169-C:6-b Child's Welfare and Findings Regarding Removal. –
I. The court shall, in its first court ruling that sanctions, even temporarily, the removal of a child from the home, determine whether continuation in the home is contrary to the child's welfare.
II. The court shall within 60 days of a child's removal from the home, determine and issue written findings as to whether reasonable efforts were made or were not required to prevent the child's removal. In determining whether reasonable efforts were made to prevent the child's removal, the court shall consider whether services to the family have been accessible, available, and appropriate.
III. If the court orders that a child be removed from his or her home at the preliminary hearing under RSA 169-C:15, the adjudicatory hearing under RSA 169-C:18, the dispositional hearing under RSA 169-C:19, or the final hearing under RSA 169-C:21, the court order for removal shall include specific written findings regarding the need for the out-of-home placement. The order shall briefly state the facts the court found to exist that justify ordering the placement.
IV. If the order does not comply with the requirements of paragraph III, the judge shall make a written finding to justify the out-of-home placement. Providing a copy of the order, redacted to protect the identity of the parties and children, to the members of the house committee having jurisdiction over child and family issues shall not be considered a violation of RSA 169-C:25.