1. (a) The permanency planning goal that is chosen must serve the child's best interests and long term needs, including the need for an enduring and nurturing family relationship with safety, stability, and continuity of care.

2. (b) The permanency planning goals, as described in §700.1203 of this title (relating to What are the permanency planning goals?), must generally be addressed as an ordered list of priorities. A lower listed goal is considered only after ruling out the higher listed goal(s) as:

   1. (1) unnecessary to consider, by court order;
   2. (2) unreasonable or unachievable, after pursuing reasonable efforts; or
   3. (3) not appropriate to meet the child's needs and best interests.

Source Note:The provisions of this §700.1204 adopted to be effective January 1, 2004, 28 TexReg 11344.