41-3-439. Department to give placement priority to extended family member of abandoned child. (1) If the department has received temporary legal custody of an abandoned child pursuant to 41-3-438 or permanent legal custody pursuant to 41-3-607, the department shall give priority to a member of the child's extended family, including adult siblings, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, and uncles, in determining the person or persons with whom the abandoned child should be placed if:

(a) placement with the extended family member is in the best interests of the abandoned child;

(b) the extended family member has requested that the abandoned child be placed with the family member;

(c) the extended family member is able to offer the child continuity of care by providing permanency or stability in residence, schooling, and activities outside of the home; and

(d) the department has determined that the extended family member is qualified to receive and care for the abandoned child.

(2) If more than one extended family member of the abandoned child has requested that the child be placed with the family member and all are qualified to receive and care for the child, the department may determine which extended family member to place the abandoned child with in the same manner as provided for in 41-3-438(4).

(3) This part does not affect the department's ability to assess the appropriateness of placement of the child with a noncustodial parent when abandonment has been found against only one parent.

(4) If a member of the child's extended family, including an adult sibling, grandparent, great-grandparent, aunt, or uncle, has requested that the child be placed with that family member and the department denies the request, the department shall give that family member a written statement of the reasons for the denial to the extent that confidentiality laws allow.