Georgia § 15-11-203 - When reasonable efforts by DFCS not required.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-203 — When reasonable efforts by DFCS not required., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-11-203. When reasonable efforts by DFCS not required.
The court may direct that reasonable efforts to eliminate the need for placement of an alleged dependent child shall not be required or shall cease if the court determines and makes written findings of fact that a parent of an alleged dependent child: Has subjected his or her child to aggravated circumstances; Has been convicted of the murder or murder in the second degree of another child of such parent; Has been convicted of the voluntary manslaughter of another child of such parent; Has been convicted of aiding or abetting, attempting, conspiring, or soliciting to commit murder or voluntary manslaughter of another child of such parent; Has been convicted of committing a felony assault that results in serious bodily injury to the child or another child of such parent; Has been convicted of rape, sodomy, aggravated sodomy, child molestation, aggravated child molestation, incest, sexual battery, or aggravated sexual battery of the alleged dependent child or another child of the parent; Is required to register as a sex offender and that preservation of a parent-child relationship is not in the alleged dependent child's best interests; or Has had his or her rights to a sibling of the alleged dependent child terminated involuntarily and the circumstances leading to such termination of parental rights to that sibling have not been resolved. If the court determines that one or more of the circumstances enumerated in subsection (a) of this Code section exist or DFCS has submitted a written report to the court which does not contain a plan for reunification services, then: A permanency plan hearing shall be held for a child adjudicated as a dependent child within 30 days; and Reasonable efforts shall be made to place a child adjudicated as a dependent child in a timely manner in accordance with the permanency plan and to complete whatever steps are necessary to finalize the permanent placement of such child. (Code 1981, § 15-11-203 , enacted by Ga. L. 2013, p. 294, § 1-1/HB 242; Ga. L. 2014, p. 444, § 2-2/HB 271.)
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 15-11-203
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-203 cover?
Section 15-11-203 ("When reasonable efforts by DFCS not required.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 15-11-203?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-203" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 15-11-203 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.