When a minor is removed, he/she may be placed with a family resource only if that home can guarantee his/her safety and well-being, and insofar as such resource does not have a history of abuse and is not related to the allegations, facts, or situations prompting the protective action of the government. If there is more than one family resource that has been qualified as safe and proper for the welfare of the child, the non-custodial parent shall be considered first; the maternal or paternal grandparents shall be considered second; any adult and independent siblings, third; and, fourth, any other family resource that proves to be the safest and most beneficial for the child. In such cases in which it cannot be immediately determined whether a family resource can guarantee the safety and well-being of the child or children, such child or children shall be placed in foster homes.
History —Dec. 16, 2011, No. 246, § 17, eff. 90 days after Dec. 16, 2011.