2009 Iowa Code
Title 6 - Human Services
Subtitle 5 - Juveniles
CHAPTER 232 - JUVENILE JUSTICE
232.57 - REASONABLE EFFORTS DEFINED -- EFFECT OF AGGRAVATED CIRCUMSTANCES.

        232.57  REASONABLE EFFORTS DEFINED -- EFFECT OF
      AGGRAVATED CIRCUMSTANCES.
         1.  For the purposes of this division, unless the context
      otherwise requires, "reasonable efforts" means the efforts made
      to prevent permanent removal of a child from the 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.  If a
      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.  If the court determines by clear and 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
      is indicated by any of the following:
         a.  The parent has abandoned the child.
         b.  The court finds the circumstances described in section
      232.116, subsection 1, paragraph "i", are applicable to the
      child.
         c.  The parent's parental rights have been terminated under
      section 232.116 with respect to another child who is a member of the
      same family, and there is clear and convincing evidence to show 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 of the parent.
         e.  The parent has been convicted of the voluntary
      manslaughter of another child of the parent.
         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 of the parent.
         g.  The parent has been convicted of a felony assault which
      resulted in serious bodily injury of the child or of another child of
      the parent.
         3.  Any order entered under this division may include findings
      regarding reasonable efforts.  

         2001 Acts, ch 135, §9; 2007 Acts, ch 172, §4
         Referred to in § 232.21, 232.22, 232.52, 232B.5