Investigation

An investigation and report under the Termination of Parent and Child Relationship Act may be completed by an authorized agency, certified adoption professional or the department. In addition to the factors set forth in Section 16- 2008(2), Idaho Code, completed reports will include: (7-1-25) 01. Description of Investigation. The allegations contained in the petition; (7-1-25) 02. The Process of the Assessment and Investigation; (7-1-25) 03. Child-Related Factors. The child’s circumstances, including: (7-1-25) a. Current functioning and behaviors; (7-1-25) b. Medical, educational and developmental needs; (7-1-25) c. History and past experiences; (7-1-25) d. Identity needs; (7-1-25) e. Interests and talents; (7-1-25) f. Attachments to current caretakers and any absent parent; (7-1-25) g. Current living situation; (7-1-25) 04. Documentation. Documentation of compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act, including identification of whether the child or parent is Indian and if so: (7-1-25) a. Notification of the pending proceedings to the parent(s) or Indian custodian(s) and the Indian child’s tribe, or the Secretary of the Interior if their identity or location is unknown; (7-1-25) b. Notification of the right of the parent(s) or Indian custodian(s) and the Indian child’s tribe to intervene in the proceeding and their right to be granted up to twenty (20) additional days to prepare for the IDAHO ADMINISTRATIVE CODE IDAPA 16.06.01 Department of Health and Welfare Child and Family Services Section 750 Page 32 proceeding; (7-1-25) c. Evidence, including identity and qualifications of expert witnesses, that continued custody of the child by the parent(s) or Indian custodian(s) is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child; (7-1-25) 05. Circumstances. The circumstances of the parent(s) whose rights are being terminated including: (7-1-25) a. Present circumstances, history, and condition; (7-1-25) b. Desires regarding plans for the child; (7-1-25) c. Reasonable efforts made by the petitioner(s) to locate an absent parent(s) and provisions of notification to an unmarried father of the paternity registration requirement under Section 16-1513, Idaho Code; (7-1-25) d. Contact with the parent(s) of a minor parent, unless lack of contact is explained; and (7-1-25) e. The advertisement of any parent with a disability of their right to provide information regarding the manner in which the use of adaptive equipment or supportive services will enable the parent to carry out the responsibilities of parenting the child; (7-1-25) 06. Facts. Other facts which may be pertinent to the parent and child relationship and this particular case; i.e., compliance with Interstate Compact Placement on Children; and (7-1-25) 07. Recommendation. A recommendation and reasons as to whether or not the termination of the parent and child relationship should be granted. (7-1-25) 720. -- 749. (RESERVED) BECOMING AN ADOPTIVE PARENT (Sections 750-850)