1. For the purposes of this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires, “reasonable efforts” means the effortsmade to preventpermanent removal of a child fromthe child’s home and to encourage reunification of the child with the child’s parents and family. Reasonable efforts shall include but are not limited to giving consideration, if appropriate, to interstate placement of a child in the permanency planning decisions involving the child and giving consideration to in-state and out-of-state placement options at a permanency hearing and when using concurrent planning. Ifa court order includes a determination that continuation of the child in the child’s home is not appropriate or not possible, reasonable efforts may include the efforts made in a timely manner to finalize a permanency plan for the child. 2. Ifthe court determines byclearand convincing evidence that aggravated circumstances exist, with written findings of fact based upon evidence in the record, the court may waive the requirement for making reasonable efforts. The existence of aggravated circumstances isindicated by any of the following: a. The parent has abandoned the child. b. The court finds the circumstancesdescribed insection232.116, subsection 1, paragraph “i”,are applicable to the child. c. The parent’s parental rights have been terminated under section 232.116 with respectto another child who is amember of the same family, and there isclear and convincing evidence toshow that the offer or receipt of services would not be likely within a reasonable period of time to correct the conditions which led to the child’s removal. d. The parent has been convicted of the murder of another child. e. The parent has been convicted of the voluntary manslaughter of another child. f. The parent has been convicted of aiding or abetting, attempting, conspiring in, or soliciting the commission of the murder or voluntary manslaughter of another child. g. The parenthas been convicted of a felony assaultwhich resulted inserious bodily injury of the child or of another child. 3. Any order entered under this subchapter may include findings regarding reasonable efforts.
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