A.

The child's social service plan must be developed by the local agency and with the child if the child is seven years of age or older and capable of articulating his or her thoughts. The plan must be reviewed at least annually by the local agency. A child seven years of age or older at the time of the annual review and capable of articulating his or her thoughts shall participate in the review.

B.

The plan must address the emotional, health, educational, vocational, and spiritual needs of the child, and preserve, where feasible, the racial and familial identity of the child. For an Indian child, the plan must include arrangement to apply for or obtain verification of tribal membership status under Minnesota Statutes, section 260.761, subdivision 1. For an Indian child or a child of minority race or minority ethnic heritage, the plan must also comply with the racial, ethnic, and religious placement preference requirements under Minnesota Statutes, sections 260C.212, subdivision 2; 259.29; 259.77; and 260C.193, subdivision 3. If a child has at least one sibling, the plan must provide for preserving the sibling relationship, where feasible.

C.

The aim of the plan must be to establish a permanent family relationship for the child through the selection of a family committed to providing a home until the child reaches majority. The plan must include the goal of adoption for a child under age 14, using the procedures required in Minnesota Statutes, section 259.75. However, if there is established a permanent family relationship between the child and the child's relative as defined in part 9560.0430, subpart 8, adoption must be encouraged but is not required as a condition of permanent placement.

For a child age 14 or older, the child shall be counseled regarding adoption and other available permanent placement options. If the child chooses not to be adopted, the local agency shall notify the commissioner by submitting a written report and a copy of the child's affidavit in the form prescribed by the commissioner.

D.

Any plan which permits a child to live independently without local agency guidance does not relieve a local agency of its responsibility to be aware of the child's needs and provide for them if necessary.

E.

The goals, plans, and objectives for children under the supervision of licensed child-placing agencies must be made only with the agreement of the local agency in the child's county of residence after notification to the county of financial responsibility, if different from the county of residence.

A.

when the child has a legal claim against another party;

B.

when the child has an interest in an existing legal action;

C.

when an action has been instituted against the child by another; and

D.

in all other instances when the best interest of the child requires legal counsel.