GA HB639

Requires DFCS to file termination of parental rights petitions within 30 days when courts determine parents committed serious crimes against children (murder, second degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, felony assault causing serious bodily injury, or sexual offenses) or when reunification services are not required

Expands circumstances where courts may bypass reunification efforts to include parents convicted of murder in the second degree of another child and parents whose rights to a sibling were involuntarily terminated when underlying issues remain unresolved

Mandates DFCS report in writing at each hearing whether grounds exist to bypass reunification services, with courts required to hold nonreunification hearings within 30 days of finding such grounds

Requires courts evaluating termination petitions to consider the child's attachments, including quality of attachment to the parent, attachment to alternative caregivers, psychological needs for secure attachment, and danger of further attachment disruptions

Applies immediately upon Governor's approval to all pending and future dependency and termination of parental rights cases in juvenile court