Louisiana Children's Code Tit. XI, Art. 1154. Safe haven continued custody hearing; instanter order

A. Immediately after notification that an infant has been relinquished, the department shall request an oral instanter order of custody from the court in accordance with Article 620 and shall take physical custody of the infant within twelve hours of notice that the infant is ready to be discharged from the hospital. The department shall exercise due diligence in attempting to identify and locate any nonrelinquishing parent, including but not limited to performing a missing children search, which shall include contacting the Missing and Exploited Children Information Clearinghouse, as defined in R.S. 46:1431, for information on missing endangered adults and missing children to determine if the child has been reported missing.

C. At this hearing, the department has the burden to prove all of the following:

D. If the court finds that the department has satisfied the requirements of Paragraph C of this Article and that removal of the child is necessary in order to safeguard his welfare, it shall order continued custody of the infant in the department prior to final entry of an order declaring parental rights terminated and enter a finding that the department is deemed to have made reasonable efforts to prevent or eliminate the need for removal and that reunification efforts are not required.

E. If the court determines that the infant was abused or neglected prior to its relinquishment, the court shall direct that a child in need of care investigation be commenced by the department in accordance with Title VI.