Tracking #2009-00633
Final (permanent) adoption 9/4/09, eff. 11/1/09
(formerly Tracking #2009-00751: emergency adoption 8/7/09, eff. 8/7/09)

I:/09052101.rtf
[I:/09052101.doc]

(12 CCR 2509-4)

[Editorial Note: Statement of Basis and Purpose is incorporated with #09-7-15-1 (09071501.rtf).] 

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[Instructions:  replace lines 1747023 through 1747039.] 
7.304.52  Diligent Search [Rev. eff. 11/1/09]
A.  Definition: Diligent search is the timely good faith effort to locate and contact any noncustodial parent, all grandparent(s), and other adult relatives of a child’s or youth’s removal from the custodial home. 
B.  Diligent search shall: 
1.  Be commenced for the noncustodial parent within three (3) working days. The county department must provide notification to the absent parent of the following: 
a.  The child or youth has been removed from the home; and, 
b.  The option to participate in the care, treatment, or placement of the child or youth. 
2.  Be completed for all grandparent(s) and other adult relatives within thirty (30) days. The county department shall provide notification of the following information: 
a.  The child or youth has been removed from the home; 
b.  Options to participate in the care or placement of the child or youth; 
c.  Options that may be lost by failing to respond; and,
d.  The requirements to become a foster parent, and services and supports available to the child placed in the foster home. 
C.  The county department of human/social services shall assure that: 
1.  Parents are consulted regarding their suggestions for appropriate caretakers. 
2.  Children and youth are consulted as appropriate regarding their suggested relative caretakers. 
3.  When the court orders a delay in contacting specific relatives for good cause including, but not limited to, domestic or other family violence, then the county department shall discontinue the diligent search until otherwise authorized by the court. 
D.  Diligent search shall occur at least every six (6) months throughout the life of the case until the child has achieved permanency, except as noted in Section 7.304.52, C, 3. 
E.  The county shall document all efforts in the child’s or youth’s Family Services Plan and in the contact notes in the case record. Initial and ongoing diligent search results shall be reviewed and documented during ninety (90) day supervisory reviews.