N.D. Cent. Code § 50-12-08
A child may not be placed in any foster or adoptive home until adequate investigation has been made as to the suitability of the proposed foster or adoptive parents and their home surroundings. When the human service zone is satisfied that a child has been placed in an unsuitable home, the human service zone shall order the child-placing agency, in writing, to remove the child and place the child in a home that meets the approval of the human service zone. If within a reasonable period of time it appears that suitable arrangements have not been made for the care of the child, the human service zone shall make immediate arrangements for the care and support of the child. If the child has no legal settlement within the state, or in case of a dispute as to the determination of the child's legal settlement or responsibility for the child's support, the child must be brought before the juvenile court as a dependent child in the county in which the child is found, as provided by law.
N.D.C.C. § 50-12-08