(a) Generally. A local department may ask the court to find that reasonable efforts to reunify a child with the child's parent or guardian are not required if the local department concludes that a condition listed in Code, Courts Article, § 3-812 (b) exists.

(b) Timing. A request under section (a) of this Rule may be made in a petition filed pursuant to Rule 11-205 or by motion served on the parties any time after the filing of the initial petition. The court may not rule on the request unless the child is found to be in need of assistance at a disposition hearing held pursuant to Rule 11-216.

(c) Hearing. If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence after a hearing that any of the circumstances specified in Code, Courts Article, § 3-812 (b) exist, the court shall waive the requirement that reasonable efforts be made to reunify the child with the child's parent or guardian.

(d) Request for Permanency Hearing. If the court finds that reasonable efforts are not required, the local department shall request that a permanency planning hearing be held pursuant to Rule 11-218 (e), make reasonable efforts to place the child in a timely manner in accordance with the permanency plan, and complete the steps necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child.

Cross reference: See Code, Courts Article, § 3-812.

Source: This Rule is new.