1. An agency which provides child welfare services:

(a) In cases where the death of a parent of the child is or may be the result of an act by the other parent that constitutes domestic violence pursuant to NRS 33.018, shall within 10 days after the hearing on protective custody initiate a proceeding in court by filing a petition which meets the requirements set forth in NRS 432B.510;

(b) In cases where a court issues an order keeping the child in protective custody pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 1 of NRS 432B.480, shall within 10 days after the hearing on protective custody, unless good cause exists, initiate a proceeding in court by filing a petition which meets the requirements set forth in NRS 432B.510 or recommend against any further action in court; or

(c) In cases where an investigation is made under NRS 432B.010 to 432B.400, inclusive, and a determination is made that the child is in need of protection but is not in imminent danger, may file a petition which meets the requirements set forth in NRS 432B.510.

2. If the agency recommends against further action, the court may, on its own motion, initiate proceedings when it finds that it is in the best interests of the child.

3. If a child has been placed in protective custody and if further action in court is taken, an agency which provides child welfare services shall make recommendations to the court concerning whether the child should be returned to the person responsible for the welfare of the child pending further action in court.

4. If, in a case described in paragraph (b) of subsection 1, an agency which provides child welfare services fails to initiate a proceeding in court by filing a petition which meets the requirements set forth in NRS 432B.510 within 10 days after the hearing on protective custody:

(a) The agency may recommend against further action and return the child to the custody of the person responsible for the welfare of the child; or

(b) Any party to the proceeding may schedule an additional hearing with the court which must take place before the next scheduled court date to determine whether the child should be returned to the person responsible for the welfare of the child pending further action by the court.

5. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, notice of the time and place of a hearing scheduled pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 4 must be given to a parent or other person responsible for the welfare of the child:

(a) By personal service of a written notice;

(b) Orally; or

(c) If the parent or other person responsible for the welfare of the child cannot be located after a reasonable effort, by posting a written notice on the door of the residence of the parent or other person.

If the child was delivered to a provider of emergency services pursuant to the provisions of NRS 432B.630, the parent who delivered the child to the provider shall be deemed to have waived any right to notice of any hearing conducted pursuant to this section.

6. If notice of a hearing scheduled pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 4 is given by means of paragraph (b) or (c) of subsection 5, a copy of the notice must be mailed to the parent or other person responsible for the welfare of the child at his or her last known address within 24 hours after the petition is filed.

7. The court shall hold a hearing scheduled pursuant to paragraph (b) of subsection 4 to decide whether there remains reasonable cause to believe that it would be:

(a) Contrary to the welfare of the child for the child to reside at his or her home; or

(b) In the best interests of the child to keep the child outside of his or her home.

(Added to NRS by 1985, 1380; A 1999, 832; 2001 Special Session, 47; 2011, 2524; 2013, 447; 2017, 673)