R512-301-6. Return Home and Trial Home Placement

  (1) When the safety issues that resulted in the child being placed in out-of-home care are remedied or eliminated and the parent has demonstrated the behavioral changes needed in order to safely enable the child to return home, Child and Family Services may recommend a trial home placement or a return home to the court. The child may return home when allowable by court order or in conjunction with provisions of a voluntary placement.

  (2) Successful reunification shall be systematically considered and planned for from the earliest possible point in the life of the case. Prior to the child being physically returned home, the Child and Family Team shall discuss and have a well-defined plan for the child to transition home from out-of-home care. Good transition planning shall include identifying ongoing formal and informal supports, as well as crisis or relapse planning, in order to prevent reentry into out-of-home care.

  (3) In order for all pertinent parties to adequately prepare for the child to return home, Child and Family Services shall provide reasonable notice (unless otherwise ordered by the court) of the date the child will be returning home. Parties to be notified include the child, parents, members of the Child and Family Team, Guardian ad Litem, out-of-home care provider, school staff, therapist, and other partner agencies.

  (4) Child and Family Services shall provide services directed at assisting the child and family make a successful transition of the child back into the home, and shall have supports in place to help observe and monitor that no further abuse or neglect is occurring to the child.

  (5) If it is determined that the child and family require more intensive services to ensure successful reunification, intensive family reunification or In-Home Services may be utilized in accordance with Rule R512-100.

  (6) A child may be returned home for a trial home visit for up to 90 days. The trial home visit shall continue until the court has returned custody to the parent or guardian.