Art. 780. Removal of a child from parental custody or control; limitations; cooperation of state agencies

A. The court shall not remove a child from the custody of his caretakers unless his welfare cannot, in the opinion of the court, be adequately safeguarded without such removal.

B. In support of any disposition removing a child from the caretaker's home, the court shall determine whether reasonable efforts have been made by public institutions and agencies to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from his home and, after removal, to make it possible for the child to return home.

C. If a child is assigned to the custody of a public or private institution or agency, the court shall transmit with the judgment of disposition all relevant reports concerning the child and his family.

D. Any institution or agency to which a child is assigned shall:

(1) Report at least once every six months in writing concerning the whereabouts and condition of the child to the judge who rendered the judgment of disposition.

(2) Upon request, provide the court any information concerning the condition, supervision, treatment, or rehabilitation program of the child.

E. State agencies shall fully cooperate with any court which has authority with respect to the placement of a child in foster care for the purpose of locating a parent of the child. Such cooperation shall include making available all information obtained from the Federal Parent Locator Service.

Acts 1991, No. 235, §7; Acts 2007, No. 334, §1.