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First Substitute H.B. 219

Representative Eric K. Hutchings proposes the following substitute bill:


             1     
CHILD PROTECTION - CLANDESTINE

             2     
LABORATORY OPERATION

             3     
2006 GENERAL SESSION

             4     
STATE OF UTAH

             5     
Chief Sponsor: Eric K. Hutchings

             6     
Senate Sponsor: Ed Mayne

             7     
             8      LONG TITLE
             9      General Description:
             10          This bill amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1996 to provide for the protection of
             11      children whose parents permit them to be present at a clandestine laboratory operation.
             12      Highlighted Provisions:
             13          This bill:
             14          .    defines terms;
             15          .    provides that the definition of a neglected child includes a minor whose parent
             16      permits the minor to be present at the location of a clandestine laboratory operation;
             17          .    provides that there is a presumption that reunification services should not be
             18      provided to a parent if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the
             19      parent permitted the parent's child to be present at a location where the parent knew
             20      or should have known that a clandestine laboratory operation was located; and
             21          .    makes technical changes.
             22      Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
             23          None
             24      Other Special Clauses:
             25          None


             26      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             27      AMENDS:
             28          78-3a-103, as last amended by Chapter 95, Laws of Utah 2005
             29          78-3a-301, as last amended by Chapter 356, Laws of Utah 2004
             30          78-3a-306, as last amended by Chapters 131 and 267, Laws of Utah 2003
             31          78-3a-311, as last amended by Chapter 286, Laws of Utah 2005
             32     
             33      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             34          Section 1. Section 78-3a-103 is amended to read:
             35           78-3a-103. Definitions.
             36          (1) As used in this chapter:
             37          (a) "Abused child" includes a minor less than 18 years of age who:
             38          (i) has suffered or been threatened with nonaccidental physical or mental harm,
             39      negligent treatment, or sexual exploitation; or
             40          (ii) has been the victim of any sexual abuse.
             41          (b) "Adjudication" means a finding by the court, incorporated in a decree, that the facts
             42      alleged in the petition have been proved.
             43          (c) "Adult" means a person 18 years of age or over, except that persons 18 years or
             44      over under the continuing jurisdiction of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 78-3a-121 shall
             45      be referred to as minors.
             46          (d) "Board" means the Board of Juvenile Court Judges.
             47          (e) "Child placement agency" means:
             48          (i) a private agency licensed to receive minors for placement or adoption under this
             49      code; or
             50          (ii) a private agency receiving minors for placement or adoption in another state, which
             51      agency is licensed or approved where such license or approval is required by law.
             52          (f) "Clandestine laboratory operation" is as defined in Section 58-37d-3 .
             53          [(f)] (g) "Commit" means to transfer legal custody.
             54          [(g)] (h) "Court" means the juvenile court.
             55          [(h)] (i) "Dependent child" includes a minor who is homeless or without proper care
             56      through no fault of the minor's parent, guardian, or custodian.


             57          [(i)] (j) "Deprivation of custody" means transfer of legal custody by the court from a
             58      parent or the parents or a previous legal custodian to another person, agency, or institution.
             59          [(j)] (k) "Detention" means home detention and secure detention as defined in Section
             60      62A-7-101 for the temporary care of minors who require secure custody in physically
             61      restricting facilities:
             62          (i) pending court disposition or transfer to another jurisdiction; or
             63          (ii) while under the continuing jurisdiction of the court.
             64          [(k)] (l) "Division" means the Division of Child and Family Services.
             65          [(l)] (m) "Formal referral" means a written report from a peace officer or other person
             66      informing the court that a minor is or appears to be within the court's jurisdiction and that a
             67      petition may be filed.
             68          [(m)] (n) "Group rehabilitation therapy" means psychological and social counseling of
             69      one or more persons in the group, depending upon the recommendation of the therapist.
             70          [(n)] (o) "Guardianship of the person" includes the authority to consent to:
             71          (i) marriage[, to];
             72          (ii) enlistment in the armed forces[, to];
             73          (iii) major medical, surgical, or psychiatric treatment[, and to]; or
             74          (iv) legal custody, if legal custody is not vested in another person, agency, or
             75      institution.
             76          [(o)] (p) "Habitual truant" is a school-age minor who:
             77          (i) has received:
             78          (A) more than two truancy citations within one school year from the school in which
             79      the minor is or should be enrolled; and
             80          (B) eight absences without a legitimate or valid excuse; or
             81          (ii) in defiance of efforts on the part of school authorities as required under Section
             82      53A-11-103 , refuses to regularly attend school or any scheduled period of the school day.
             83          [(p)] (q) "Legal custody" means a relationship embodying the following rights and
             84      duties:
             85          (i) the right to physical custody of the minor;
             86          (ii) the right and duty to protect, train, and discipline the minor;
             87          (iii) the duty to provide the minor with food, clothing, shelter, education, and ordinary


             88      medical care;
             89          (iv) the right to determine where and with whom the minor shall live; and
             90          (v) the right, in an emergency, to authorize surgery or other extraordinary care.
             91          [(q)] (r) (i) "Minor" means a person under the age of 18 years.
             92          (ii) "Minor" includes the term "child" as used in other parts of this chapter.
             93          [(r)] (s) "Natural parent" means a minor's biological or adoptive parent, and includes
             94      the minor's noncustodial parent.
             95          [(s)] (t) (i) "Neglected child" means a minor:
             96          (A) whose parent, guardian, or custodian has abandoned the minor, except as provided
             97      in Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Part 8, Safe Relinquishment of a Newborn Child;
             98          (B) whose parent, guardian, or custodian has subjected the minor to mistreatment or
             99      abuse;
             100          (C) who lacks proper parental care by reason of the fault or habits of the parent,
             101      guardian, or custodian;
             102          (D) whose parent, guardian, or custodian fails or refuses to provide proper or necessary
             103      subsistence, education, or medical care, including surgery or psychiatric services when
             104      required, or any other care necessary for health, safety, morals, or well-being; [or]
             105          (E) who is at risk of being a neglected or abused child as defined in this chapter
             106      because another minor in the same home is a neglected or abused child as defined in this
             107      chapter[.]; or
             108          (F) whose parent permits the minor to be present at the location of a clandestine
             109      laboratory operation.
             110          (ii) The aspect of neglect related to education, described in Subsection (1)[(s)](t)(i)(D),
             111      means that, after receiving notice that a minor has been frequently absent from school without
             112      good cause, or that the minor has failed to cooperate with school authorities in a reasonable
             113      manner, a parent or guardian fails to make a good faith effort to ensure that the minor receives
             114      an appropriate education.
             115          (iii) A parent or guardian legitimately practicing religious beliefs and who, for that
             116      reason, does not provide specified medical treatment for a minor, is not guilty of neglect.
             117          (iv) Notwithstanding Subsection (1)[(s)](t)(i), a health care decision made for a child
             118      by the child's parent or guardian does not constitute neglect unless the state or other party to the


             119      proceeding shows, by clear and convincing evidence, that the health care decision is not
             120      reasonable and informed.
             121          (v) Nothing in Subsection (1)[(s)](t)(iv) may prohibit a parent or guardian from
             122      exercising the right to obtain a second health care opinion.
             123          [(t)] (u) "Nonjudicial adjustment" means closure of the case by the assigned probation
             124      officer without judicial determination upon the consent in writing of the minor, the parent,
             125      legal guardian or custodian, and the assigned probation officer.
             126          [(u)] (v) "Probation" means a legal status created by court order following an
             127      adjudication on the ground of a violation of law or under Section 78-3a-104 , whereby the
             128      minor is permitted to remain in the minor's home under prescribed conditions and under
             129      supervision by the probation department or other agency designated by the court, subject to
             130      return to the court for violation of any of the conditions prescribed.
             131          [(v)] (w) "Protective supervision" means a legal status created by court order following
             132      an adjudication on the ground of abuse, neglect, or dependency, whereby the minor is permitted
             133      to remain in the minor's home, and supervision and assistance to correct the abuse, neglect, or
             134      dependency is provided by the probation department or other agency designated by the court.
             135          [(w)] (x) (i) "Residual parental rights and duties" means those rights and duties
             136      remaining with the parent after legal custody or guardianship, or both, have been vested in
             137      another person or agency, including:
             138          (A) the responsibility for support;
             139          (B) the right to consent to adoption;
             140          (C) the right to determine the child's religious affiliation; and
             141          (D) the right to reasonable parent-time unless restricted by the court.
             142          (ii) If no guardian has been appointed, "residual parental rights and duties" also include
             143      the right to consent to:
             144          (A) marriage;
             145          (B) enlistment; and
             146          (C) major medical, surgical, or psychiatric treatment.
             147          [(x)] (y) "Secure facility" means any facility operated by or under contract with the
             148      Division of Juvenile Justice Services, that provides 24-hour supervision and confinement for
             149      youth offenders committed to the division for custody and rehabilitation.


             150          [(y)] (z) "Shelter" means the temporary care of minors in physically unrestricted
             151      facilities pending court disposition or transfer to another jurisdiction.
             152          [(z)] (aa) "State supervision" means a disposition that provides a more intensive level
             153      of intervention than standard probation but is less intensive or restrictive than a community
             154      placement with the Division of Juvenile Justice Services.
             155          [(aa)] (bb) "Substantiated" [has the same meaning as defined in Subsection] is as
             156      defined in Section 62A-4a-101 [(29)].
             157          [(bb)] (cc) "Supported" [has the same meaning as defined in Subsection] is as defined
             158      in Section 62A-4a-101 [(31)].
             159          [(cc)] (dd) "Termination of parental rights" means the permanent elimination of all
             160      parental rights and duties, including residual parental rights and duties, by court order.
             161          [(dd)] (ee) "Therapist" means:
             162          (i) a person employed by a state division or agency for the purpose of conducting
             163      psychological treatment and counseling of a minor in its custody[,]; or
             164          (ii) any other person licensed or approved by the state for the purpose of conducting
             165      psychological treatment and counseling.
             166          [(ee)] (ff) "Unsubstantiated" [has the same meaning as defined in Subsection] is as
             167      defined in Section 62A-4a-101 [(34)].
             168          [(ff)] (gg) "Without merit" [has the same meaning as defined in Subsection] is as
             169      defined in Section 62A-4a-101 [(36)].
             170          (2) As used in Part 3, Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Proceedings, with regard to the
             171      Division of Child and Family Services:
             172          (a) "Custody" means the custody of a minor in the Division of Child and Family
             173      Services as of the date of disposition.
             174          (b) "Protective custody" means the shelter of a minor by the Division of Child and
             175      Family Services from the time the minor is removed from home until the earlier of:
             176          (i) the shelter hearing; or
             177          (ii) the minor's return home.
             178          (c) "Temporary custody" means the custody of a minor in the Division of Child and
             179      Family Services from the date of the shelter hearing until disposition.
             180          Section 2. Section 78-3a-301 is amended to read:


             181           78-3a-301. Court-ordered protective custody of a minor following petition filing
             182      -- Grounds.
             183          (1) After a petition has been filed under Subsection 78-3a-305 (1), if the minor who is
             184      the subject of the petition is not in the protective custody of the division, a court may order that
             185      the minor be removed from the minor's home or otherwise taken into protective custody if the
             186      court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that any one or more of the following
             187      circumstances exist:
             188          (a) (i) there is an imminent danger to the physical health or safety of the minor; and
             189          (ii) the minor's physical health or safety may not be protected without removing the
             190      minor from the custody of the minor's parent or guardian;
             191          (b) (i) a parent or guardian engages in or threatens the minor with unreasonable
             192      conduct that causes the minor to suffer emotional damage; and
             193          (ii) there are no reasonable means available by which the minor's emotional health may
             194      be protected without removing the minor from the custody of the minor's parent or guardian;
             195          (c) the minor or another minor residing in the same household has been physically or
             196      sexually abused, or is considered to be at substantial risk of being physically or sexually
             197      abused, by a parent or guardian, a member of the parent's or guardian's household, or other
             198      person known to the parent or guardian;
             199          (d) the parent or guardian is unwilling to have physical custody of the minor;
             200          (e) the minor has been abandoned or left without any provision for the minor's support;
             201          (f) a parent or guardian who has been incarcerated or institutionalized has not arranged
             202      or cannot arrange for safe and appropriate care for the minor;
             203          (g) (i) a relative or other adult custodian with whom the minor has been left by the
             204      parent or guardian is unwilling or unable to provide care or support for the minor[,];
             205          (ii) the whereabouts of the parent or guardian are unknown[,]; and
             206          (iii) reasonable efforts to locate the parent or guardian have been unsuccessful;
             207          (h) the minor is in immediate need of medical care;
             208          (i) (i) a parent's or guardian's actions, omissions, or habitual action create an
             209      environment that poses a threat to the minor's health or safety; or
             210          (ii) a parent's or guardian's action in leaving a minor unattended would reasonably pose
             211      a threat to the minor's health or safety;


             212          (j) the minor or another minor residing in the same household has been neglected;
             213          (k) an infant has been abandoned, as defined in Section 78-3a-313.5 ;
             214          (l) the parent or guardian, or an adult residing in the same household as the parent or
             215      guardian, has been charged or arrested pursuant to Title 58, Chapter 37d, Clandestine Drug Lab
             216      Act, and any clandestine laboratory operation[, as defined in Section 58-37d-3 ,] was located in
             217      the residence or on the property where the minor resided; or
             218          (m) the minor's welfare is otherwise endangered.
             219          (2) (a) For purposes of Subsection (1)(a), if a minor has previously been adjudicated as
             220      abused, neglected, or dependent, and a subsequent incident of abuse, neglect, or dependency
             221      has occurred involving the same substantiated abuser or under similar circumstance as the
             222      previous abuse, that fact constitutes prima facie evidence that the minor cannot safely remain in
             223      the custody of the minor's parent.
             224          (b) For purposes of Subsection (1)(c):
             225          (i) another minor residing in the same household may not be removed from the home
             226      unless that minor is considered to be at substantial risk of being physically or sexually abused
             227      as described in Subsection (1)(c) or Subsection (2)(b)(ii); and
             228          (ii) if a parent or guardian has received actual notice that physical or sexual abuse by a
             229      person known to the parent has occurred, and there is evidence that the parent or guardian
             230      failed to protect the minor, after having received the notice, by allowing the minor to be in the
             231      physical presence of the alleged abuser, that fact constitutes prima facie evidence that the
             232      minor is at substantial risk of being physically or sexually abused.
             233          (3) In the absence of one of the factors described in Subsection (1), a court may not
             234      remove a minor from the parent's or guardian's custody on the basis of:
             235          (a) educational neglect;
             236          (b) mental illness or poverty of the parent or guardian; or
             237          (c) disability of the parent or guardian, as defined in [Subsection 57-21-3 (9)] Section
             238      57-21-2 .
             239          (4) A minor removed from the custody of the minor's parent or guardian under this
             240      section may not be placed or kept in a secure detention facility pending further court
             241      proceedings unless the minor is detainable based on guidelines promulgated by the Division of
             242      Juvenile Justice Services.


             243          (5) This section does not preclude removal of a minor from the minor's home without a
             244      warrant or court order under Section 62A-4a-202.1 .
             245          Section 3. Section 78-3a-306 is amended to read:
             246           78-3a-306. Shelter hearing.
             247          (1) A shelter hearing shall be held within 72 hours excluding weekends and holidays
             248      after any one or all of the following occur:
             249          (a) removal of the child from his home by the Division of Child and Family Services;
             250          (b) placement of the child in the protective custody of the Division of Child and Family
             251      Services;
             252          (c) emergency kinship placement under Subsection 62A-4a-202.1 (4); or
             253          (d) as an alternative to removal of the child, a parent has entered a domestic violence
             254      shelter at the request of the Division of Child and Family Services.
             255          (2) Upon the occurrence of any of the circumstances described in Subsections (1)(a)
             256      through (1)(d), the division shall issue a notice that contains all of the following:
             257          (a) the name and address of the person to whom the notice is directed;
             258          (b) the date, time, and place of the shelter hearing;
             259          (c) the name of the minor on whose behalf a petition is being brought;
             260          (d) a concise statement regarding:
             261          (i) the reasons for removal or other action of the division under Subsection (1); and
             262          (ii) the allegations and code sections under which the proceeding has been instituted;
             263          (e) a statement that the parent or guardian to whom notice is given, and the minor, are
             264      entitled to have an attorney present at the shelter hearing, and that if the parent or guardian is
             265      indigent and cannot afford an attorney, and desires to be represented by an attorney, one will be
             266      provided; and
             267          (f) a statement that the parent or guardian is liable for the cost of support of the minor
             268      in the protective custody, temporary custody, and custody of the division, and the cost for legal
             269      counsel appointed for the parent or guardian under Subsection (2)(e), according to his financial
             270      ability.
             271          (3) That notice shall be personally served as soon as possible, but no later than one
             272      business day after removal of a child from his home, on:
             273          (a) the appropriate guardian ad litem; and


             274          (b) both parents and any guardian of the minor, unless they cannot be located.
             275          (4) The following persons shall be present at the shelter hearing:
             276          (a) the child, unless it would be detrimental for the child;
             277          (b) the child's parents or guardian, unless they cannot be located, or fail to appear in
             278      response to the notice;
             279          (c) counsel for the parents, if one has been requested;
             280          (d) the child's guardian ad litem;
             281          (e) the caseworker from the Division of Child and Family Services who has been
             282      assigned to the case; and
             283          (f) the attorney from the attorney general's office who is representing the division.
             284          (5) (a) At the shelter hearing, the court shall provide an opportunity for the minor's
             285      parent or guardian, if present, and any other person having relevant knowledge, to provide
             286      relevant testimony. The court may also provide an opportunity for the minor to testify.
             287          (b) The court may consider all relevant evidence, in accordance with the Utah Rules of
             288      Juvenile Procedure. The court shall hear relevant evidence presented by the minor, his parent
             289      or guardian, the requesting party, or their counsel, but may in its discretion limit testimony and
             290      evidence to only that which goes to the issues of removal and the child's need for continued
             291      protection.
             292          (6) If the child is in the protective custody of the division, the division shall report to
             293      the court:
             294          (a) the reasons why the minor was removed from the parent's or guardian's custody;
             295          (b) any services provided to the child and his family in an effort to prevent removal;
             296          (c) the need, if any, for continued shelter;
             297          (d) the available services that could facilitate the return of the minor to the custody of
             298      his parent or guardian; and
             299          (e) whether the child has any relatives who may be able and willing to take temporary
             300      custody.
             301          (7) The court shall consider all relevant evidence provided by persons or entities
             302      authorized to present relevant evidence pursuant to this section.
             303          (8) If necessary to protect the child, preserve the rights of a party, or for other good
             304      cause shown, the court may grant no more than one time-limited continuance, not to exceed


             305      five judicial days.
             306          (9) If the child is in the protective custody of the division, the court shall order that the
             307      minor be released from the protective custody of the division unless it finds, by a
             308      preponderance of the evidence, that any one of the following exist:
             309          (a) there is a substantial danger to the physical health or safety of the minor and the
             310      minor's physical health or safety may not be protected without removing him from his parent's
             311      custody. If a minor has previously been adjudicated as abused, neglected, or dependent and a
             312      subsequent incident of abuse, neglect, or dependency occurs, that fact constitutes prima facie
             313      evidence that the child cannot safely remain in the custody of his parent;
             314          (b) (i) the minor is suffering emotional damage, as may be indicated by, but is not
             315      limited to, extreme anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or negative aggressive behavior toward
             316      self or others[,]; and
             317          (ii) there are no reasonable means available by which the minor's emotional health may
             318      be protected without removing the minor from the custody of his parent;
             319          (c) the minor or another minor residing in the same household has been physically or
             320      sexually abused, or is considered to be at substantial risk of being physically or sexually
             321      abused, by a parent, a member of the parent's household, or other person known to the parent.
             322      If a parent has received actual notice that physical or sexual abuse by a person known to the
             323      parent has occurred, and there is evidence that the parent has allowed the child to be in the
             324      physical presence of the alleged abuser, that fact constitutes prima facie evidence that the child
             325      is at substantial risk of being physically or sexually abused;
             326          (d) the parent is unwilling to have physical custody of the child;
             327          (e) the minor has been left without any provision for his support;
             328          (f) a parent who has been incarcerated or institutionalized has not or cannot arrange for
             329      safe and appropriate care for the minor;
             330          (g) (i) a relative or other adult custodian with whom the minor has been left by the
             331      parent is unwilling or unable to provide care or support for the minor[,];
             332          (ii) the whereabouts of the parent are unknown[,]; and
             333          (iii) reasonable efforts to locate [him] the parent have been unsuccessful;
             334          (h) the minor is in immediate need of medical care;
             335          (i) the physical environment or the fact that the child is left unattended poses a threat to


             336      the child's health or safety;
             337          (j) the minor or another minor residing in the same household has been neglected;
             338          (k) the parent, or an adult residing in the same household as the parent, has been
             339      charged or arrested pursuant to Title 58, Chapter 37d, Clandestine Drug Lab Act, and any
             340      clandestine laboratory operation[, as defined in Section 58-37d-3 ,] was located in the residence
             341      or on the property where the child resided; or
             342          (l) the child's welfare is otherwise endangered.
             343          (10) (a) (i) The court shall also make a determination on the record as to whether
             344      reasonable efforts were made to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the minor from
             345      his home and whether there are available services that would prevent the need for continued
             346      removal.
             347          (ii) If the court finds that the minor can be safely returned to the custody of his parent
             348      or guardian through the provision of those services, [it] the court shall place the minor with his
             349      parent or guardian and order that those services be provided by the division.
             350          (b) In making [that] the determination described in Subsection (10)(a), and in ordering
             351      and providing services, the child's health, safety, and welfare shall be the paramount concern,
             352      in accordance with federal law.
             353          (11) Where the division's first contact with the family occurred during an emergency
             354      situation in which the child could not safely remain at home, the court shall make a finding that
             355      any lack of preplacement preventive efforts was appropriate.
             356          (12) In cases where actual sexual abuse or abandonment, or serious physical abuse or
             357      neglect are involved, neither the division nor the court has any duty to make "reasonable
             358      efforts" or to, in any other way, attempt to maintain a child in his home, return a child to his
             359      home, provide reunification services, or attempt to rehabilitate the offending parent or parents.
             360          (13) The court may not order continued removal of a minor solely on the basis of
             361      educational neglect as described in Subsection 78-3a-103 (1)[(s)] (t)(ii).
             362          (14) (a) Whenever a court orders continued removal of a minor under this section, [it]
             363      the court shall state the facts on which that decision is based.
             364          (b) If no continued removal is ordered and the minor is returned home, the court shall
             365      state the facts on which that decision is based.
             366          (15) If the court finds that continued removal and temporary custody are necessary for


             367      the protection of a child because harm may result to the child if [he] the child were returned
             368      home, [it] the court shall order continued removal regardless of:
             369          (a) any error in the initial removal of the child[, or];
             370          (b) the failure of a party to comply with notice provisions[,]; or
             371          (c) any other procedural requirement of this chapter or Title 62A, Chapter 4a, Child
             372      and Family Services.
             373          Section 4. Section 78-3a-311 is amended to read:
             374           78-3a-311. Dispositional hearing -- Reunification services -- Exceptions.
             375          (1) The court may:
             376          (a) make any of the dispositions described in Section 78-3a-118 ;
             377          (b) place the minor in the custody or guardianship of any:
             378          (i) individual; or
             379          (ii) public or private entity or agency; or
             380          (c) order:
             381          (i) protective supervision;
             382          (ii) family preservation;
             383          (iii) medical or mental health treatment; or
             384          (iv) other services.
             385          (2) (a) (i) Whenever the court orders continued removal at the dispositional hearing,
             386      and that the minor remain in the custody of the division, the court shall first:
             387          (A) establish a primary permanency goal for the minor; and
             388          (B) determine whether, in view of the primary permanency goal, reunification services
             389      are appropriate for the minor and the minor's family, pursuant to Subsection (3).
             390          (ii) Subject to Subsection (2)(b), if the court determines that reunification services are
             391      appropriate for the minor and the minor's family, the court shall provide for reasonable
             392      parent-time with the parent or parents from whose custody the minor was removed, unless
             393      parent-time is not in the best interest of the minor.
             394          (iii) (A) In cases where obvious sexual abuse, abandonment, or serious physical abuse
             395      or neglect are involved, neither the division nor the court has any duty to make "reasonable
             396      efforts" or to, in any other way, attempt to provide reunification services, or to attempt to
             397      rehabilitate the offending parent or parents.


             398          (B) In all cases, the minor's health, safety, and welfare shall be the court's paramount
             399      concern in determining whether reasonable efforts to reunify should be made.
             400          (b) (i) For purposes of Subsection (2)(a)(ii), parent-time is in the best interests of a
             401      minor unless the court makes a finding that it is necessary to deny parent-time in order to:
             402          (A) protect the physical safety of the minor;
             403          (B) protect the life of the minor; or
             404          (C) prevent the minor from being traumatized by contact with the parent due to the
             405      minor's fear of the parent in light of the nature of the alleged abuse or neglect.
             406          (ii) Notwithstanding Subsection (2)(a)(ii), a court may not deny parent-time based
             407      solely on a parent's failure to:
             408          (A) prove that the parent has not used legal or illegal substances; or
             409          (B) comply with an aspect of the child and family plan that is ordered by the court.
             410          (c) (i) In addition to the primary permanency goal, the court shall establish a concurrent
             411      permanency goal that shall include:
             412          (A) a representative list of the conditions under which the primary permanency goal
             413      will be abandoned in favor of the concurrent permanency goal; and
             414          (B) an explanation of the effect of abandoning or modifying the primary permanency
             415      goal.
             416          (ii) A permanency hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Subsection
             417      78-3a-312 (1)(b) within 30 days if something other than reunification is initially established as a
             418      minor's primary permanency goal.
             419          (iii) (A) The court may amend a minor's primary permanency goal before the
             420      establishment of a final permanency plan under Section 78-3a-312 .
             421          (B) The court is not limited to the terms of the concurrent permanency goal in the event
             422      that the primary permanency goal is abandoned.
             423          (C) If, at any time, the court determines that reunification is no longer a minor's
             424      primary permanency goal, the court shall conduct a permanency hearing in accordance with
             425      Section 78-3a-312 on or before the earlier of:
             426          (I) 30 days from the day on which the court makes the determination described in this
             427      Subsection (2)(c)(iii)(C); or
             428          (II) 12 months from the day on which the minor was first removed from the minor's


             429      home.
             430          (d) (i) (A) If the court determines that reunification services are appropriate, it shall
             431      order that the division make reasonable efforts to provide services to the minor and the minor's
             432      parent for the purpose of facilitating reunification of the family, for a specified period of time.
             433          (B) In providing the services described in Subsection (2)(d)(i)(A), the minor's health,
             434      safety, and welfare shall be the division's paramount concern, and the court shall so order.
             435          (ii) The court shall:
             436          (A) determine whether the services offered or provided by the division under the child
             437      and family plan constitute "reasonable efforts" on the part of the division;
             438          (B) determine and define the responsibilities of the parent under the child and family
             439      plan in accordance with Subsection 62A-4a-205 (6)(e); and
             440          (C) identify on the record the responsibilities described in Subsection (2)(d)(ii)(B), for
             441      the purpose of assisting in any future determination regarding the provision of reasonable
             442      efforts, in accordance with state and federal law.
             443          (iii) (A) The time period for reunification services may not exceed 12 months from the
             444      date that the minor was initially removed from the minor's home.
             445          (B) Nothing in this section may be construed to entitle any parent to an entire 12
             446      months of reunification services.
             447          (iv) If reunification services are ordered, the court may terminate those services at any
             448      time.
             449          (v) If, at any time, continuation of reasonable efforts to reunify a minor is determined
             450      to be inconsistent with the final permanency plan for the minor established pursuant to
             451      Subsection 78-3a-312 , then measures shall be taken, in a timely manner, to:
             452          (A) place the minor in accordance with the permanency plan; and
             453          (B) complete whatever steps are necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the
             454      minor.
             455          (e) Any physical custody of the minor by the parent or a relative during the period
             456      described in Subsection (2)(d) does not interrupt the running of the period.
             457          (f) (i) If reunification services are ordered, a permanency hearing shall be conducted by
             458      the court in accordance with Section 78-3a-312 at the expiration of the time period for
             459      reunification services.


             460          (ii) The permanency hearing shall be held no later than 12 months after the original
             461      removal of the minor.
             462          (iii) If reunification services are not ordered, a permanency hearing shall be conducted
             463      within 30 days, in accordance with Section 78-3a-312 .
             464          (g) With regard to a minor who is 36 months of age or younger at the time the minor is
             465      initially removed from the home, the court shall:
             466          (i) hold a permanency hearing eight months after the date of the initial removal,
             467      pursuant to Section 78-3a-312 ; and
             468          (ii) order the discontinuance of those services after eight months from the initial
             469      removal of the minor from the home if the parent or parents have not made substantial efforts
             470      to comply with the child and family plan.
             471          (h) With regard to a minor in the custody of the division whose parent or parents are
             472      ordered to receive reunification services but who have abandoned that minor for a period of six
             473      months from the date that reunification services were ordered:
             474          (i) the court shall terminate reunification services; and
             475          (ii) the division shall petition the court for termination of parental rights.
             476          (3) (a) Because of the state's interest in and responsibility to protect and provide
             477      permanency for minors who are abused, neglected, or dependent, the Legislature finds that a
             478      parent's interest in receiving reunification services is limited.
             479          (b) The court may determine that:
             480          (i) efforts to reunify a minor with the minor's family are not reasonable or appropriate,
             481      based on the individual circumstances; and
             482          (ii) reunification services should not be provided.
             483          (c) In determining "reasonable efforts" to be made with respect to a minor, and in
             484      making "reasonable efforts," the minor's health, safety, and welfare shall be the paramount
             485      concern.
             486          (d) (i) There is a presumption that reunification services should not be provided to a
             487      parent if the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that any of the following
             488      circumstances exist:
             489          (A) the whereabouts of the parents are unknown, based upon a verified affidavit
             490      indicating that a reasonably diligent search has failed to locate the parent;


             491          (B) subject to Subsection (3)(d)(ii), the parent is suffering from a mental illness of such
             492      magnitude that it renders the parent incapable of utilizing reunification services;
             493          (C) the minor was previously adjudicated as an abused child due to physical or sexual
             494      abuse, and following the adjudication the minor:
             495          (I) was removed from the custody of the minor's parent;
             496          (II) was subsequently returned to the custody of the parent; and
             497          (III) is being removed due to additional physical or sexual abuse;
             498          (D) the parent:
             499          (I) caused the death of another minor through abuse or neglect; or
             500          (II) committed, aided, abetted, attempted, conspired, or solicited to commit:
             501          (Aa) murder or manslaughter of a child; or
             502          (Bb) child abuse homicide;
             503          (E) the minor suffered severe abuse by the parent or by any person known by the
             504      parent, if the parent knew or reasonably should have known that the person was abusing the
             505      minor;
             506          (F) the minor is adjudicated an abused child as a result of severe abuse by the parent,
             507      and the court finds that it would not benefit the minor to pursue reunification services with the
             508      offending parent;
             509          (G) the parent's rights are terminated with regard to any other minor;
             510          (H) the minor is removed from the minor's home on at least two previous occasions
             511      and reunification services were offered or provided to the family at those times;
             512          (I) the parent has abandoned the minor for a period of six months or longer; [or]
             513          [(J) any other circumstance that the court determines should preclude reunification
             514      efforts or services.]
             515          (J) the parent permitted the child to be present at a location where the parent knew or
             516      should have known that a clandestine laboratory operation was located; or
             517          (K) any other circumstance that the court determines should preclude reunification
             518      efforts or services.
             519          (ii) The finding under Subsection (3)(d)(i)(B) shall be based on competent evidence
             520      from mental health professionals establishing that, even with the provision of services, the
             521      parent is not likely to be capable of adequately caring for the minor within 12 months from the


             522      day on which the court finding is made.
             523          (4) In determining whether reunification services are appropriate, the court shall take
             524      into consideration:
             525          (a) failure of the parent to respond to previous services or comply with a previous child
             526      and family plan;
             527          (b) the fact that the minor was abused while the parent was under the influence of
             528      drugs or alcohol;
             529          (c) any history of violent behavior;
             530          (d) whether a parent continues to live with an individual who abused the minor;
             531          (e) any patterns of the parent's behavior that have exposed the minor to repeated abuse;
             532          (f) testimony by a competent professional that the parent's behavior is unlikely to be
             533      successful; and
             534          (g) whether the parent has expressed an interest in reunification with the minor.
             535          (5) (a) If reunification services are not ordered pursuant to Subsection (3)(a), and the
             536      whereabouts of a parent become known within six months of the out-of-home placement of the
             537      minor, the court may order the division to provide reunification services.
             538          (b) The time limits described in Subsection (2) are not tolled by the parent's absence.
             539          (6) (a) If a parent is incarcerated or institutionalized, the court shall order reasonable
             540      services unless it determines that those services would be detrimental to the minor.
             541          (b) In making the determination described in Subsection (6)(a), the court shall
             542      consider:
             543          (i) the age of the minor;
             544          (ii) the degree of parent-child bonding;
             545          (iii) the length of the sentence;
             546          (iv) the nature of the treatment;
             547          (v) the nature of the crime or illness;
             548          (vi) the degree of detriment to the minor if services are not offered;
             549          (vii) for a minor ten years of age or older, the minor's attitude toward the
             550      implementation of family reunification services; and
             551          (viii) any other appropriate factors.
             552          (c) Reunification services for an incarcerated parent are subject to the 12-month


             553      limitation imposed in Subsection (2).
             554          (d) Reunification services for an institutionalized parent are subject to the 12-month
             555      limitation imposed in Subsection (2), unless the court determines that continued reunification
             556      services would be in the minor's best interest.
             557          (7) If, pursuant to Subsections (3)(d)(i)(B) through [(J)] (K), the court does not order
             558      reunification services, a permanency hearing shall be conducted within 30 days, in accordance
             559      with Section 78-3a-312 .


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