# Idaho Code § 16-1601: 16-1601 POLICY

> Idaho · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1601

## Section

- **Citation:** Idaho Code § 16-1601
- **Heading:** 16-1601 POLICY
- **Jurisdiction:** Idaho
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Idaho Code / Title 16 / Chapter 16 / Section 16-1601

## Text

16-1601. Policy. The policy of the state of Idaho is hereby declared to be the establishment of a legal framework conducive to the judicial processing, including periodic review of child abuse, abandonment and neglect cases, and the protection of any child whose life, health or welfare is endangered. At all times, the health and safety of the child shall be the primary concern. Each child coming within the purview of this chapter shall receive, preferably in his own home, the care, guidance and control that will promote his welfare and the best interest of the state of Idaho, and if he is removed from the control of one (1) or more of his parents, guardian or other custodian, the state shall secure adequate care for him; provided, however, that the state of Idaho shall, to the fullest extent possible, seek to preserve, protect, enhance and reunite the family relationship. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to allow discrimination on the basis of disability. This chapter seeks to coordinate efforts by state and local public agencies, in cooperation with private agencies and organizations, citizens' groups, and concerned individuals, to:

(1) Preserve the privacy and unity of the family whenever possible;

(2) Take such actions as may be necessary and feasible to prevent the abuse, neglect, abandonment or homelessness of children;

(3) Take such actions as may be necessary to provide the child with permanency including concurrent planning;

(4) Clarify for the purposes of this act the rights and responsibilities of parents with joint legal or joint physical custody of children at risk; and

(5) Maintain sibling bonds by placing siblings in the same home when possible, and support or facilitate sibling visitation when not, unless such contact is not in the best interest of one (1) or more of the children.

History:

[16-1601, added 1976, ch. 204, sec. 2, p. 732; am. 1982, ch. 186, sec. 1, p. 492; am. 1991, ch. 212, sec. 1, p. 501; am. 1996, ch. 272, sec. 1, p. 885; am. 1998, ch. 257, sec. 1, p. 851; am. 2001, ch. 107, sec. 1, p. 352; am. 2003, ch. 279, sec. 1, p. 748; am. 2018, ch. 287, sec. 1, p. 675.]

## Nearby sections

- [Idaho Code § 16-1601 16-1601 POLICY.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1601.md)
- [Idaho Code § 16-1602 16-1602 DEFINITIONS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1602.md)
- [Idaho Code § 16-1603 16-1603 JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1603.md)
- [Idaho Code § 16-1604 16-1604 RETENTION OF JURISDICTION.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1604.md)
- [Idaho Code § 16-1605 16-1605 REPORTING OF ABUSE, ABANDONMENT OR NEGLECT.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1605.md)
- [Idaho Code § 16-1606 16-1606 IMMUNITY.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1606.md)
- [Idaho Code § 16-1607 16-1607 REPORTING IN BAD FAITH — CIVIL DAMAGES.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1607.md)
- [Idaho Code § 16-1608 16-1608 EMERGENCY REMOVAL.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1608.md)
- [Idaho Code § 16-1609 16-1609 EMERGENCY REMOVAL — NOTICE.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1609.md)
- [Idaho Code § 16-1610 16-1610 PETITION.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1610.md)
- [Idaho Code § 16-1611 16-1611 SUMMONS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1611.md)
- [Idaho Code § 16-1612 16-1612 SERVICE OF SUMMONS — TRAVEL EXPENSES — NECESSARY WITNESSES.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1612.md)
- [Idaho Code § 16-1613 16-1613 HEARINGS UNDER THE CHILD PROTECTIVE ACT.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1613.md)
- [Idaho Code § 16-1614 16-1614 APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM, COUNSEL FOR GUARDIAN AD LITEM, COUNSEL FOR CHILD.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1614.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_ID_T16_C16_S16-1601. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.