1. (a) This section applies only if a court has approved a permanency plan for a child under section 7(b)(5) of this chapter.

2. (b) If the continuation of reasonable efforts to preserve and reunify a child in need of services with the child's family is inconsistent with the child's permanency plan, the department shall make reasonable efforts to:

   1. (1) with court approval place the child in an out-of-home placement in accordance with the permanency plan; and
   2. (2) complete whatever steps are necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child in a timely manner.

3. (c) This subsection applies whenever the child's approved permanency plan under section 7 of this chapter is placement of the child for adoption or another planned, permanent living arrangement. Periodic progress reports, case reviews, and postdispositional hearings to determine whether or the extent to which the following have occurred are not required:

   1. (1) Whether reasonable efforts have been made to eliminate the need for removal of the child from the child's home or to make it possible for the child to safely return to the child's home.
   2. (2) Whether the child is placed in close proximity to the home of the child's parent, guardian, or custodian.

As added by P.L.35-1998, SEC.15. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.321; P.L.162-2011, SEC.51.