8-845. Disposition hearing


A. After receiving and considering the evidence on the proper disposition of the
case, the court may enter orders awarding a dependent child as follows:


1. To the care of the child's parents, subject to the supervision of the department
of economic security.


2. To a grandparent or another member of the child's extended family including a
person who has a significant relationship with the child, unless the court has determined
that such placement is not in the child's best interests.


3. To a suitable institution.


4. To an association willing to receive the child.


5. To a reputable citizen of good moral character.


6. To an appropriate public or private agency licensed to care for children.


7. To a suitable school.


8. To supervision under the independent living program established pursuant to
section 8-521.


9. To any adult as a permanent guardian pursuant to article 5 of this chapter.


B. In reviewing the status of the child and in determining its order of
disposition, the court shall consider the health and safety of the child as a paramount
concern and the following criteria:


1. The goals of the placement and the appropriateness of the case plan.


2. The services that have been offered to reunite the family.


3. If returning the child home is not likely, the efforts that have been or should
be made to evaluate or plan for other permanent placement plans.


4. The efforts that have been made or should be made to place the child with the
child's siblings or to provide frequent visitation or contact when placement with
siblings has not been possible.


C. The court shall review the permanent plan that has been established for the
child. In reviewing the status of the child, the court, insofar as possible, shall seek
to reunite the family. If the court does not order reunification of the family, the
court shall order a plan of adoption or another permanent plan that is in the child's
best interest and that takes into consideration the placement of the child with siblings
or that provides for frequent visitation or contact amongst siblings unless the court
determines that either the placement with the siblings or the visitation or contact would
be contrary to the child's or a sibling's safety or well-being.


D. Notwithstanding subsection C of this section, reasonable efforts to place a
child for adoption may be made concurrently with reasonable efforts to reunify the
family.