Art. 627. Continued custody order; special provisions; appointments; continued safety plan order

A. Following a hearing, the court may return the child to the parents or, in accordance with Article 622, may place the child in the custody of a suitable relative, other suitable individual, or the department.

B. If a child is not returned to the parents, the court shall place the child in the custody of a suitable relative unless the court has made a specific finding that such placement is not in the best interest of the child. The court shall give specific oral and written reasons for its findings, which shall be made a part of the record of the proceeding.

C. If the court finds that the child can be safely returned home under a protective order pending adjudication, the court may order return of the child and issue such protective orders as are deemed necessary for the protection and welfare of the child.

D. If a protective order is issued or modified, the judge shall cause to have prepared a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(C), shall sign such order, and shall forward it to the clerk of court for filing, all without delay, and the clerk of the issuing court shall transmit the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order to the Louisiana Protective Order Registry, R.S. 46:2136.2(A), by facsimile transmission, mail, or direct electronic input, where available, as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day after the order is filed with the clerk of court.

E. If the court finds that the child can safely remain in or return to the home with the implementation of a safety plan developed and agreed upon by the state pending adjudication, the court may order compliance with the conditions of the safety plan.

F. If the court orders that the child be placed in the custody of a suitable relative or other suitable individual, it shall make a safety plan part of its order.

G. The court shall order the appointment of a curator for any parent who is an absentee. The court may order the appointment of a court-appointed special advocate.

Acts 1991, No. 235, §6, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1997, No. 1152, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1156, §1; Acts 1999, No. 449, §1, eff. July 1, 1999; Acts 1999, No. 1317, §2; Acts 2005, No. 148, §1; Acts 2006, No. 278, §1; Acts 2014, No. 354, §1; Acts 2014, No. 486, §1.