The bill amends Section 232.102A of the Iowa Code to ensure that family interactions continue during ongoing child in need of assistance proceedings, even if a parent fails to comply with court orders or departmental requirements. The previous language, which allowed for the cessation of family interactions if there was no finding by a court or the department that such interactions would be detrimental to the child, has been removed.

Instead, the new provision stipulates that family interactions may only be restricted if a court finds substantial evidence that these interactions, whether supervised or unsupervised, would pose a serious risk of physical or emotional harm to the child. This change emphasizes the importance of maintaining family connections during legal proceedings, while still allowing for protective measures when necessary.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 232.102A
Reprinted: 232.102A