Purpose of child abuse and neglect rules; construction and enforcement

These rules shall be liberally construed to achieve safe, stable, secure permanent homes for abused and/or neglected children and fairness to all litigants. These rules are not to be applied or enforced in any manner which will endanger or harm a child. These rules are designed to accomplish the following purposes: (a) To provide fair, timely and efficient disposition of cases involving suspected child abuse or neglect; (b) To provide for judicial oversight of case planning; (c) To ensure a coordinated decision-making process; (d) To reduce unnecessary delays in court proceedings through strengthened court case management; and (e) To encourage the involvement of all parties, including children, in the litigation as well as the involvement of all community agencies and resource personnel providing services to any party.