Jurisdiction over children

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  • Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, the Family Division of the Superior Court shall have original jurisdiction:
    • (a) Concerning any child living or found within the geographical limits of its jurisdiction:

      • (1) who is neglected or abused;

      • (2) whose occupation, behavior, condition, environment or associations are such as to injure or endanger his welfare or that of others;

      • (3) who is a “person in need of supervision”;

      • (4) who is alleged to have committed a delinquent act within the territory; except that any child sixteen years and over, charged with an offense under Title 20 of the Virgin Islands Code, other than under section 504 thereof, shall be within the jurisdiction of the Traffic Division of the Superior Court.

    • (b) For the treatment or commitment to any mental institution of a mentally defective or mentally disordered or emotionally disturbed child under procedures consistent with Title 19, chapter 31 of the Virgin Islands Code.

    • (c) Concerning any adult, living or found within the geographical limits of the court's jurisdiction, alleged to have committed or to have attempted to commit a delinquent act within the territory prior to having become eighteen years of age.

    • (d) To determine the custody or guardianship of the person of any child living within the judicial division, for adoption or other care provision and to determine parental rights in connection with such proceedings.

    • (e) For judicial consent for the marriage of a child when such consent is required by law.


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