1. A. The Department of Human Services or the agency having supervision of the case or, if the child has been removed from the custody of its parents, the Department or the agency or child-placing agency having custody of such child shall cause to be prepared for each review hearing required herein a written report concerning each child who is the subject of such review.

2. B. Such report shall include, but not be limited to:

   1. 1. A summary of the physical, mental, and emotional condition of the child, the conditions existing in the out-of-home placement where the child has been placed, and the child's adjustment thereto;
   2. 2. A report on the child's progress in school and, if the child has been placed outside the child's home, the visitation exercised by the parents of such child or other persons authorized by the court;
   3. 3. Services being provided to a child sixteen (16) years of age or older to assist in the transition from out-of-home care or other community placement to independent living; and

   4. 4. If the Department is responsible for supervision of the child or is the legal custodian of the child, any efforts on the part of the parent or parents to correct the conditions which caused the child to be adjudicated deprived. Specific recommendations, giving reasons therefor, whether:

      1. a. the parental rights of the parent or parents of the child should be terminated and the child placed for adoption,
      2. b. the child should remain in the home or be placed outside the home of the child's lawful parents, or
      3. c. the child should remain outside the home or be returned to the home from which the child was removed.
3. C. The attorney representing a child and the guardian ad litem of a child, if any, whose case is being reviewed may submit a report to the court for presentation at the review hearing to assist the court in reviewing the placement or status of the child. The legal custodian shall not deny to a child the right of access to counsel and shall facilitate such access.

Laws 1996, HB 2960, c. 353, § 24, eff. November 1, 1996; Amended by Laws 1998, SB 1224, c. 421, § 20, emerg. eff. June 11, 1998 (superseded document available).