Opinion here.
Case law in this state has clearly established that the active efforts standard in this section requires more than the reason- able efforts standard that applies in cases not involving ICWA. See, In re Interest of Walter W., 274 Neb. 859, 744 N.W.2d 55 (2008); In re Interest of Ramon N., 18 Neb. App. 574, 789 N.W.2d 272 (2010). See, also, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-292(6) (Cum. Supp. 2012).
The question presented to us in this case is whether ICWA’s active efforts standard applies when the State, through DHHS, has legal custody of the children, but the children are placed in the parental home. Nebraska appellate courts have not spe- cifically addressed this question. David argues that case law from other jurisdictions should lead this court to conclude that ICWA’s protections are applicable at all stages of a juvenile court proceeding.
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In reaching the conclusion that active efforts should be pro- vided during periods that placement of the children is with the parent or parents, we recognize that the active efforts required may certainly be different from those required during a period of removal from the home. As discussed by the Nebraska Supreme Court in In re Interest of Walter W., 274 Neb. 859, 744 N.W.2d 55 (2008), the active efforts standard requires a case-by-case analysis. See, e.g., In re Interest of Louis S. et al., supra (where further rehabilitative efforts would be futile, requirement of active efforts is satisfied); T.F. v. State, Dept. of H & S Services, 26 P.3d 1089 (Alaska 2001); People ex rel. D.G., 679 N.W.2d 497 (S.D. 2004); In re Cari B., 327 Ill. App. 3d 743, 763 N.E.2d 917, 261 Ill. Dec. 668 (2002) (degree of active efforts required to prevent Indian familial breakup reduced by parent’s incarceration).
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