CHC 627 - Continued custody order; special provisions; appointments - Louisiana Statutes

Art. 627. Continued custody order; special provisions; appointments

A. Following a hearing, the court may return the child to the parents or, in accordance with Article 622, may place the child in the custody of a suitable relative, other suitable individual, or the department.

B. If a child is not returned to the parents, the court shall place the child in the custody of a suitable relative unless the court has made a specific finding that such placement is not in the best interest of the child. The court shall give specific oral and written reasons for its findings, which shall be made a part of the record of the proceeding.

C. If the court finds that the child can be safely returned home under a protective order pending adjudication, the court may order return of the child and issue such protective orders as are deemed necessary for the protection and welfare of the child.

D. If a protective order is issued or modified, the judge shall cause to have prepared a Uniform Abuse Prevention Order, as provided in R.S. 46:2136.2(C), shall sign such order, and shall forward it to the clerk of court for filing, all without delay, and the clerk of the issuing court shall transmit the Uniform Abuse Prevention Order to the Louisiana Protective Order Registry, R.S. 46:2136.2(A), by facsimile transmission, mail, or direct electronic input, where available, as expeditiously as possible, but no later than the end of the next business day after the order is filed with the clerk of court.

E. The court shall order the appointment of counsel for the child and the appointment of a curator for any parent who is an absentee. The court may order the appointment of counsel for the parents or the appointment of a court-appointed special advocate.

F. If the court orders that the child be placed in the custody of a suitable relative or other suitable individual, it shall make the safety plan part of its order.

Acts 1991, No. 235, §6, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1997, No. 1152, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1156, §1; Acts 1999, No. 449, §1, eff. July 1, 1999; Acts 1999, No. 1317, §2; Acts 2005, No. 148, §1; Acts 2006, No. 278, §1.