Art. 632.  Time for filing of petition; child in custody

A. If a child is continued in custody prior to adjudication, or if a protective order is issued, a petition requesting that the child be adjudicated in need of care shall be filed within thirty days of the hearing to determine continued custody.  If the child remains in the home and a safety plan order has been issued, a petition requesting that the child be adjudicated in need of care shall be filed within forty-five days of the issuance of the safety plan order.

B.  Upon a showing of good cause and notice to all parties, the court may grant, deny, or restrict a requested extension of the time for filing a petition in accordance with the best interests of the child.  If an extension is granted, the court shall issue a written order reciting the particular facts justifying the extension.

C. If no petition is filed within the applicable time period, the child shall be returned to the parent or the safety plan shall automatically be terminated.

Acts 1991, No. 235, §6, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1999, No. 449, §1, eff. July 1, 1999; Acts 2014, No. 486, §1.