Section 169-C:24-b Permanency Hearings.
I. For a child that has been in an out-of-home placement for 12 or more months, the court shall hold and complete a permanency hearing within 12 months of the finding. For a child that enters an out-of-home placement subsequent to a finding, the court shall hold and complete a permanency hearing within 12 months of the date the child enters the out-of-home placement.
II. At a permanency hearing, the court shall determine whether and, if applicable, when the child will be returned to the parent or parents, pursuant to RSA 169-C:23. If the standard for return pursuant to RSA 169-C:23 is not met, the court shall identify a permanency plan other than reunification for the child. Other options for a permanency plan include:
(a) Termination of parental rights or parental surrender when an adoption is contemplated;
(b) Guardianship with a fit and willing relative or another appropriate party; or
(c) Another planned permanent living arrangement.
III. At a permanency hearing the court shall determine whether the department has made reasonable efforts to finalize the permanency plan that is in effect. Where reunification is the permanency plan that is in effect, the court shall consider whether services to the family have been accessible, available, and appropriate.
Source. 2007, 236:16, eff. Jan. 1, 2008.