14-3-440. Reasonable efforts for family reunification; exceptions.
(a) Except as provided in W.S. 14-2-309(b) or (c), reasonable efforts shall be made to preserve and reunify the family:
(i) Prior to placement of the child outside the home, to prevent or eliminate the need for removing the child from the child's home; and
(ii) To make it possible for the child to safely return to the child's home.
(b) In determining what reasonable efforts shall be made with respect to a child and in making those reasonable efforts, the child's health and safety shall be the paramount concern.
(c) Reasonable efforts to place a child for adoption or with a legal guardian may be made concurrently with the reasonable efforts described in subsection (a) of this section.
(d) If continuation of reasonable efforts described in subsection (a) of this section is determined to be inconsistent with the permanency plan for the child, reasonable efforts shall be made for placement of the child in a timely manner in accordance with the permanency plan, and to complete the steps necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child.
(e) Reasonable efforts determinations shall include whether or not services to the family have been accessible, available and appropriate.
(f) The court shall make the reasonable efforts determinations required under this section at every court hearing. The reasonable efforts determinations shall be documented in the court's orders.
(g) If the court determines as provided in W.S. 14-2-309(a)(vi), (b) or (c) that reasonable efforts to preserve and reunify the family are not required:
(i) A permanency hearing as provided in W.S. 14-3-431(e) shall be held for the child within thirty (30) days after the determination; and
(ii) Reasonable efforts shall be made to place the child in a timely manner in accordance with the permanency plan, and to complete whatever steps are necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child.
(h) Repealed by Laws 2005, ch. 201, ยง 2.
Structure Wyoming Statutes
Article 4 - Child Protection Act
Section 14-3-401 - Short Title.
Section 14-3-402 - Definitions.
Section 14-3-403 - Juvenile Court Authority Over Certain Issues.
Section 14-3-404 - Venue; Change of Venue or Judge.
Section 14-3-405 - Taking of Child Into Custody; When Permitted.
Section 14-3-412 - Commencement of Proceedings; Contents of Petition.
Section 14-3-414 - Service of Process; Order of Custody.
Section 14-3-416 - Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem.
Section 14-3-417 - Subpoenas for Witnesses and Evidence.
Section 14-3-419 - Physical and Mental Examinations.
Section 14-3-420 - Emergency Medical, Surgical or Dental Examination or Treatment.
Section 14-3-421 - Reports of Medical or Mental Examinations; Use of Results; Copies.
Section 14-3-423 - Rights of Parties Generally; Demand for and Conduct of Jury Trial.
Section 14-3-425 - Burden of Proof Required; Verdict of Jury; Effect Thereof.
Section 14-3-427 - Predisposition Studies and Reports.
Section 14-3-430 - Orders of Protection; Requirements.
Section 14-3-432 - Appeal; Right Generally; Transcript Provided; Cost Thereof.
Section 14-3-434 - Fees, Costs and Expenses.
Section 14-3-435 - Ordering Payment for Support and Treatment of Child; How Paid; Enforcement.
Section 14-3-436 - Proceedings Deemed in Equity.
Section 14-3-437 - Records and Reports Confidential; Inspection.
Section 14-3-438 - Liability for Contempt; Penalties.
Section 14-3-439 - Separate Docket for Juvenile Cases; Availability of Records for Statistics.
Section 14-3-440 - Reasonable Efforts for Family Reunification; Exceptions.