23. a. In accordance with the provisions of subsections b., c., and d. of this section, when determining the reasonable efforts to be made and when making the reasonable efforts, the child’s health and safety shall be of paramount concern.

b. In any case in which the division accepts a child in care or custody, the division shall make reasonable efforts, prior to placement, to preserve the family in order to prevent the need for removing the child from his home. After placement, the division shall make reasonable efforts to make it possible for the child to safely return to his home.

c. Reasonable efforts to place a child for adoption or with a legal guardian or in an alternative permanent placement may be made concurrently with reasonable efforts to preserve and reunify the child’s family.

d. In any case in which family reunification is not the permanency plan for the child, reasonable efforts shall be made to place the child in a timely manner and to complete the steps necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child.

L.1999,c.53,s.23.