Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-202.13

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 10, November 13, 2024

Rule 441-202.13 - Removal of the child

(1) When the department plans to remove a child from a facility or foster home, the facility or foster home shall be informed in writing of the date of the removal, the reason for the removal, the recourse available to the facility or foster home, if any, and that the contested case proceeding pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 17A is not applicable to the removal. The department shall inform the facility or foster home ten days in advance of the removal, except that the facility or foster home may be informed less than ten days prior to the removal in the following instances:

a. When the parent or guardian removes the child from voluntary placement.

b. When the court orders removal of a child from placement.

c. When there is evidence of neglect or physical or sexual abuse.

(2) The department may remove a child from a facility or foster home when any of the following conditions exist:

a. There is evidence of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the child.

b. The child needs a specialized service that the facility does not offer.

c. The child is unable to benefit from the placement as evidenced by lack of progress of the child.

d. There is evidence the facility is unable to provide the care needed by the child and fulfill its responsibilities under the case plan.

e. There is lack of cooperation of the facility or foster home with the department.

(3) If a foster family objects in writing within seven days from the date that the department furnishes notice of plans to remove the child, the service area manager or designee shall grant a conference to the foster family to determine whether the removal is in the child's best interest.

a. This conference shall not be construed to be a contested case under Iowa Code chapter 17A.

b. The conference shall be provided before the child is removed except in instances listed in paragraphs 202.13(1)"a" to "c." The service area manager or designee shall review the propriety of the removal and explain the decision to the foster family.

c. The service area manager or designee, on finding that the removal is not in the child's best interests, may overrule the removal decision unless a court order or parental decision prevents the department from doing so.

(4) When the facility or foster home requests a child be removed from its care, it shall give a minimum of ten days' notice to the department so planning may be made on behalf of the child. This does not apply to a situation where the health or safety of the child or another person in the foster home is threatened by the child's presence in the child's current placement home.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 234.6(6)"b."

Iowa Admin. Code r. 441-202.13

ARC 8010B, lAB 7/29/09, effective 10/1/09

Amended by IAB August 21, 2024/Volume XLVII, Number 5, effective 10/1/2024