Section 26-8A-25 - Criteria for determining continued placement of child separate from homeIn conducting the review hearing required by § 26-8A-24 the court may continue placement of the child separate from the home of the child's parents, guardian, or custodian upon a written judicial determination that return of the child to the home would be contrary to the welfare of the child and that reasonable efforts have been made by the Department of Social Services to make it possible for the child to return to the home. In making this determination, the court shall consider the following criteria:
(1) The goals of the foster care placement and the appropriateness of foster care;(2) The assistance and services which have been offered to reunite the child with the child's parents, guardian, or custodian and the good faith efforts, or their lack, and ability of the child's parents, guardian, or custodian to cooperate with the department and to effectively utilize the assistance and services for the benefit and welfare of the child; and(3) If the return of the child to the home of the child's parents, guardian, or custodian is not likely, the reasonable efforts of the department that have been made or should be made to provide for other methods of care in keeping with the best interests of the child.SL 1989, ch 231, § 2; SL 1991, ch 217, § 134B; SDCL, § 26-8-35.4.