Opinion ID: 1378820
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: DCFS made reasonable reunification efforts

Text: The touchstone of Kidwell's argument rests with his assertion that DCFS failed to follow proper procedures as set forth under federal statutes and the State of Nevada's Division of Child and Family Services Substitute Care Manual (Manual). Kidwell avers that DCFS failed to follow the procedures promulgated under the provisions of the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980, 42 U.S.C. §§ 620-28, 670-79. Kidwell argues that DCFS failed to: make a reasonable effort to reunify the family; conduct regularly scheduled evaluations of case plan progress; and provide a host of community services. Kidwell's assertions are without merit. Despite Kidwell's repeated failure to make any progress on his case plan, DCFS worked with Kidwell for over two years despite a statutory mandate to commence termination proceedings six months from his noncompliance. See NRS 128.109. [4] DCFS caseworkers freely admitted that they had a heavy caseload that stressed the system. Nevertheless, the agency kept adequate records and drafted a case plan for Kidwell pursuant to the DCFS Manual. In the interim, DCFS tried to place all of the children at issue with relatives. After it was evident that Kidwell could not provide for his own children, DCFS placed Allen, Christopher, and Andrea in foster care and addressed their special educational and behavioral needs. The same attention was devoted to Leandre and Deandre. DCFS followed with a case plan for both parents, yet neither parent made acceptable progress. We conclude that Kidwell's attempt to shift his personal accountability and responsibility to DCFS is meritless, and therefore, unavailing.