Disposition of abused or neglected child

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  • (a) In disposition hearings all relevant evidence, including oral and written reports, may be received by the court and may be relied upon to the extent of its probative value. The parties shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to examine reports prepared by the Department of Social Welfare prior to the dispositional hearing and to controvert oral or written reports so received and to cross-examine individuals making reports.

  • (b) If a child is found to be abused or neglected, the court may make any of the following orders of disposition:

    • (1) permit the child to remain with his parents, guardian or other person responsible for the child's care, subject to such conditions as the court may prescribe; or

    • (2) place the child under protective supervision as per section 2551 of this title; or

    • (3) make the child the subject of an order of protection as per section 2552 of this title; or

    • (4) transfer legal custody to any of the following:

      • (A) a relative or other individual who, after study of the Department of Social Welfare is found by the court to be qualified and willing to receive and care for the child; or

      • (B) a public or private agency responsible for the care of abused or neglected children.

  • (c) Unless a child found to be abused or neglected shall also be found to be delinquent, he shall not be committed to, or confined in, a facility for delinquent children.

  • (d) The court may order the Department of Social Welfare to coordinate the provision of services by other agencies, or to provide services to fulfill the purposes of this chapter.


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