Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 260C.312

• Agency: means the responsible social services agency or a licensed child-placing agency. See Minnesota Statutes 260C.007
• Child: means an individual under 18 years of age. See Minnesota Statutes 260C.007
• Compelling reasons: means an individualized determination by the responsible social services agency, which is approved by the court, related to a request by the agency not to initiate proceedings to terminate parental rights or transfer permanent legal and physical custody of a child to the child's relative or former noncustodial parent under section 260C. See Minnesota Statutes 260C.007
• Court: means juvenile court unless otherwise specified in this section. See Minnesota Statutes 260C.007
• Foster care: means 24-hour substitute care for a child for whom a responsible social services agency has placement and care responsibility and:

  (1) who is placed away from the child's parent or guardian in foster family homes, foster homes of relatives, group homes, emergency shelters, residential facilities not excluded in this subdivision, child care institutions, and preadoptive homes;

  (2) who is colocated with the child's parent or guardian in a licensed residential family-based substance use disorder treatment program as defined in subdivision 22a; or

  (3) who is returned to the care of the child's parent or guardian from whom the child was removed under a trial home visit pursuant to section 260C. See Minnesota Statutes 260C.007

• Neglected and in foster care: means a child:

  (1) who has been placed in foster care by court order; and

  (2) whose parents' circumstances, condition, or conduct are such that the child cannot be returned to them; and

  (3) whose parents, despite the availability of needed rehabilitative services, have failed to make reasonable efforts to adjust their circumstances, condition or conduct, or have willfully failed to meet reasonable expectations with regard to visiting the child or providing financial support for the child. See Minnesota Statutes 260C.007

• Parent: means a person who has a legal parent and child relationship with a child which confers or imposes on the person legal rights, privileges, duties, and obligations consistent with sections 257. See Minnesota Statutes 260C.007
• Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.