Effective - 28 Aug 2020
211.135. Appearance of child in court, when. — 1. The court, after considering all information provided by the children's division and input from the family support team, shall order the child to appear in court only:
(1) If necessary to make a decision; and
(2) After considering:
(a) The appropriateness of the courtroom environment for the child based on the level of trauma to the child either in the past or to be caused by the experience in the courtroom; and
(b) The hardship to be endured by the child and current guardians in regards to the disruption in regular activities, including school and work, and the needs of any other children in the home,
so long as the court is in compliance with all federal guidelines.
2. Nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with the right of a child to attend a hearing under subdivision (7) of subsection 3 of section 210.564.
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(L. 2020 H.B. 1414 merged with S.B. 653)