The Department of Human Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and each child-placing agency shall make special efforts to recruit foster placement for children in their custody from suitable relatives and kin of the child, and from among families of the same minority racial or minority ethnic heritage of the child; provided, however, no child shall be delayed in being placed or removed from any placement in order to place the child in a family of the same minority racial or minority ethnic heritage, unless it is determined to be in the best interests of the child. Special efforts shall include, but shall not be limited to, contracting and working with community organizations and religious organizations, utilizing local media and other local resources, conducting outreach activities, and increasing the number of minority recruitment staff employed by the Department of Human Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice and the child-placing agency.

Added by Laws 1996, HB 2960, c. 353, § 10, eff. November 1, 1996.