Which of the following is an exception to the department's efforts for reunification?

The choice identifying a situation where reunification efforts may not be appropriate is linked to the concept of abandonment. When a child has been abandoned, it implies a significant breach of the parental responsibilities and relationships that are fundamental to the parent-child bond. In such cases, the child is typically considered to have been deprived of necessary care and support, undermining the foundation for reunification efforts.

The state’s focus in child welfare cases is often on the best interests of the child, and when a child has faced abandonment, it can lead to a determination that returning the child to the parent would not be in their best interest. The potential risk to the child's safety and well-being is a critical factor, leading to the conclusion that ongoing efforts to reunify them with an absent parent might not be justified or beneficial.

In contrast, factors like a child being well-adjusted, a parent having a strong relationship with the child, or displaying cooperation during investigations generally indicate positive elements that support reunification efforts. Thus, these situations are usually interpreted as conducive to reunifying the family, as they suggest a likelihood of a stable and nurturing environment for the child.