in accordance with Section 78A-6-314 .
             601          (17) With regard to a minor in the custody of the division whose parent or parents are
             602      ordered to receive reunification services but who have abandoned that minor for a period of six
             603      months from the date that reunification services were ordered:
             604          (a) the court shall terminate reunification services; and
             605          (b) the division shall petition the court for termination of parental rights.
             606          (18) When a court conducts a permanency hearing for a minor under Section
             607      78A-6-314 , the court shall attempt to keep the minor's sibling group together if keeping the
             608      sibling group together is:
             609          (a) practicable; and
             610          (b) in accordance with the best interest of the minor.
             611          (19) (a) Because of the state's interest in and responsibility to protect and provide
             612      permanency for minors who are abused, neglected, or dependent, the Legislature finds that a
             613      parent's interest in receiving reunification services is limited.
             614          (b) The court may determine that:
             615          (i) efforts to reunify a minor with the minor's family are not reasonable or appropriate,
             616      based on the individual circumstances; and
             617          (ii) reunification services should not be provided.


             618          (c) In determining "reasonable efforts" to be made with respect to a minor, and in
             619      making "reasonable efforts," the minor's health, safety, and welfare shall be the paramount
             620      concern.
             621          (20) There is a presumption that reunification services should not be provided to a
             622      parent if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that any of the following
             623      circumstances exist:
             624          (a) the whereabouts of the parents are unknown, based upon a verified affidavit
             625      indicating that a reasonably diligent search has failed to locate the parent;
             626          (b) subject to Subsection (21)(a), the parent is suffering from a mental illness of such
             627      magnitude that it renders the parent incapable of utilizing reunification services;
             628          (c) the minor was previously adjudicated as an abused child due to physical abuse,
             629      sexual abuse, or sexual exploitation, and following the adjudication the minor:
             630          (i) was removed from the custody of the minor's parent;
             631          (ii) was subsequently returned to the custody of the parent; and
             632          (iii) is being removed due to additional physical abuse, sexual abuse, or sexual
             633      exploitation;
             634          (d) the parent:
             635          (i) caused the death of another minor through abuse or neglect;
             636          (ii) committed, aided, abetted, attempted, conspired, or solicited to commit:
             637          (A) murder or manslaughter of a child; or
             638          (B) child abuse homicide;
             639          (iii) committed sexual abuse against the child; [or]
             640          (iv) is a registered sex offender or required to register as a sex offender; or
             641          (v) (A) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes the death of another parent of the
             642      child;
             643          (B) is identified by a law enforcement agency as the primary suspect in an investigation
             644      for intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing the death of another parent of the child; or
             645          (C) is being prosecuted for or has been convicted of intentionally, knowingly, or


             646      recklessly causing the death of another parent of the child;
             647          (e) the minor suffered severe abuse by the parent or by any person known by the
             648      parent, if the parent knew or reasonably should have known that the person was abusing the
             649      minor;
             650          (f) the minor is adjudicated an abused child as a result of severe abuse by the parent,
             651      and the court finds that it would not benefit the minor to pursue reunification services with the
             652      offending parent;
             653          (g) the parent's rights are terminated with regard to any other minor;
             654          (h) the minor was removed from the minor's home on at least two previous occasions
             655      and reunification services were offered or provided to the family at those times;
             656          (i) the parent has abandoned the minor for a period of six months or longer;
             657          (j) the parent permitted the child to reside, on a permanent or temporary basis, at a
             658      location where the parent knew or should have known that a clandestine laboratory operation
             659      was located;
             660          (k) except as provided in Subsection (21)(b), with respect to a parent who is the child's
             661      birth mother, the child has fetal alcohol syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or was
             662      exposed to an illegal or prescription drug that was abused by the child's mother while the child
             663      was in utero, if the child was taken into division custody for that reason, unless the mother
             664      agrees to enroll in, is currently enrolled in, or has recently and successfully completed a
             665      substance abuse treatment program approved by the department; or
             666          (l) any other circumstance that the court determines should preclude reunification
             667      efforts or services.
             668          (21) (a) The finding under Subsection (20)(b) shall be based on competent evidence
             669      from at least two medical or mental health professionals, who are not associates, establishing
             670      that, even with the provision of services, the parent is not likely to be capable of adequately
             671      caring for the minor within 12 months after the day on which the court finding is made.
             672          (b) A judge may disregard the provisions of Subsection (20)(k) if the court finds, under
             673      the circumstances of the case, that the substance abuse treatment described in Subsection


             674      (20)(k) is not warranted.
             675          (22) In determining whether reunification services are appropriate, the court shall take
             676      into consideration:
             677          (a) failure of the parent to respond to previous services or comply with a previous child
             678      and family plan;
             679          (b) the fact that the minor was abused while the parent was under the influence of
             680      drugs or alcohol;
             681          (c) any history of violent behavior directed at the child or an immediate family
             682      member;
             683          (d) whether a parent continues to live with an individual who abused the minor;
             684          (e) any patterns of the parent's behavior that have exposed the minor to repeated abuse;
             685          (f) testimony by a competent professional that the parent's behavior is unlikely to be
             686      successful; and
             687          (g) whether the parent has expressed an interest in reunification with the minor.
             688          (23) (a) If reunification services are not ordered pursuant to Subsections (19) through
             689      (21), and the whereabouts of a parent become known within six months after the day on which
             690      the out-of-home placement of the minor is made, the court may order the division to provide
             691      reunification services.
             692          (b) The time limits described in Subsections (2) through (18) are not tolled by the
             693      parent's absence.
             694          (24) (a) If a parent is incarcerated or institutionalized, the court shall order reasonable
             695      services unless it determines that those services would be detrimental to the minor.
             696          (b) In making the determination described in Subsection (24)(a), the court shall
             697      consider:
             698          (i) the age of the minor;
             699          (ii) the degree of parent-child bonding;
             700          (iii) the length of the sentence;
             701          (iv) the nature of the treatment;


             702          (v) the nature of the crime or illness;
             703          (vi) the degree of detriment to the minor if services are not offered;
             704          (vii) for a minor 10 years of age or older, the minor's attitude toward the
             705      implementation of family reunification services; and
             706          (viii) any other appropriate factors.
             707          (c) Reunification services for an incarcerated parent are subject to the time limitations
             708      imposed in Subsections (2) through (18).
             709          (d) Reunification services for an institutionalized parent are subject to the time
             710      limitations imposed in Subsections (2) through (18), unless the court determines that continued
             711      reunification services would be in the minor's best interest.
             712          (25) If, pursuant to Subsections (20)(b) through (l), the court does not order
             713      reunification services, a permanency hearing shall be conducted within 30 days, in accordance
             714      with Section 78A-6-314 .
             715          Section 5. Section 78A-6-314 is amended to read:
             716           78A-6-314. Permanency hearing -- Final plan -- Petition for termination of
             717      parental rights filed -- Hearing on termination of parental rights.
             718          (1) (a) When reunification services have been ordered in accordance with Section
             719      78A-6-312 , with regard to a minor who is in the custody of the Division of Child and Family
             720      Services, a permanency hearing shall be held by the court no later than 12 months after the day
             721      on which the minor was initially removed from the minor's home.
             722          (b) If reunification services were not ordered at the dispositional hearing, a permanency
             723      hearing shall be held within 30 days after the day on which the dispositional hearing ends.
             724          (2) (a) If reunification services were ordered by the court in accordance with Section
             725      78A-6-312 , the court shall, at the permanency hearing, determine, consistent with Subsection
             726      (3), whether the minor may safely be returned to the custody of the minor's parent.
             727          (b) If the court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that return of the minor to
             728      the minor's parent would create a substantial risk of detriment to the minor's physical or
             729      emotional well-being, the minor may not be returned to the custody of the minor's parent.


             730          (c) Prima facie evidence that return of the minor to a parent or guardian would create a
             731      substantial risk of detriment to the minor is established if:
             732          (i) the parent or guardian fails to:
             733          [(i)] (A) participate in a court approved child and family plan;
             734          [(ii)] (B) comply with a court approved child and family plan in whole or in part; or
             735          [(iii)] (C) meet the goals of a court approved child and family plan[.]; or
             736          (ii) the child's natural parent:
             737          (A) intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes the death of another parent of the
             738      child;
             739          (B) is identified by a law enforcement agency as the primary suspect in an investigation
             740      for intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing the death of another parent of the child; or
             741          (C) is being prosecuted for or has been convicted of intentionally, knowingly, or
             742      recklessly causing the death of another parent of the child.
             743          (3) In making a determination under Subsection (2)(a), the court shall review and
             744      consider:
             745          (a) the report prepared by the Division of Child and Family Services;
             746          (b) any admissible evidence offered by the minor's guardian ad litem;
             747          (c) any report submitted by the division under Subsection 78A-6-315 (3)(a)(i);
             748          (d) any evidence regarding the efforts or progress demonstrated by the parent; and
             749          (e) the extent to which the parent cooperated and utilized the services provided.
             750          (4) With regard to a case where reunification services were ordered by the court, if a
             751      minor is not returned to the minor's parent or guardian at the permanency hearing, the court
             752      shall, unless the time for the provision of reunification services is extended under Subsection
             753      (8):
             754          (a) order termination of reunification services to the parent;
             755          (b) make a final determination regarding whether termination of parental rights,
             756      adoption, or permanent custody and guardianship is the most appropriate final plan for the
             757      minor, taking into account the minor's primary permanency goal established by the court


             758      pursuant to Section 78A-6-312 ; and
             759          (c) establish a concurrent plan that identifies the second most appropriate final plan for
             760      the minor.
             761          (5) If the Division of Child and Family Services documents to the court that there is a
             762      compelling reason that adoption, reunification, guardianship, and a placement described in
             763      Subsection 78A-6-306 (6)(e) are not in the minor's best interest, the court may order another
             764      planned permanent living arrangement, in accordance with federal law.
             765          (6) If the minor clearly desires contact with the parent, the court shall take the minor's
             766      desire into consideration in determining the final plan.
             767          (7) Except as provided in Subsection (8), the court may not extend reunification
             768      services beyond 12 months after the day on which the minor was initially removed from the
             769      minor's home, in accordance with the provisions of Section 78A-6-312 .
             770          (8) (a) Subject to Subsection (8)(b), the court may extend reunification services for no
             771      more than 90 days if the court finds, beyond a preponderance of the evidence, that:
             772          (i) there has been substantial compliance with the child and family plan;
             773          (ii) reunification is probable within that 90-day period; and
             774          (iii) the extension is in the best interest of the minor.
             775          (b) (i) Except as provided in Subsection (8)(c), the court may not extend any
             776      reunification services beyond 15 months after the day on which the minor was initially
             777      removed from the minor's home.
             778          (ii) Delay or failure of a parent to establish paternity or seek custody does not provide a
             779      basis for the court to extend services for that parent beyond the 12-month period described in
             780      Subsection (7).
             781          (c) In accordance with Subsection (8)(d), the court may extend reunification services
             782      for one additional 90-day period, beyond the 90-day period described in Subsection (8)(a), if:
             783          (i) the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that:
             784          (A) the parent has substantially complied with the child and family plan;
             785          (B) it is likely that reunification will occur within the additional 90-day period; and


             786          (C) the extension is in the best interest of the child;
             787          (ii) the court specifies the facts upon which the findings described in Subsection
             788      (8)(c)(i) are based; and
             789          (iii) the court specifies the time period in which it is likely that reunification will occur.
             790          (d) A court may not extend the time period for reunification services without
             791      complying with the requirements of this Subsection (8) before the extension.
             792          (e) In determining whether to extend reunification services for a minor, a court shall
             793      take into consideration the status of the minor siblings of the minor.
             794          (9) The court may, in its discretion:
             795          (a) enter any additional order that it determines to be in the best interest of the minor,
             796      so long as that order does not conflict with the requirements and provisions of Subsections (4)
             797      through (8); or
             798          (b) order the division to provide protective supervision or other services to a minor and
             799      the minor's family after the division's custody of a minor has been terminated.
             800          (10) If the final plan for the minor is to proceed toward termination of parental rights,
             801      the petition for termination of parental rights shall be filed, and a pretrial held, within 45
             802      calendar days after the permanency hearing.
             803          (11) (a) Any party to an action may, at any time, petition the court for an expedited
             804      permanency hearing on the basis that continuation of reunification efforts are inconsistent with
             805      the permanency needs of the minor.
             806          (b) If the court so determines, it shall order, in accordance with federal law, that:
             807          (i) the minor be placed in accordance with the permanency plan; and
             808          (ii) whatever steps are necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the minor be
             809      completed as quickly as possible.
             810          (12) Nothing in this section may be construed to:
             811          (a) entitle any parent to reunification services for any specified period of time;
             812          (b) limit a court's ability to terminate reunification services at any time prior to a
             813      permanency hearing; or


             814          (c) limit or prohibit the filing of a petition for termination of parental rights by any
             815      party, or a hearing on termination of parental rights, at any time prior to a permanency hearing.
             816          (13) (a) Subject to Subsection (13)(b), if a petition for termination of parental rights is
             817      filed prior to the date scheduled for a permanency hearing, the court may consolidate the
             818      hearing on termination of parental rights with the permanency hearing.
             819          (b) For purposes of Subsection (13)(a), if the court consolidates the hearing on
             820      termination of parental rights with the permanency hearing:
             821          (i) the court shall first make a finding regarding whether reasonable efforts have been
             822      made by the Division of Child and Family Services to finalize the permanency goal for the
             823      minor; and
             824          (ii) any reunification services shall be terminated in accordance with the time lines
             825      described in Section 78A-6-312 .
             826          (c) A decision on a petition for termination of parental rights shall be made within 18
             827      months from the day on which the minor is removed from the minor's home.
             828          (14) If a court determines that a child will not be returned to a parent of the child, the
             829      court shall consider appropriate placement options inside and outside of the state.


[Bill Documents][Bills Directory]