2013 North Dakota Century Code Title 27 Judicial Branch of Government Chapter 27-20 Uniform Juvenile Court Act
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CHAPTER 27-20
UNIFORM JUVENILE COURT ACT
27-20-01. Interpretation.
Repealed by S.L. 2007, ch. 274, § 36.
27-20-02. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
1. "Abandon" means:
a. As to a parent of a child not in the custody of that parent, failure by the
noncustodial parent significantly without justifiable cause:
(1) To communicate with the child; or
(2) To provide for the care and support of the child as required by law; or
b. As to a parent of a child in that parent's custody:
(1) To leave the child for an indefinite period without making firm and agreed
plans, with the child's immediate caregiver, for the parent's resumption of
physical custody;
(2) Following the child's birth or treatment at a hospital, to fail to arrange for the
child's discharge within ten days after the child no longer requires hospital
care; or
(3) To willfully fail to furnish food, shelter, clothing, or medical attention
reasonably sufficient to meet the child's needs.
2. "Abandoned infant" means a child who has been abandoned before reaching the age
of one year.
3. "Aggravated circumstances" means circumstances in which a parent:
a. Abandons, tortures, chronically abuses, or sexually abuses a child;
b. Fails to make substantial, meaningful efforts to secure treatment for the parent's
addiction, mental illness, behavior disorder, or any combination of those
conditions for a period equal to the lesser of:
(1) One year; or
(2) One-half of the child's lifetime, measured in days, as of the date a petition
alleging aggravated circumstances is filed;
c. Engages in conduct prohibited under sections 12.1-20-01 through 12.1-20-08 or
chapter 12.1-27.2, in which a child is the victim or intended victim;
d. Engages in conduct that constitutes one of the following crimes, or of an offense
under the laws of another jurisdiction which requires proof of substantially similar
elements:
(1) A violation of section 12.1-16-01, 12.1-16-02, or 12.1-16-03, or subdivision a
of subsection 1 of section 14-09-22 in which the victim is another child of the
parent;
(2) Aiding, abetting, attempting, conspiring, or soliciting a violation of section
12.1-16-01, 12.1-16-02, or 12.1-16-03 in which the victim is a child of the
parent; or
(3) A violation of section 12.1-17-02 in which the victim is a child of the parent
and has suffered serious bodily injury;
e. Engages or attempts to engage in conduct, prohibited under sections 12.1-17-01
through 12.1-17-04, in which a child is the victim or intended victim;
f. Has been incarcerated under a sentence for which the latest release date is:
(1) In the case of a child age nine or older, after the child's majority; or
(2) In the case of a child, after the child is twice the child's current age,
measured in days;
g. Subjects the child to prenatal exposure to chronic or severe use of alcohol or any
controlled substance as defined in chapter 19-03.1 in a manner not lawfully
prescribed by a practitioner; or
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h.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Allows the child to be present in an environment subjecting the child to exposure
to a controlled substance, chemical substance, or drug paraphernalia as
prohibited by section 19-03.1-22.2.
"Child" means an individual who is:
a. Under the age of eighteen years and is not married; or
b. Under the age of twenty years with respect to a delinquent act committed while
under the age of eighteen years.
"Custodian" means a person, other than a parent or legal guardian, who stands
in loco parentis to the child or a person to whom legal custody of the child has been
given by order of a court.
"Delinquent act" means an act designated a crime under the law, including local
ordinances or resolutions of this state, or of another state if the act occurred in that
state, or under federal law, and the crime does not fall under subdivision c of
subsection 19.
"Delinquent child" means a child who has committed a delinquent act and is in need of
treatment or rehabilitation.
"Deprived child" means a child who:
a. Is without proper parental care or control, subsistence, education as required by
law, or other care or control necessary for the child's physical, mental, or
emotional health, or morals, and the deprivation is not due primarily to the lack of
financial means of the child's parents, guardian, or other custodian;
b. Has been placed for care or adoption in violation of law;
c. Has been abandoned by the child's parents, guardian, or other custodian;
d. Is without proper parental care, control, or education as required by law, or other
care and control necessary for the child's well-being because of the physical,
mental, emotional, or other illness or disability of the child's parent or parents,
and that such lack of care is not due to a willful act of commission or act of
omission by the child's parents, and care is requested by a parent;
e. Is in need of treatment and whose parents, guardian, or other custodian have
refused to participate in treatment as ordered by the juvenile court;
f. Was subject to prenatal exposure to chronic or severe use of alcohol or any
controlled substance as defined in chapter 19-03.1 in a manner not lawfully
prescribed by a practitioner; or
g. Is present in an environment subjecting the child to exposure to a controlled
substance, chemical substance, or drug paraphernalia as prohibited by section
19-03.1-22.2.
"Detention" means a physically secure facility with locked doors and does not include
shelter care, attendant care, or home detention.
"Director" means the director of juvenile court or the director's designee.
"Fit and willing relative or other appropriate individual" means a relative or other
individual who has been determined, after consideration of an assessment that
includes a criminal history record investigation under chapter 50-11.3, to be a qualified
person under chapter 30.1-27, and who consents in writing to act as a legal guardian.
"Home" when used in the phrase "to return home" means the abode of the child's
parent with whom the child formerly resided.
"Juvenile court" means the district court of this state.
"Juvenile drug court" means a program established in a judicial district consisting of
intervention and assessment of juveniles involved in forms of substance abuse;
frequent drug testing; intense judicial and probation supervision; individual, group, and
family counseling; substance abuse treatment; educational opportunities; and use of
sanctions and incentives.
"Permanency hearing" means a hearing, conducted with respect to a child who is in
foster care, to determine the permanency plan for the child which includes:
a. Whether and, if applicable, when the child will be returned to the parent;
b. Whether and, if applicable, when the child will be placed for adoption and the
state will file a petition for termination of parental rights;
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c.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Whether and, if applicable, when a fit and willing relative or other appropriate
individual will be appointed as a legal guardian;
d. Whether and, if applicable, to place siblings in the same foster care, relative,
guardianship, or adoptive placement, unless it is determined that the joint
placement would be contrary to the safety or well-being of any of the siblings;
e. Whether and, if applicable, in the case of siblings removed from their home who
are not jointly placed, to provide for frequent visitation or other ongoing interaction
between the siblings, unless it is determined to be contrary to the safety or
well-being of any of the siblings;
f. In cases in which a compelling reason has been shown that it would not be in the
child's best interests to return home, to have parental rights terminated, to be
placed for adoption, to be placed with a fit and willing relative, or to be placed with
a legal guardian, whether and, if applicable, when the child will be placed in
another planned permanent living arrangement;
g. In the case of a child who has been placed in foster care outside the state in
which the home of the parents is located, or if the parents maintain separate
homes, outside the state in which the home of the parent who was the child's
primary caregiver is located, whether out-of-state placements have been
considered. If the child is currently in an out-of-state placement, the court shall
determine whether the placement continues to be appropriate and in the child's
best interests; and
h. In the case of a child who has attained age sixteen, the services needed to assist
the child to make the transition from foster care to independent living.
"Protective supervision" means supervision ordered by the court of children found to
be deprived or unruly.
"Relative" means:
a. The child's grandparent, great-grandparent, sibling, half-sibling, aunt, great-aunt,
uncle, great-uncle, nephew, niece, or first cousin;
b. An individual with a relationship to the child, derived through a current or former
spouse of the child's parent, similar to a relationship described in subdivision a;
c. An individual recognized in the child's community as having a relationship with
the child similar to a relationship described in subdivision a; or
d. The child's stepparent.
"Shelter care" means temporary care of a child in physically unrestricted facilities.
"Unruly child" means a child who:
a. Is habitually and without justification truant from school;
b. Is habitually disobedient of the reasonable and lawful commands of the child's
parent, guardian, or other custodian and is ungovernable or who is willfully in a
situation dangerous or injurious to the health, safety, or morals of the child or
others;
c. Has committed an offense applicable only to a child, except for an offense
committed by a minor fourteen years of age or older under subsection 2 of
section 12.1-31-03 or an equivalent local ordinance or resolution;
d. Has committed an offense in violation of section 5-01-08; or
e. Is under the age of fourteen years and has purchased, possessed, smoked, or
used tobacco or tobacco-related products in violation of subsection 2 of section
12.1-31-03; and
f. In any of the foregoing instances is in need of treatment or rehabilitation.
"Willfully" has the meaning provided in section 12.1-02-02.
27-20-03. Jurisdiction.
1. The juvenile court has exclusive original jurisdiction of the following proceedings,
which are governed by this chapter:
a. Proceedings in which a child is alleged to be delinquent, unruly, or deprived;
b. Proceedings for the termination of parental rights except when a part of an
adoption proceeding;
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c.
d.
e.
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3.
Proceedings arising under sections 27-20-39 through 27-20-42;
Proceedings arising under section 27-20-30.1; and
Civil forfeiture proceedings arising under chapter 19-03.1 or section 29-31.1-04
for which a child is alleged to have possessed forfeitable property. The juvenile
court shall conduct the proceedings in accordance with the procedures provided
for under sections 19-03.1-36 through 19-03.1-37.
The juvenile court also has exclusive original jurisdiction of the following proceedings,
which are governed by the laws relating thereto without regard to the other provisions
of this chapter:
a. Proceedings to obtain judicial consent to the marriage, employment, or enlistment
in the armed services of a child, if consent is required by law;
b. Proceedings under the interstate compact on juveniles;
c. Proceedings under the interstate compact on the placement of children; and
d. Proceedings arising under section 50-06-06.13 to obtain a judicial determination
that the placement of a severely emotionally disturbed child in an out-of-home
treatment program is in the best interests of the child.
The juvenile court has concurrent jurisdiction with the district court of proceedings for
the appointment of a guardian for a minor which, if originated under this chapter, are
governed by this chapter and chapter 30.1-27.
27-20-04. Concurrent jurisdiction.
Repealed by S.L. 1991, ch. 326, § 203.
27-20-05. Juvenile court personnel.
1. The supreme court may provide for the appointment by administrative and personnel
rules of the necessary juvenile court officers, clerical personnel, and other specialized
personnel within the limits of legislative appropriations to assist the court in carrying
out its juvenile probation and supervisor functions.
2. Detention center facilities and personnel must be funded by the county.
3. All salaries, per diem, and other compensation payable to juvenile court personnel, all
necessary books, forms, stationery, office supplies and equipment, postage,
telephone, travel, and other necessary expenses incurred in carrying out the
provisions of this chapter must be borne by the state, except for suitable quarters for
conducting official business and lights and fuel which must be funded by the county
and except as provided by subsection 1 of section 27-20-49.
27-20-05.1. County juvenile supervisors - Authorization for mill levy.
Repealed by S.L. 1981, ch. 320, § 112.
27-20-06. Powers and duties of director of juvenile court.
1. For the purpose of carrying out the objectives and purposes of this chapter and subject
to the limitations of this chapter or imposed by the court, a director shall:
a. Make investigations, reports, and recommendations to the juvenile court.
b. Receive and examine complaints and charges of delinquency or unruly conduct
or deprivation of a child for the purpose of considering the commencement of
proceedings under this chapter.
c. Supervise and assist a child placed on probation for delinquency or unruly
conduct, or both.
d. Make appropriate referrals to other private or public agencies of the community if
their assistance appears to be needed or desirable.
e. Issue a temporary custody order concerning a child who is referred to the
director's supervision or care as a delinquent, unruly, or deprived child. Except as
provided by this chapter, a director does not have the powers of a law
enforcement officer.
f. Administer oaths.
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g.
h.
2.
Take acknowledgments of instruments for the purpose of this chapter.
Make such temporary order not to exceed ninety-six hours for the custody and
control of a child alleged to be deprived as may be deemed appropriate. The
order must be reduced to writing within twenty-four hours, excluding holidays and
weekends.
i. Perform all other functions designated by this chapter or under section 27-05-30
or by order of the court pursuant thereto, including, if qualified, those of a referee.
j. Issue an order to a law enforcement authority to transport a child to and from a
specified location.
Any of the foregoing functions may be performed in another state if authorized by the
court of this state and permitted by the laws of the other state.
27-20-07. Referees.
Repealed by S.L. 1985, ch. 334, § 5.
27-20-08. Commencement of proceedings.
A proceeding under this chapter may be commenced:
1. By transfer of a case from another court as provided in section 27-20-09;
2. By the court accepting jurisdiction as provided in section 27-20-40 or accepting
supervision of a child as provided in section 27-20-42; or
3. In other cases by the filing of a petition as provided in this chapter. The petition and all
other documents in the proceeding must be entitled "In the interest of
_______________, a child". If a child is in shelter care, the petition must be filed within
thirty days of the shelter care hearing under section 27-20-17. If the petition is not filed,
the child must be released from shelter care.
27-20-09. Transfer from other courts.
If it appears to the court in a criminal proceeding, except for an offense transferred under
section 27-20-34, that the defendant is a child subject to the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, the
court shall immediately transfer the case to the juvenile court together with a copy of the
accusatory pleading and other papers, documents, and transcripts of testimony relating to the
case. It shall order that the defendant be taken immediately to the juvenile court or to a place of
detention designated by the juvenile court, or release the defendant to the custody of the
defendant's parent, guardian, custodian, or other person legally responsible for the defendant,
to be brought before the juvenile court at a time designated by that court. The accusatory
pleading may serve in lieu of a petition in the juvenile court unless that court directs the filing of
a petition.
27-20-10. Informal adjustment.
1. Before a petition is filed, the director of juvenile court or other officer of the court
designated by it, subject to its direction, may give counsel and advice to the parties
and impose conditions for the conduct and control of the child with a view to an
informal adjustment if it appears:
a. The admitted facts bring the case within the jurisdiction of the court;
b. Counsel, advice, and conditions, if any, for the conduct and control of the child
without an adjudication would be in the best interest of the public and the child;
and
c. The child and the child's parents, guardian, or other custodian consent thereto
with knowledge that consent is not obligatory.
2. The giving of counsel and advice and any conditions imposed for the conduct and
control of the child cannot extend beyond nine months from the day commenced
unless extended by the court for an additional period not to exceed six months and
does not authorize the detention of the child if not otherwise permitted by this chapter.
If the child admits to driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle in violation
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3.
4.
of section 39-08-01 or an equivalent ordinance, the child may be required to pay a fine
as a condition imposed under this section.
An incriminating statement made by a participant to the person giving counsel or
advice and in the discussions or conferences incident thereto may not be used against
the declarant over objection in any hearing except in a hearing on disposition in a
juvenile court proceeding or in a criminal proceeding against the declarant after
conviction for the purpose of a presentence investigation.
If a child is subject to informal adjustment for a violation of section 39-08-01 or
equivalent ordinance, or if a child is found to have an alcohol concentration of at least
two one-hundredths of one percent by weight at the time of performance of a test
within two hours after driving or being in physical control of a motor vehicle, the
juvenile court shall require the child to participate in the twenty-four seven sobriety
program under chapter 54-12 for up to nine months.
27-20-11. Venue.
A proceeding under this chapter may be commenced in the county in which the child
resides. A proceeding under section 27-20-30.1 must be commenced in the administrative
county, as determined by the department of human services. If delinquent or unruly conduct is
alleged, the proceeding may be commenced in the county in which the acts constituting the
alleged delinquent or unruly conduct occurred. If deprivation is alleged, the proceeding may be
brought in the county in which the child is present when it is commenced, the county in which
the child has resided the majority of the thirty days prior to the date of the alleged deprivation, or
the county where the alleged deprivation has occurred. The court shall determine the
appropriate venue for a deprivation action based upon the best interests of the child.
27-20-12. Transfer to another juvenile court within the state.
1. If the child resides in a county of the state and the proceeding is commenced in a court
of another county, the court, on motion of a party or on its own motion made prior to
final disposition and in consultation with the court in the other county, may transfer the
proceeding to the county of the child's residence for further action. Like transfer may
be made if the residence of the child changes pending the proceeding. The proceeding
must be transferred if the child has been adjudicated delinquent or unruly and other
proceedings involving the child are pending in the juvenile court of the county of the
child's residence.
2. Certified copies of all legal and social documents and records pertaining to the case
on file with the clerk of the court must accompany the transfer.
27-20-13. Taking into custody.
1. A child may be taken into custody:
a. Pursuant to an order of the court under this chapter;
b. Pursuant to the laws of arrest;
c. By a law enforcement officer if there are reasonable grounds to believe:
(1) That the child is suffering from illness or injury or is in immediate danger
from the child's surroundings, and that the child's removal is necessary; or
(2) That the child has run away from the child's parents, guardian, or other
custodian; or
d. By order of the director made pursuant to subdivision h of subsection 1 of section
27-20-06.
2. The taking of a child into custody is not an arrest, except for the purpose of
determining its validity under the Constitution of North Dakota or the Constitution of the
United States.
3. A law enforcement officer may transport a child to and from detention.
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27-20-14. Detention of child - Juvenile drug court exception.
1. A child taken into custody may not be detained or placed in shelter care prior to the
hearing on the petition unless the child's detention or care is required to protect the
person or property of others or of the child or because the child may abscond or be
removed from the jurisdiction of the court or because the child has no parent,
guardian, or custodian or other person able to provide supervision and care for the
child and return the child to the court when required, or an order for the child's
detention or shelter care has been made by the court pursuant to this chapter.
2. If a child is participating in a juvenile drug court program as a result of an adjudication
for a delinquent offense, the drug court may order the child detained in a juvenile
detention center operated pursuant to chapter 12-44.1. The child may be detained
twice during the child's participation in the program but the total period of detention
under this subsection may not exceed four days in a one-year period.
27-20-15. Release or delivery to court.
1. A person taking a child into custody, with all reasonable speed and without first taking
the child elsewhere, shall:
a. Release the child to the child's parent, guardian, custodian, or other responsible
adult able and willing to assume custody of the child, upon that individual's
promise to bring the child before the court when requested by the court, unless
the child's detention or shelter care is warranted or required under section
27-20-14; or
b. Bring the child before the court or deliver the child to a detention or shelter care
facility designated by the court or to a medical facility if the child is believed to
suffer from a serious physical condition or illness which requires prompt
treatment. The person taking the child into custody shall promptly give notice
thereof, together with a statement of the reason for taking the child into custody,
to a parent, guardian, or other custodian and to the court. Any temporary
detention or questioning of the child necessary to comply with this subsection
must conform to the procedures and conditions prescribed by this chapter and
rules of court.
2. If a parent, guardian, or other custodian, when requested, fails to bring the child before
the court as provided in subsection 1, the court may issue its warrant directing that the
child be taken into custody and brought before the court.
3. If a child is ordered detained by a juvenile drug court, notice under this section is not
required.
27-20-16. Place of detention.
1. A child alleged to be delinquent or unruly may be detained only in:
a. A licensed foster home or a home approved by the court;
b. A facility operated by a licensed child welfare agency;
c. A detention home or center for delinquent or unruly children which is under the
direction or supervision of the court or other public authority or of a private
agency approved by the court;
d. Any other suitable place or facility, including a medical facility for the treatment of
mental illness, alcoholism, or drug addiction, designated by the court; or
e. A jail or other facility for the detention of adults only if the facility in subdivision c is
not available, the detention is in a room separate and removed from those for
adults, it appears to the satisfaction of the court or the juvenile supervisor, intake
officer, or other authorized officer of the court, that public safety and protection
reasonably require detention, and it is so authorized.
2. The official in charge of a jail or other facility for the detention of adult offenders or
persons charged with crime shall inform the court immediately if a person who is or
appears to be a child is received at the facility and shall bring the person before the
court upon request or deliver the person to a detention or shelter care facility
designated by the court.
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3.
4.
5.
If a case is transferred to another court for criminal prosecution, the child may be
transferred to the appropriate officer or detention facility in accordance with the law
governing the detention of persons charged with crime.
A child alleged to be deprived may be placed in shelter care only in the facilities stated
in subdivisions a, b, and d of subsection 1 and may not be detained in a jail or other
facility intended or used for the detention of adults charged with criminal offenses or of
children alleged to be delinquent or unruly.
Effective January 1, 1988, a child alleged to be unruly may be detained only in the
facilities listed in subdivisions a, b, c, and d of subsection 1.
27-20-17. Release from detention or shelter care - Hearing - Conditions of release.
1. If a child is brought before the court or delivered to a detention or shelter care facility
designated by the court, the director, the intake officer, or other authorized officer of
the court shall immediately make an investigation and release the child unless it
appears that the child's detention or shelter care is warranted or required under
section 27-20-14.
2. If the child is not released, a judge or referee shall hold a detention or shelter care
hearing promptly and not later than ninety-six hours after the child is placed in
detention or shelter care to determine whether there is probable cause to believe the
child has committed the delinquent or unruly acts alleged, or the child is deprived and
whether the child's detention or shelter care is required under section 27-20-14. A
hearing is not required if the child has been ordered detained by a juvenile drug court.
Reasonable notice, either oral or written, stating the time, place, and purpose of the
detention or shelter care hearing must be given to the child and, if they can be found,
to the child's parents, guardian, or other custodian. Prior to the commencement of the
hearing, the court shall inform the parties of their right to counsel and to counsel at
public expense if they are indigent, and of the child's right to remain silent with respect
to any allegations of delinquency or unruly conduct.
3. If continued shelter care is required, the judge or referee may order that the child be
kept in shelter care for no more than sixty days from the date of the shelter care
hearing.
4. As a condition to the child's release from shelter care, the court may order a parent,
guardian, custodian, or any other member of the household in which the child resides
to vacate the child's residence if probable cause exists to believe that the parent,
guardian, custodian, or other member of the household has committed a sexual
offense with or against the child, pursuant to sections 12.1-20-03 through 12.1-20-07
or section 12.1-20-11, and the presence of the alleged sexual offender in the child's
residence presents a danger to the child's life or physical, emotional, or mental health.
The court may order that the parent, guardian, or custodian not allow contact with an
identified person if the court determines the order is in the best interests of the child.
5. If the child is not released and a parent, guardian, or custodian has not been notified of
the hearing, did not appear or waive appearance at the hearing, and files an affidavit
showing these facts, the court shall rehear the matter without unnecessary delay and
order the child's release, unless it appears from the hearing that the child's detention
or shelter care is required under section 27-20-14.
27-20-18. Subpoena.
Upon application of a party the court or the clerk of the court shall issue, or the court on its
own motion may issue, subpoenas requiring attendance and testimony of witnesses and
production of papers at any hearing under this chapter.
27-20-19. Petition - Preliminary determination.
A petition alleging delinquency or unruliness under this chapter must be reviewed by the
director, the court, or other person authorized by the court to determine whether the filing of the
petition is in the best interest of the public and the child.
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27-20-20. Petition - Who may prepare and file - Review.
A petition may be prepared and filed by the state's attorney. A petition may also be prepared
by any other person, including a law enforcement officer, who has knowledge of the facts
alleged or is informed and believes that they are true. A petition prepared by any person other
than a state's attorney may not be filed unless the director, the court, or other person authorized
by the court has determined the filing of the petition is in the best interest of the public and the
child.
27-20-20.1. Petition to terminate parental rights - When brought - Definitions.
1. A petition to terminate parental rights may be made as provided under this section and
section 27-20-45.
2. Except as provided in subsection 3, a petition for termination of parental rights must be
filed:
a. If the child has been in foster care, in the custody of the department, or, in cases
arising out of an adjudication by the court that a child is an unruly child, the
division of juvenile services, for at least four hundred fifty out of the previous six
hundred sixty nights;
b. Within sixty days after a court of competent jurisdiction has found the child to be
an abandoned infant; or
c. Within sixty days after a court of competent jurisdiction has convicted the child's
parent of one of the following crimes, or of an offense under the laws of another
jurisdiction which requires proof of substantially similar elements:
(1) A violation of section 12.1-16-01, 12.1-16-02, or 12.1-16-03, or subdivision a
of subsection 1 of section 14-09-22 in which the victim is another child of the
parent;
(2) Aiding, abetting, attempting, conspiring, or soliciting a violation of section
12.1-16-01, 12.1-16-02, or 12.1-16-03 in which the victim is a child of the
parent; or
(3) A violation of section 12.1-17-02 in which the victim is a child of the parent
and has suffered serious bodily injury.
3. A petition for termination of parental rights need not be filed if:
a. The child is being cared for by a relative approved by the department;
b. The department has documented in the case plan a compelling reason for
determining that filing such a petition would not be in the child's best interests and
has notified the court that the documentation is available for review by the court;
or
c. The department has determined:
(1) Reasonable efforts to preserve and reunify the family are required under
section 27-20-32.2 to be made with respect to the child;
(2) The case plan provides such services are necessary for the safe return of
the child to the child's home; and
(3) Such services have not been provided consistent with time periods
described in the case plan.
4. For purposes of subsection 2, a child in foster care entered foster care on the earlier
of:
a. The date of the court's order if the court:
(1) Made a finding that the child has been subjected to child abuse or neglect;
(2) Determined that it is unsafe or contrary to the welfare of the child to remain
in the home; and
(3) Granted custody of the child to the department or, in cases arising out of an
adjudication by the court that a child is an unruly child, the division of
juvenile services; or
b. The date that is sixty days after:
(1) The date of a hearing under section 27-20-17 which results in retaining a
child in shelter care;
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(2)
5.
6.
7.
The date of an order in a dispositional hearing under which a child is placed
in foster care; or
(3) The date a child is placed in foster care voluntarily and with the consent of
the child's parent.
For purposes of subsection 2, a child leaves foster care when:
a. The court enters an order:
(1) Denying a petition to grant care, custody, and control of the child to the
department or the division of juvenile services;
(2) Terminating an order that granted custody of the child to the department or
the division of juvenile services; or
(3) Appointing a legal guardian under section 27-20-48.1;
b. The court order under which the child entered foster care ends by operation of
law;
c. The child is placed in a parental home by the court or a legal custodian other than
the division of juvenile services and the legal custodian lacks authority to remove
the child without further order of the court; or
d. The child is placed in a parental home by the division of juvenile services.
For purposes of subsection 2, a child is not in foster care on any night during which the
child is:
a. On a trial home visit;
b. Receiving services at the youth correctional center pursuant to an adjudication of
delinquency; or
c. Absent without leave from the place in which the child was receiving foster care.
For purposes of this section:
a. "A finding that the child has been subjected to child abuse or neglect" means:
(1) A finding of deprivation made under chapter 27-20; or
(2) A conviction of a person, responsible for a child's welfare, for conduct
involving the child, under chapter 12.1-16 or sections 12.1-17-01 through
12.1-17-04 or 12.1-20-01 through 12.1-20-08.
b. "Compelling reason" means a recorded statement that reflects consideration of:
(1) The child's age;
(2) The portion of the child's life spent living in the household of a parent of the
child;
(3) The availability of an adoptive home suitable to the child's needs;
(4) Whether the child has special needs; and
(5) The expressed wishes of a child age ten or older.
c. "Department" means the department of human services or its designee, including
any county social service board.
27-20-21. Contents of petition.
The petition must be verified and may be on information and belief. It must set forth plainly:
1. The facts which bring the child within the jurisdiction of the court, with a statement that
it is in the best interest of the child and the public that the proceeding be brought and,
if delinquency or unruly conduct is alleged, that the child is in need of treatment or
rehabilitation;
2. The name, age, and residence address, if any, of the child on whose behalf the
petition is brought;
3. The names and residence addresses, if known to petitioner, of the parents, guardian,
or custodian of the child and of the child's spouse, if any. If none of the child's parents,
guardian, or custodian resides or can be found within the state, or if their respective
places of residence address are unknown, the name of any known adult relative
residing within the county, or, if there be none, the known adult relative residing
nearest to the location of the court. This subsection does not apply to an action
commenced under section 27-20-30.1; and
4. Whether the child is in custody and, if so, the place of the child's detention and the
time the child was taken into custody.
Page No. 10
27-20-22. Summons.
1. After the petition has been filed, the court shall fix a time for hearing, except if a
petition has been filed under section 27-20-30.1, the court may fix a time for hearing, if
necessary. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the hearing may not be
later than thirty days after the filing of the petition. If the child is in detention, the time
for the initial hearing may not be later than fourteen days after the child has been
taken into custody. If a child is in shelter care, the hearing on the petition must be held
within sixty days of the initial shelter care hearing. The court may extend the time for
hearing for good cause shown. The court shall direct the issuance of a summons in
proceedings not commenced under section 27-20-30.1 to the parents, guardian, or
other custodian, a guardian ad litem, and any other persons as appear to the court to
be proper or necessary parties to the proceeding, requiring them to appear before the
court at the time fixed to answer the allegations of the petition. The summons must
also be directed to the child if the child is fourteen or more years of age or is alleged to
be a delinquent or unruly child. A copy of the petition must accompany the summons
unless the summons is served by publication in which case the published summons
must indicate the general nature of the allegations and where a copy of the petition
can be obtained.
2. In a proceeding commenced under section 27-20-30.1, the court may order the child to
appear personally. In all other proceedings, the court may endorse upon the summons
an order directing the parents, guardian, or other custodian of the child to appear
personally at the hearing and directing the person having the physical custody or
control of the child to bring the child to the hearing.
3. If it appears from an affidavit filed or from sworn testimony before the court in a
proceeding not commenced under section 27-20-30.1 that the conduct, condition, or
surroundings of the child are endangering the child's health or welfare or those of
others, or that the child may abscond or be removed from the jurisdiction of the court
or will not be brought before the court, notwithstanding the service of the summons,
the court may endorse upon the summons an order that a law enforcement officer
shall serve the summons and take the child into immediate custody and bring the child
before the court.
4. The summons must state that a party is entitled to counsel in the proceedings and that
counsel will be provided at public expense if the party is indigent.
5. A party, other than the child, may waive service of summons by written stipulation or by
voluntary appearance at the hearing. If the child is present at the hearing, the child's
counsel, with the consent of the parent, guardian, or other custodian, or guardian ad
litem, may waive service of summons in the child's behalf. This subsection does not
apply in a proceeding commenced under section 27-20-30.1.
6. When a child is in detention or shelter care and good cause is shown why service was
not completed upon an absent or noncustodial parent, the court may proceed with the
hearing on the petition in order to comply with any time limitations under this chapter.
27-20-23. Service of summons.
1. If a party to be served with a summons is within this state and can be found, the
summons must be served upon the party in accordance with rule 4 of the North
Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure at least twenty-four hours before the hearing. If the
party is within this state and cannot be found, but the party's address is known or can
with reasonable diligence be ascertained, the summons may be served upon the party
by mailing a copy by registered or certified mail at least five days before the hearing. If
the party is without this state but can be found or the party's address is known, or the
party's whereabouts or address can with reasonable diligence be ascertained, service
of the summons may be made either by delivering a copy to the party personally or
mailing a copy to the party by registered or certified mail at least five days before the
hearing.
2. If after reasonable effort the party cannot be found or the party's post-office address
ascertained, whether the party is within or without this state, the court may order
Page No. 11
3.
4.
service of the summons upon the party by publication in accordance with rule 4 of the
North Dakota Rules of Civil Procedure. The hearing may not be earlier than five days
after the date of the last publication.
Service of the summons may be made by any suitable person under the direction of
the court.
The court may authorize the payment from state funds of the costs of service and of
necessary travel expenses incurred by persons summoned or otherwise required to
appear at the hearing.
27-20-24. Conduct of hearings.
1. Hearings under this chapter must be conducted by the court without a jury, in an
informal but orderly manner, and separately from other proceedings not included in
section 27-20-03.
2. If the hearing has not been held within the time limit, or any extension thereof, required
by subsection 1 of section 27-20-22, the petition must be dismissed.
3. The state's attorney upon request of the court shall present the evidence in support of
any allegations of the petition not admitted and otherwise conduct the proceedings on
behalf of the state.
4. Except for informal adjustments under section 27-20-10, the proceedings must be
recorded by stenographic notes or by electronic, mechanical, or other appropriate
means.
5. Hearings are open to the public if the purpose of the hearing is to declare a person in
contempt of court or to consider a petition alleging an offense identified under
subdivision b of subsection 1 of section 27-20-34 or subsection 2 of section 27-20-34.
The general public must be excluded from other hearings under this chapter. In
hearings from which the general public is excluded, only the parties, their counsel,
witnesses, victims, and any other persons the court finds have a proper interest in the
proceedings may be admitted by the court. The court may temporarily exclude the
child or other person from the hearing if, after being warned by the court that disruptive
conduct will cause removal from the courtroom, the child or other person persists in
conduct that justifies removal from the courtroom.
27-20-25. Service by publication - Interlocutory order of disposition.
1. If service of summons upon a party is being or will be made by publication, the court
may conduct a provisional hearing upon the allegations of the petition and enter an
interlocutory order of disposition if:
a. The petition alleges delinquency, unruly conduct, or deprivation of the child;
b. The summons served upon any party:
(1) States that prior to the final hearing on the petition designated in the
summons a provisional hearing thereon will be held at a specified time and
place;
(2) Requires any party who is served other than by publication to appear and
answer the allegations of the petition at the provisional hearing;
(3) States further that findings of fact and orders of disposition made pursuant
to the provisional hearing will become final at the final hearing unless the
party served by publication appears at the final hearing; and
(4) Otherwise conforms to section 27-20-22; and
c. If the child is of sufficient age and understanding to comprehend the proceedings,
the child must be personally before the court at the provisional hearing.
2. All provisions of this chapter applicable to a hearing on a petition, to orders of
disposition, and to other proceedings dependent thereon apply under this section, but
findings of fact and orders of disposition have only interlocutory effect pending the final
hearing on the petition. The rights and duties of the party served, who is being served,
or who will be served by publication are not affected except as provided in
subsection 3.
Page No. 12
3.
If the party served by publication fails to appear at the final hearing on the petition, the
findings of fact and interlocutory orders made become final without further evidence
and are governed by this chapter as if made at the final hearing. If the party appears at
the final hearing, the findings and orders must be vacated and disregarded and the
hearing must proceed upon the allegations of the petition without regard to this
section, unless otherwise agreed to by the party who had been served by publication.
27-20-26. Right to counsel - Exceptions.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a party who is indigent and unable to
employ legal counsel is entitled to counsel at public expense at proceedings
commenced under section 27-20-30.1, and at custodial, post-petition, and informal
adjustment stages of proceedings under this chapter. During the informal adjustment
stage of a proceeding or in a proceeding commenced under section 27-20-30.1 only
the child, if determined to be indigent, is entitled to counsel at public expense. In
proceedings regarding allegations of unruliness or delinquency, a child's parent, legal
guardian, or custodian, if determined to be indigent, is entitled to counsel at public
expense only during the dispositional stage of the proceedings. If a party appears
without counsel the court shall ascertain whether the party knows the party may be
represented by counsel and that the party is entitled to counsel at public expense if
indigent. The court may continue the proceeding to enable a party to obtain counsel
and, subject to this section, counsel must be provided for an unrepresented indigent
party upon the party's request. Counsel must be provided for a child who is under the
age of eighteen years and is not represented by the child's parent, guardian, or
custodian at custodial, post-petition, and informal adjustment stages of proceedings
under this chapter. If the interests of two or more parties conflict, separate counsel
must be provided for each of them.
2. An indigent party is one who at the time of requesting counsel is unable, without undue
financial hardship, to provide for full payment of legal counsel and all other necessary
expenses for representation. A child who, at the time of the proceeding, is under the
age of eighteen years is not to be considered indigent under this section if the child's
parent can, without undue financial hardship, provide full payment for legal counsel
and other expenses of representation. Any parent of a child who is under the age of
eighteen and is involved in a proceeding under this chapter is, unless undue financial
hardship would ensue, responsible for providing legal counsel and for paying other
necessary expenses of representation for the parent's child. The court may enforce
performance of this duty by appropriate order.
3. For purposes of this section and section 27-20-49, "party" means the child and the
child's parent, legal guardian, or custodian, and includes "child" as defined in
subsection 1 of section 27-20-30.1.
27-20-27. Other basic rights.
1. A party is entitled to the opportunity to introduce evidence and otherwise be heard in
the party's own behalf and to cross-examine adverse witnesses.
2. A child charged with a delinquent act need not be a witness against or otherwise
incriminate oneself. An extrajudicial statement, if obtained in the course of violation of
this chapter or which would be constitutionally inadmissible in a criminal proceeding,
may not be used against a child. Evidence illegally seized or obtained may not be
received over objection to establish the allegations made against a child. A confession
validly made by a child out of court is insufficient to support an adjudication of
delinquency unless it is corroborated in whole or in part by other evidence.
27-20-27.1. Orders directed to parents or guardians.
It is the policy of this state that every parent or guardian has an obligation to participate in
any treatment of the parent's or guardian's child as ordered by the juvenile court. The juvenile
Page No. 13
court may hold any parent or guardian who willfully fails to participate in the treatment in
contempt of court.
27-20-28. Investigation and report.
1. If the allegations of a petition are admitted by a party or notice of a hearing under
section 27-20-34 has been given, the court, prior to the hearing on need for treatment
or rehabilitation and disposition, may direct that a social study and report in writing to
the court be made by the director or other person designated by the court, concerning
the child, the child's family and environment, and other matters relevant to disposition
of the case. If the allegations of the petition are not admitted and notice of a hearing
under section 27-20-34 has not been given, the court may not direct the making of the
study and report until after the court has heard the petition upon notice of hearing
given pursuant to this chapter and the court has found that the child committed a
delinquent act or is an unruly or deprived child.
2. During the pendency of any proceeding the court:
a. May order the child to be examined at a suitable place by a physician,
psychologist, or certified addiction counselor;
b. May order the child tested by appropriate forensic methods to determine whether
the child has been exposed to a controlled substance or other substance
considered injurious to the child's health; or
c. May order medical or surgical treatment of a child who is suffering from a serious
physical condition or illness, or alcohol or drug abuse, which in the opinion of a
licensed physician requires prompt treatment, even if the parent, guardian, or
other custodian has not been given notice of a hearing, is not available, or without
good cause informs the court of that person's refusal to consent to the treatment.
27-20-29. Hearing - Findings - Dismissal.
1. After hearing the evidence on the petition, the court shall make and file its findings as
to whether the child is a deprived child, or if the petition alleges that the child is
delinquent or unruly, whether the acts ascribed to the child were committed by the
child. If the court finds that the child is not a deprived child or that the allegations of
delinquency or unruly conduct have not been established, it shall dismiss the petition
and order the child discharged from any detention or other restriction previously
ordered in the proceeding.
2. If the court finds on proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the child committed the acts
by reason of which the child is alleged to be delinquent or unruly, it shall proceed
immediately or at a postponed hearing to hear evidence as to whether the child is in
need of treatment or rehabilitation and to make and file its findings thereon. In the
absence of evidence to the contrary, evidence of the commission of acts which
constitute a felony is sufficient to sustain a finding that the child is in need of treatment
or rehabilitation. If the court finds that the child is not in need of treatment or
rehabilitation, it shall dismiss the proceeding and discharge the child from any
detention or other restriction previously ordered.
3. If the court finds from clear and convincing evidence that the child is deprived or that
the child is in need of treatment or rehabilitation as a delinquent or unruly child, the
court shall proceed immediately or at a postponed hearing to make a proper
disposition of the case.
4. In hearings under subsections 2 and 3, all evidence helpful in determining the
questions presented, including oral and written reports, may be received by the court
and relied upon to the extent of its probative value even though not otherwise
competent in the hearing on the petition. The parties or their counsel must be afforded
an opportunity to examine and controvert written reports so received and to
cross-examine individuals making the reports. Sources of confidential information
need not be disclosed.
5. On its motion or that of a party, the court may continue the hearings under this section
for a reasonable period to receive reports and other evidence bearing on the
Page No. 14
disposition or the need for treatment or rehabilitation. In this event the court shall make
an appropriate order for detention of the child or the child's release from detention
subject to supervision of the court during the period of the continuance. In scheduling
investigations and hearings the court shall give priority to proceedings in which a child
is in detention or has otherwise been removed from the child's home before an order
of disposition has been made.
27-20-30. Disposition of deprived child.
1. If the child is found to be a deprived child, the court may make any of the following
orders of disposition best suited to the protection and physical, mental, and moral
welfare of the child:
a. Permit the child to reside with the child's parents, guardian, or other custodian,
subject to conditions and limitations as the court prescribes, including supervision
as directed by the court for the protection of the child.
b. Subject to conditions and limitations as the court prescribes, transfer temporary
legal custody to any of the following:
(1) An agency or other private organization licensed or otherwise authorized by
law to receive and provide care for the child.
(2) The director of the county social service board or other public agency
authorized by law to receive and provide care for the child.
c. Without making any of the orders otherwise provided in this section, transfer
custody of the child to the juvenile court of another state if authorized by and in
accordance with section 27-20-39 if the child is or is about to become a resident
of that state.
d. Require the parents, guardian, or other custodian to participate in treatment.
e. Appoint a fit and willing relative or other appropriate individual as the child's legal
guardian.
f. In cases in which a compelling reason has been shown that it would not be in the
child's best interests to return home, to have parental rights terminated, to be
placed for adoption, to be placed with a fit and willing relative, or to be placed with
a legal guardian, establish, by order, some other planned permanent living
arrangement.
2. Unless a child found to be deprived is found also to be delinquent or unruly and not
amenable to treatment, the child may not be committed to or confined in an institution
or other facility designed or operated for the benefit of delinquent children.
27-20-30.1. Disposition of child needing continued foster care services.
1. For purposes of this section, "child" means an individual between the ages of eighteen
and twenty-one years who is in need of continued foster care services.
2. A petition to commence an action under this section must contain information required
under section 27-20-21 along with an affidavit prepared by the administrative county,
as determined by the department of human services.
3. The court shall issue a summons in accordance with section 27-20-22 upon the filing
of a petition and affidavit.
4. If a child is in need of continued foster care services as determined by the department
of human services and as set forth in a continued foster care agreement, the court
shall make the following judicial determination:
a. That the child is not deprived, delinquent, or unruly but is in need of continued
foster care services;
b. That the child will remain in or will return to foster care pursuant to the child's
continued foster care agreement;
c. That the child's continued foster care agreement has been willfully entered
between the department of human services or its agent, the child, and the foster
care provider;
d. That it is in the best interest of the child to remain in or return to foster care;
Page No. 15
e.
5.
That reasonable efforts were made in accordance with subsection 7 of section
27-20-32.2;
f. That the child has attained the age of eighteen or older but does not exceed the
age of twenty-one years;
g. That the child has satisfied the education, employment, or disability requirements
under the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of
2008 [Pub. L. 110-351] and as set forth by the department of human services;
h. That the administrative county, as determined by the department, shall continue
foster care case management, unless otherwise agreed to or required by the
department;
i. That the administrative county or division of juvenile services must have care and
placement responsibility of the child;
j. That permanency hearing must be as set forth in section 27-20-36; and
k. That there are no grounds to file a petition to terminate parental rights under
chapter 27-20.
Pursuant to section 27-20-37, a court may modify or vacate the judicial determination
made under subsection 4.
27-20-31. Disposition of delinquent child.
If the child is found to be a delinquent child, the court may make any of the following orders
of disposition best suited to the child's treatment, rehabilitation, and welfare:
1. Any order authorized by section 27-20-30 for the disposition of a deprived child;
2. Placing the child on probation under the supervision of the director, probation officer,
or other appropriate officer of the court or of the court of another state as provided in
section 27-20-41 or the director of the county social service board under conditions
and limitations the court prescribes;
3. Ordering the child to pay a fine if the delinquent act committed by the child constitutes
manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle in violation of section
12.1-16-02; negligent homicide in violation of section 12.1-16-03; or driving or being in
actual physical control of a vehicle in violation of section 39-08-01, or an equivalent
ordinance. The court may suspend the imposition of a fine imposed pursuant to this
subsection upon such terms and conditions as the court may determine. Fines
collected pursuant to this subsection must be paid into the county treasury for
disposition pursuant to section 29-27-02.1;
4. Committing the child to the division of juvenile services or to another state department
to which commitment of delinquent or unruly children may be made. When necessary,
the commitment order may provide that the child initially be placed in a secure facility;
5. Ordering the child to make monetary restitution to the victim of the offense or to
complete a specified number of hours of community service as determined by the
court, or both;
6. Ordering the periodic testing for the use of illicit drugs or alcohol pursuant to rules or
policies adopted by the supreme court; or
7. Ordering the child's participation in a juvenile drug court program.
8. If a child is adjudicated delinquent for a violation of section 39-08-01 or equivalent
ordinance, or if a child is found to have an alcohol concentration of at least two
one-hundredths of one percent by weight at the time of performance of a test within
two hours after driving or being in physical control of a motor vehicle, the juvenile court
shall require the child to participate in the twenty-four seven sobriety program under
chapter 54-12.
27-20-31.1. Delinquent children - Suspension of driving privileges.
1. If a juvenile is adjudicated delinquent of an offense that would be a class A
misdemeanor or a felony if the offense were committed by an adult, the juvenile court
may order the suspension of the juvenile's driving privileges for a period of up to six
months for the first offense. For a second or subsequent offense, the juvenile court
may order the suspension of the juvenile's driving privileges for up to one year. As a
Page No. 16
2.
3.
4.
condition to the return of driving privileges, the juvenile court may order the successful
completion of an appropriate driver's examination.
When the juvenile court orders the suspension of a juvenile's driving privileges, the
juvenile court shall immediately take possession of the juvenile's driver's license or
permit and send copies of the court's order to the director of the department of
transportation who shall make notation of the juvenile's suspension of driving
privileges.
The record of the juvenile's suspension of driving privileges under this section must be
kept confidential and may not be released except to law enforcement personnel in
connection with law enforcement activities. The record of a juvenile's suspension of
driving privileges under this section may not be disclosed to or shared with the
licensing officials of any other state or jurisdiction. At the end of the six-month or
one-year period, the director shall remove and destroy all record of the juvenile's
suspension of driving privileges under this section.
This section may not be construed to limit consensual agreements between the
juvenile court and the juvenile restricting the driving privileges of the juvenile.
27-20-31.2. Restitution.
1. a. In addition to a child being ordered to make restitution under section 27-20-31, a
parent of a child adjudged delinquent may be ordered to make restitution on the
child's behalf in an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars.
b. Prior to ordering parental restitution under this section, the court shall hold a
hearing on the matter with notice given to all interested parties as to the nature
and amount of the parental restitution. In determining whether to order parental
restitution, the court must take the following factors into account:
(1) The ability of the parent or parents to pay monetary restitution and the care
and control exercised by the parents.
(2) The ability of the child to pay monetary restitution.
(3) Whether ordering parental restitution would detract from the child's
treatment, rehabilitation, or welfare.
(4) The number of delinquent acts, if any, previously committed by the child.
c. A parental order of restitution must be limited to those damages directly related to
the delinquent act and expenses actually incurred as a result of the delinquent
act.
2. Unless the court directs otherwise, any order of restitution under this section or section
27-20-31 may be filed, transcribed, and enforced by the person entitled to the
restitution in the same manner as civil judgments rendered by the courts of this state
may be enforced. A child against whose parents a judgment may be entered under this
section is jointly and severally liable with that child's parents for the amounts up to five
thousand dollars and solely liable for any amounts over that amount. Any judgment
rendered under this section may not be discharged in bankruptcy and is not subject to
the statutes of limitation provided for in chapter 28-01 and the judgment may not be
canceled under section 28-20-35.
27-20-32. Disposition of unruly child.
If the child is found to be unruly, the court may make any disposition authorized for a
delinquent child except commitment to a secure facility. If after making the disposition the court
finds upon a further hearing that the child is not amenable to treatment or rehabilitation under
the disposition made, it may make a disposition otherwise authorized by section 27-20-31.
27-20-32.1. Court order required for removal of child.
An order of disposition or other adjudication in a proceeding under this chapter, in those
cases in which a child is removed from the home of a parent, custodian, or guardian for the
reason that continuation in such home would be contrary to the welfare of such child, must
Page No. 17
specifically state that a continuation of the child in the home of the parent, custodian, or
guardian would be contrary to the welfare of the child.
27-20-32.2. Reasonable efforts to prevent removal or to reunify - When required.
1. As used in this section, "reasonable efforts" means the exercise of due diligence, by
the agency granted authority over the child under this chapter, to use appropriate and
available services to meet the needs of the child and the child's family in order to
prevent removal of the child from the child's family or, after removal, to use appropriate
and available services to eliminate the need for removal, to reunite the child and the
child's family, and to maintain family connections. In determining reasonable efforts to
be made with respect to a child under this section, and in making reasonable efforts,
the child's health and safety must be the paramount concern.
2. Except as provided in subsection 4, reasonable efforts must be made to preserve
families, reunify families, and maintain family connections:
a. Prior to the placement of a child in foster care, to prevent or eliminate the need
for removing the child from the child's home;
b. To make it possible for a child to return safely to the child's home;
c. To place siblings in the same foster care, relative, guardianship, or adoptive
placement, unless it is determined that such a joint placement would be contrary
to the safety or well-being of any of the siblings; and
d. In the case of siblings removed from their home who are not jointly placed, to
provide for frequent visitation or other ongoing interaction between the siblings,
unless it is contrary to the safety or well-being of any of the siblings.
3. If the court or the child's custodian determined that continuation of reasonable efforts,
as described in subsection 2, is inconsistent with the permanency plan for the child,
reasonable efforts must be made to place the child in a timely manner in accordance
with the permanency plan and to complete whatever steps are necessary to finalize
the permanent placement of the child.
4. Reasonable efforts of the type described in subsection 2 are not required if:
a. A court of competent jurisdiction has determined that a parent has subjected a
child to aggravated circumstances; or
b. The parental rights of the parent, with respect to another child of the parent, have
been involuntarily terminated.
5. Efforts to place a child for adoption, with a fit and willing relative or other appropriate
individual as a legal guardian, or in another planned permanent living arrangement,
may be made concurrently with reasonable efforts of the type described in
subsection 2.
6. Removal of a child from the child's home for placement in foster care must be based
on judicial findings stated in the court's order, and determined on a case-by-case basis
in a manner that complies with the requirements of titles IV-B and IV-E of the Social
Security Act [42 U.S.C. 620 et seq. and 42 U.S.C. 6701 et seq.], as amended, and
federal regulations adopted thereunder, provided that this subsection may not provide
a basis for overturning an otherwise valid court order.
7. For the purpose of section 27-20-30.1, reasonable efforts were made under this
section to meet the child's needs before a foster care placement for a child remaining
in care for continued foster care purposes.
27-20-32.3. Definitions - Active efforts - When required.
When an agency is seeking to effect a foster care placement of, or termination of parental
rights to an Indian child, the court shall require active efforts as set forth in 25 U.S.C. 1912(d).
27-20-33. Order of adjudication - Noncriminal.
1. An order of disposition or other adjudication in a proceeding under this chapter is not a
conviction of crime and does not impose any civil disability ordinarily resulting from a
conviction or operate to disqualify the child in any civil service application or
Page No. 18
2.
appointment. A child may not be committed or transferred to a penal institution or other
facility used primarily for the execution of sentences of persons convicted of a crime.
The disposition of a child and evidence adduced in a hearing in juvenile court may not
be used against the child in any proceeding in any court other than a juvenile court,
whether before or after reaching majority, except for impeachment or in dispositional
proceedings after conviction of a felony for the purposes of a presentence
investigation and report.
27-20-34. Transfer to other courts.
1. After a petition has been filed alleging delinquency based on conduct which is
designated a crime or public offense under the laws, including local ordinances or
resolutions of this state, the court before hearing the petition on its merits shall transfer
the offense for prosecution to the appropriate court having jurisdiction of the offense if:
a. The child is over sixteen or more years of age and requests the transfer;
b. The child was fourteen years of age or more at the time of the alleged conduct
and the court determines that there is probable cause to believe the child
committed the alleged delinquent act and the delinquent act involves the offense
of murder or attempted murder; gross sexual imposition or the attempted gross
sexual imposition of a victim by force or by threat of imminent death, serious
bodily injury, or kidnapping; or the manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent
to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance in violation of subdivision a or b
of subsection 1 of section 19-03.1-23, except for the manufacture, delivery, or
possession with intent to manufacture or deliver marijuana in an amount less than
one pound [.45 kilogram]; or the gratuitous delivery of a controlled substance not
a narcotic drug or methamphetamine which is a singular and isolated event
involving an amount of controlled substance sufficient solely for a single personal
use; or
c. (1) The child was fourteen or more years of age at the time of the alleged
conduct;
(2) A hearing on whether the transfer should be made is held in conformity with
sections 27-20-24, 27-20-26, and 27-20-27;
(3) Notice in writing of the time, place, and purpose of the hearing is given to
the child and the child's parents, guardian, or other custodian at least three
days before the hearing; and
(4) The court finds that there are reasonable grounds to believe that:
(a) The child committed the delinquent act alleged;
(b) The child is not amenable to treatment or rehabilitation as a juvenile
through available programs;
(c) The child is not treatable in an institution for individuals who are
intellectually disabled or who are mentally ill;
(d) The interests of the community require that the child be placed under
legal restraint or discipline; and
(e) If the child is fourteen or fifteen years old, the child committed a
delinquent act involving the infliction or threat of serious bodily harm.
2. The burden of proving reasonable grounds to believe that a child is amenable to
treatment or rehabilitation as a juvenile through available programs is on the child in
those cases in which the alleged delinquent act involves the offense of manslaughter,
aggravated assault, robbery, arson involving an inhabited structure, or escape
involving the use of a firearm, destructive device, or other dangerous weapon or in
cases in which the alleged delinquent act involves an offense which if committed by an
adult would be a felony and the child has two or more previous delinquency
adjudications for offenses which would be a felony if committed by an adult.
3. In determining a child's amenability to treatment and rehabilitation, the court shall
consider and make specific findings on the following factors:
a. Age;
b. Mental capacity;
Page No. 19
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Maturity;
Degree of criminal sophistication exhibited;
Previous record;
Success or failure of previous attempts to rehabilitate;
Whether the juvenile can be rehabilitated prior to expiration of juvenile court
jurisdiction;
h. Any psychological, probation, or institutional reports;
i. The nature and circumstances of the acts for which the transfer is sought;
j. The prospect for adequate protection of the public; and
k. Any other relevant factors.
Any transfer operates to terminate the juvenile court's jurisdiction over the child with
respect to any future offense if the child is ultimately convicted of the offense giving
rise to the transfer.
No child subject to the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, either before or after reaching
eighteen years of age, may be prosecuted for an offense previously committed unless
the case has been transferred as provided in this section.
Statements made by the child at the hearing under this section are not admissible
against the child over objection in the criminal proceedings following the transfer
except for impeachment.
If the case is not transferred, the judge who conducted the hearing may not over
objection of an interested party preside at the hearing on the petition. If the case is
transferred to a court of which the judge who conducted the hearing is also a judge,
the judge likewise is disqualified over objection from presiding in the prosecution.
A person at least twenty years of age who committed an offense while a child and was
not adjudicated for the offense in juvenile court may be prosecuted in district court as
an adult, unless the state intentionally delayed the prosecution to avoid juvenile court
jurisdiction. The district court has original and exclusive jurisdiction for the prosecution
under this subsection.
27-20-35. Disposition of mentally ill, mentally retarded, alcohol, or drug abusing child.
Repealed by S.L. 2007, ch. 274, § 36.
27-20-36. Limitations of time on orders of disposition.
1. An order terminating parental rights or establishing a legal guardianship is without limit
as to duration.
2. An order of disposition committing a delinquent or unruly child to the division of
juvenile services continues in force for not more than twelve months, excluding any
period of time the child is on parole from an institution, or until the child is sooner
discharged by an institution.
a. The court which made the order may extend its duration for additional
twelve-month periods subject to like discharge, if:
(1) A hearing is held upon motion of the division, or on the court's own motion,
prior to the expiration of the order;
(2) Reasonable notice of the hearing and an opportunity to be heard are given
to the child and the parent, guardian, or other custodian; and
(3) The court finds that the extension is necessary for the treatment or
rehabilitation of the child.
b. A permanency hearing must be conducted within thirty days after a court
determines that aggravated circumstances of the type described in subdivision a,
c, d, or e of subsection 3 of section 27-20-02 exist, or within twelve months after a
child, subject to an order of disposition under this subsection, is considered to
have entered foster care, or is continued in foster care following a previous
permanency hearing, including a hearing conducted on a petition filed under
section 27-20-30.1. The permanency hearing may be conducted:
(1) By the division of juvenile services as a placement hearing under chapter
27-21; or
Page No. 20
(2)
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
By the court, if the court requires, or if it appears that an appropriate
permanency plan could not be carried out without exceeding the authority of
the division of juvenile services.
Except as provided in subsection 2, an order of disposition pursuant to which a child is
placed in foster care may not continue in force for more than twelve months after the
child is considered to have entered foster care. Before the extension of any court order
limited under this subsection, a permanency hearing must be conducted. Any other
order of disposition may not continue in force for more than twelve months.
Except as provided in subsection 1, the court may terminate an order of disposition
before the expiration of the order or extend its duration for further periods. An order of
extension may be made if:
a. A hearing is held before the expiration of the order upon motion of a party or on
the court's own motion;
b. Reasonable notice of the hearing and opportunity to be heard are given to the
parties affected;
c. The court finds the extension is necessary to accomplish the purposes of the
order extended; and
d. The extension does not exceed twelve months from the expiration of an order
limited by subsection 3 or two years from the expiration of any other limited order.
Except as provided in subsection 2, the court may terminate an order of disposition or
extension prior to its expiration, on or without an application of a party, if it appears to
the court that the purposes of the order have been accomplished. If a party may be
adversely affected by the order of termination, the order may be made only after
reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard have been given to the party.
Except as provided in subsection 1, when the child attains the age of twenty years, all
orders affecting the child then in force terminate and the child is discharged from
further obligation or control.
If an order of disposition is made with respect to a child under the age of ten years
pursuant to which the child is placed in foster care without terminating parental rights
and the parent and child relationship, the court, before extending the duration of the
order, shall determine upon the extension hearing whether the child is adoptable and
whether termination of those rights and that relationship is warranted under section
27-20-44 and is in the best interest of the child. In that case the notice of the extension
hearing must also inform the parties affected that the court will determine whether the
child is adoptable and whether termination of their parental rights and the parent and
child relationship is warranted and in the best interest of the child and that a further
order of disposition may be made by the court placing the child with a view to
adoption. If the court determines that the child is adoptable and that termination of
parental rights and the parent and child relationship is warranted and is in the best
interest of the child, the court shall make a further order of disposition terminating
those rights and that relationship and committing the child under section 27-20-47.
27-20-37. Modification or vacation of orders.
1. An order of the court must be set aside if:
a. It appears that it was obtained by fraud or mistake sufficient therefor in a civil
action;
b. The court lacked jurisdiction over a necessary party or of the subject matter; or
c. Newly discovered evidence so requires.
2. Except an order terminating parental rights, or an order of dismissal, an order of the
court may also be changed, modified, or vacated on the ground that changed
circumstances so require in the best interest of the child. An order terminating parental
rights and the parent and child relationship may be vacated by the court upon motion
of the parent if the child is not on placement for adoption and the person having
custody of the child consents in writing to the vacation of the decree. An order granting
probation to a child found to be delinquent or unruly may be revoked on the ground
that the conditions of probation have not been observed.
Page No. 21
3.
4.
Any party to the proceeding, the director of juvenile court or other person having
supervision or legal custody of or an interest in the child may petition the court for the
relief provided in this section. The petition must set forth in concise language the
grounds upon which the relief is requested.
After the petition is filed, the court shall fix a time for hearing and cause notice to be
served, as a summons is served under section 27-20-23, on the parties to the
proceeding or affected by the relief sought. After the hearing, which may be informal,
the court shall deny or grant relief as the evidence warrants.
27-20-38. Rights and duties of legal custodian.
A custodian to whom legal custody has been given by the court under this chapter has:
1. The right to the physical custody of the child and the right to determine the nature of
the care, placement, and treatment of the child, including ordinary medical care as well
as medical or surgical treatment for a serious physical condition or illness which in the
opinion of a licensed physician requires prompt treatment, except for any limits the
court may impose.
2. The right and duty to provide for the care, protection, training, and education and the
physical, mental, and moral welfare of the child, subject to the conditions and
limitations of the order and to the remaining rights and duties of the child's parents or
guardian.
3. A duty within thirty days after the removal of a child from the custody of the parent or
parents of the child for the purpose of placement into foster care, to exercise due
diligence to identify and provide notice to all parents, grandparents, and any other
adult relative suggested by the parents and grandparents, subject to exceptions due to
family or domestic violence, that:
a. Specifies that the child has been or is being removed from the custody of the
parent or parents of the child;
b. Explains the options the relative has under federal, state, and local law to
participate in the care and placement of the child, including any options that may
be lost by failing to respond to the notice;
c. Describes the requirements and standards to become a foster family home and
the additional services and supports that are available for children placed in that
home; and
d. Describes how the relative of the child may enter into an agreement with the
department to receive a subsidized guardianship payment.
27-20-39. Disposition of nonresident child.
1. If the court finds that a child who has been adjudged to have committed a delinquent
act or to be unruly or deprived is or is about to become a resident of another state
which has adopted the Uniform Juvenile Court Act, or a substantially similar Act which
includes provisions corresponding to sections 27-20-39 and 27-20-40, the court may
defer hearing on need for treatment or rehabilitation and disposition and request by
any appropriate means the juvenile court of the county of the child's residence or
prospective residence to accept jurisdiction of the child.
2. If the child becomes a resident of another state while on probation or under protective
supervision under order of a juvenile court of this state, the court may request the
juvenile court of the county of the state in which the child has become a resident to
accept jurisdiction of the child and to continue the child's probation or protective
supervision.
3. Upon receipt and filing of an acceptance, the court of this state shall transfer custody
of the child to the accepting court and cause the child to be delivered to the person
designated by that court to receive the child's custody. It also shall provide that court
with certified copies of the order adjudging the child to be a delinquent, unruly, or
deprived child, of the order of transfer, and if the child is on probation or under
protective supervision under order of the court, of the order of disposition. It also shall
provide that court with a statement of the facts found by the court of this state and any
Page No. 22
4.
recommendations and other information it considers of assistance to the accepting
court in making a disposition of the case or in supervising the child on probation or
otherwise.
Upon compliance with subsection 3, the jurisdiction of the court of this state over the
child is terminated.
27-20-40. Disposition of resident child received from another state.
1. If a juvenile court of another state which has adopted the Uniform Juvenile Court Act,
or a substantially similar Act which includes provisions corresponding to sections
27-20-39 and 27-20-40, requests a juvenile court of this state to accept jurisdiction of a
child found by the requesting court to have committed a delinquent act or to be an
unruly or deprived child, and the court of this state finds, after investigation that the
child is, or is about to become, a resident of the county in which the court presides, it
shall promptly and not later than fourteen days after receiving the request issue its
acceptance in writing to the requesting court and direct its director of juvenile court or
other person designated by it to take physical custody of the child from the requesting
court and bring the child before the court of this state or make other appropriate
provisions for the child's appearance before the court.
2. Upon the filing of certified copies of the orders of the requesting court determining that
the child committed a delinquent act or is an unruly or deprived child and committing
the child to the jurisdiction of the juvenile court of this state, the court of this state shall
immediately fix a time for a hearing on the need for treatment or rehabilitation and
disposition of the child or on the continuance of any probation or protective
supervision.
3. The hearing and notice thereof and all subsequent proceedings are governed by this
chapter. The court may make any order of disposition permitted by the facts and this
chapter. The orders of the requesting court are conclusive that the child committed the
delinquent act or is an unruly or deprived child and of the facts found by the court in
making the orders, subject only to section 27-20-37. If the requesting court has made
an order placing the child on probation or under protective supervision, a like order
shall be entered by the court of this state. The court may modify or vacate the order in
accordance with section 27-20-37.
27-20-41. Ordering out-of-state supervision.
1. Subject to the provisions of this chapter governing dispositions and to the extent that
funds of the county are available, the court may place a child in the custody of a
suitable person in another state. On obtaining the written consent of a juvenile court of
another state which has adopted the Uniform Juvenile Court Act or a substantially
similar Act which includes provisions corresponding to sections 27-20-41 and
27-20-42, the court of this state may order that the child be placed under the
supervision of a probation officer or other appropriate official designated by the
accepting court. One certified copy of the order must be sent to the accepting court
and another filed with the clerk of the board of county commissioners of the county of
the requesting court of this state.
2. The reasonable cost of the supervision, including the expenses of necessary travel,
must be borne by the county of the requesting court of this state. Upon receiving a
certified statement signed by the judge of the accepting court of the cost incurred by
the supervision, the court of this state shall certify if it appears that the sum so stated
was reasonably incurred and file it with the county auditor of the county for payment.
The appropriate officials shall thereupon issue a warrant for the sum stated payable to
the appropriate officials of the county of the accepting court.
27-20-42. Supervision under out-of-state order.
1. Upon receiving a request of a juvenile court of another state which has adopted the
Uniform Juvenile Court Act, or a substantially similar Act which includes provisions
Page No. 23
2.
3.
4.
corresponding to sections 27-20-41 and 27-20-42 to provide supervision of a child
under the jurisdiction of that court, a court of this state may issue its written
acceptance to the requesting court and designate its director of juvenile court,
probation officer, or other appropriate officer who is to provide supervision, stating the
probable cost per day therefor.
Upon the receipt and filing of a certified copy of the order of the requesting court
placing the child under the supervision of the officer so designated, the officer shall
arrange for the reception of the child from the requesting court, provide supervision
pursuant to the order and this chapter, and report thereon from time to time together
with any recommendations the officer may have to the requesting court.
The court in this state from time to time shall certify to the requesting court the cost of
supervision that has been incurred and request payment therefor from the appropriate
officials of the county of the requesting court to the appropriate officials of the county of
the accepting court.
The court of this state at any time may terminate supervision by notifying the
requesting court. In that case, or if the supervision is terminated by the requesting
court, the officer of the court supervising the child shall return the child to a
representative of the requesting court authorized to receive the child.
27-20-43. Powers of out-of-state probation officers.
If a child has been placed on probation or protective supervision by a juvenile court of
another state which has adopted the Uniform Juvenile Court Act or a substantially similar Act
which includes provisions corresponding to this section, and the child is in this state with or
without the permission of that court, the juvenile supervisor or probation officer of that court or
other person designated by that court to supervise or take custody of the child has all the
powers and privileges in this state with respect to the child as given by this chapter to like
officers or persons of this state, including the right of visitation, counseling, control, and
direction, taking into custody, and returning to that state.
27-20-44. Termination of parental rights.
1. The court by order may terminate the parental rights of a parent with respect to the
parent's child if:
a. The parent has abandoned the child;
b. The child is subjected to aggravated circumstances as defined under
subsection 3 of section 27-20-02;
c. The child is a deprived child and the court finds:
(1) The conditions and causes of the deprivation are likely to continue or will not
be remedied and that by reason thereof the child is suffering or will probably
suffer serious physical, mental, moral, or emotional harm; or
(2) The child has been in foster care, in the care, custody, and control of the
department, or a county social service board, or, in cases arising out of an
adjudication by the juvenile court that a child is an unruly child, the division
of juvenile services, for at least four hundred fifty out of the previous six
hundred sixty nights; or
d. The written consent of the parent acknowledged before the court has been given.
2. If the court does not make an order of termination of parental rights, it may grant an
order under section 27-20-30 if the court finds from clear and convincing evidence that
the child is a deprived child.
27-20-45. Proceeding for termination of parental rights.
1. The petition must comply with section 27-20-21 and state clearly that an
termination of parental rights is requested and that the effect will be as
section 27-20-46.
2. If both of the natural parents of the child are not named in the petition
petitioner or as respondent, the court shall cause inquiry to be made of the
Page No. 24
order for
stated in
either as
petitioner
3.
4.
5.
6.
and other appropriate persons in an effort to identify an unnamed parent. The inquiry
must include, to the extent necessary and appropriate, all of the following:
a. Whether any man is presumed to be the father of the child under chapter 14-20.
b. Whether the natural mother of the child was cohabiting with a man at the time of
conception or birth of the child.
c. Whether the natural mother of the child has received from any man support
payments or promises of support with respect to the child or in connection with
her pregnancy.
d. Whether any person has formally or informally acknowledged or declared that
person's possible parentage of the child.
e. Whether any person claims any right to custody of the child.
The court shall add as respondent to the petition and cause to be served with a
summons any person identified by the court as an unnamed parent, unless the person
has relinquished parental rights, or parental rights have been previously terminated by
a court.
If the court, after inquiry, is unable to identify an unnamed parent and no person has
appeared in the proceeding claiming to be an unnamed parent of the child or to have
any right of custody of the child, the court shall enter an order terminating all parental
rights of the unnamed parent with reference to the child and the parent and child
relationship.
If a petition for termination of parental rights is made by a parent of the child under this
section or if a parent consents to termination of parental rights under section 27-20-44,
that parent is entitled under section 27-20-26 to legal counsel during all stages of a
proceeding to terminate the parent and child relationship.
Subject to the disposition of an appeal, upon the expiration of thirty days after an order
terminating parental rights is issued under this section, the order cannot be questioned
by any person, including the petitioner, in any manner, or upon any ground, including
fraud, misrepresentation, failure to give any required notice, or lack of jurisdiction of
the parties or of the subject matter, unless the person retained custody of the child.
27-20-46. Effect of order terminating parental rights or appointing a legal guardian.
1. An order terminating parental rights of a parent terminates all the parent's rights and
obligations with respect to the child and of the child to or through the parent arising
from the parental relationship. The parent is not thereafter entitled to notice of
proceedings for the adoption of the child by another nor has the parent any right to
object to the adoption or otherwise to participate in the proceedings.
2. An order appointing a legal guardian terminates any authority of a parent that is
granted to the legal guardian under that order. A parent subject to such an order is
entitled to treatment as a party at any subsequent juvenile court proceeding regarding
the child.
27-20-47. Disposition upon termination of parental rights
.
1. If, upon entering an order terminating the parental rights of a parent, there is no parent
having parental rights, the court shall:
a. Commit the child to the custody of the executive director of the department of
human services or a licensed child-placing agency willing to accept custody for
the purpose of placing the child for adoption or, in the absence thereof, in a foster
home;
b. Appoint a fit and willing relative or other appropriate individual as the child's legal
guardian; or
c. Establish some other planned permanent living arrangement.
2. The custodian has the rights of a legal custodian and authority to consent to the child's
adoption, marriage, enlistment in the armed forces of the United States, and surgical
and other medical treatment.
Page No. 25
3.
If the child is not placed for adoption within twelve months after the date of the order
and a legal guardianship or other planned permanent living arrangement for the child
has not been established by a court of competent jurisdiction, the child must be
returned to the court issuing the original termination order for entry of further orders for
the care, custody, and control of the child.
27-20-48. Guardian ad litem - Immunity.
The court at any stage of a proceeding under this chapter, on application of a party or on its
own motion, shall appoint a guardian ad litem for a child who is a party to the proceeding if the
child has no parent, guardian, or custodian appearing on the child's behalf or their interests
conflict with the child's or in any other case in which the interests of the child require a guardian.
A party to the proceeding or that party's employee or representative may not be appointed. A
guardian ad litem appointed under this section is immune from civil liability for damages for any
act or omission arising out of that individual's duties and responsibilities as a guardian ad litem,
unless the act or omission constitutes gross or willful negligence or gross or willful misconduct.
27-20-48.1. Appointment of legal guardian.
The court may establish a guardianship as a dispositional alternative if a child has been
adjudicated as deprived, unruly, or delinquent.
27-20-48.2. Powers and duties of guardian of child.
A guardian of a child has the powers and responsibilities of a legal custodian if there is a
parent with remaining parental rights. If there is no parent with remaining parental rights, the
guardian has the rights of a legal custodian and the authority to consent to the child's adoption,
marriage, enlistment in the armed forces of the United States, and surgical and other medical
treatment. A guardian is not liable to third persons by reason of the parental relationship for acts
of the child. In particular, and without qualifying the foregoing, a guardian has the following
powers and duties:
1. The guardian must take reasonable care of the child's personal effects and commence
protective proceedings if necessary to protect other property of the child.
2. The guardian may receive money payable for the support of the ward to the child's
parent, guardian, or custodian under the terms of any statutory benefit or insurance
system, or any private contract, devise, trust, conservatorship, or custodianship. The
guardian also may receive money or property of the child paid or delivered by virtue of
section 30.1-26-03. Any sums so received must be applied to the child's current needs
for support, care, and education. The guardian must exercise due care to conserve
any excess for the child's future needs unless a conservator has been appointed for
the estate of the child, in which case excess must be paid over at least annually to the
conservator. Sums so received by the guardian are not to be used for compensation
for the guardian's services except as approved by order of court or as determined by a
duly appointed conservator other than the guardian. A guardian may institute
proceedings to compel the performance by any person of a duty to support the child or
to pay sums for the welfare of the child.
3. The guardian is empowered to facilitate the child's education, social, or other activities
and to authorize medical or other professional care, treatment, or advice. A guardian is
not liable by reason of this consent for injury to the child resulting from the negligence
or acts of third persons unless it would have been illegal for a parent to have
consented. A guardian may consent to the marriage or adoption of the child.
4. A guardian shall file an annual report with the court informing the court of the status or
condition of the child and provide a copy of the report to the child. The report must
include changes that have occurred since the previous reporting period and an
accounting of the child's estate. The guardian shall report whether the child has
resided in an institution, whether the child continues to require guardianship, and
whether any powers of the guardian should be increased or limited. The filing of a
report and its acceptance by the court or clerk of district court does not constitute an
Page No. 26
adjudication or a determination of the merits of the report nor does the filing of the
report constitute the court's approval of the report. The office of state court
administrator shall provide printed forms that may be used to fulfill reporting
requirements.
27-20-48.3. Termination of appointment of guardian - General.
A guardian's authority and responsibility terminates upon the death, resignation, or removal
of the guardian, or upon the child's death, adoption, marriage, or attainment of majority, but
termination does not affect the guardian's liability for prior acts nor the guardian's obligation to
account for funds and assets of the child.
27-20-48.4. Resignation or removal proceedings.
1. A guardian may petition for permission to resign. A petition for permission to resign
may include a request for appointment of a successor guardian. Resignation of a
guardian does not terminate the guardianship until it has been approved by the court.
2. Any party to the proceeding in which the child's status was adjudicated, the director, or
the child, if fourteen or more years of age, may petition for removal of a guardian on
the grounds that the removal would be in the best interest of the child. A petition for
removal may include a request for appointment of a successor guardian.
3. After notice and hearing on a petition for removal or for permission to resign, the court
may terminate the guardianship and make any further order that may be appropriate.
4. If, at any time in the proceeding, the court determines that the interests of the child
are, or may be, inadequately represented, it may appoint an attorney to represent the
child, giving consideration to the preference of the child if the child is fourteen or more
years of age.
27-20-49. Costs and expenses for care of child.
1. The following expenses are a charge upon the funds of the county upon certification
thereof by the court:
a. The cost of medical and other examinations and treatment of a child ordered by
the court.
b. The cost of care and support of a child committed by the court to the legal
custody of a public agency other than an institution for delinquent children or to a
private agency or individual other than a parent.
c. The cost of any necessary transportation for medical and other examinations and
treatment of a child ordered by the court unless the child is in the legal custody of
a state agency.
2. The commission on legal counsel for indigents shall pay reasonable compensation for
services and related expenses of counsel provided at public expense for a party and
the supreme court shall pay reasonable compensation for a guardian ad litem. The
attorney general shall pay the witness fees, mileage, and travel expense of witnesses
incurred in the proceedings under this chapter in the amount and at the rate provided
for in section 31-01-16. Expenses of the state include the cost of any necessary
transportation for medical and other examinations and treatment of a child ordered by
the court if the child is in the legal custody of a state agency in which case the cost
must be reimbursed to the county by that state agency at the state mileage rate,
excluding meals and lodging, plus twenty-nine cents per mile.
3. If, after due notice to the parents or other persons legally obligated to care for and
support the child, and to a child over the age of eighteen, and after affording them an
opportunity to be heard, the court finds that they are financially able to pay all or part of
the costs and expenses stated in subsection 1, and expenses payable by the supreme
court under subsection 2, the court may order them to pay the same and prescribe the
manner of payment. Unless otherwise ordered, payment shall be made to the clerk of
the juvenile court for remittance to the person to whom compensation is due, or if the
Page No. 27
4.
5.
costs and expenses have been paid by the county or the state to the county treasurer
of the county or to the state treasurer.
Unless it finds that there is no likelihood that the party is or will be able to pay
attorney's fees and expenses, the court, in its order or judgment following a hearing
under this chapter, shall order the parents or other persons legally obligated to care for
and support the child, and the child if over the age of eighteen, to reimburse the
presumed amount of indigent defense costs and expenses, as determined by the
commission on legal counsel for indigents, and shall notify the party of the right to a
hearing on the reimbursement amount. If the party or the state requests a hearing
within thirty days of receiving notice under this subsection, the court shall schedule a
hearing at which the actual amount of attorney's fees and expenses must be shown. In
determining the amount of reimbursement and method of payment, the court shall
consider the financial resources of the party and the nature of the burden that
reimbursement of costs and expenses will impose.
A party who is required to reimburse indigent defense costs and expenses and who is
not willfully in default in that reimbursement may at any time petition the court to waive
reimbursement of all or any portion of the attorney's fees and expenses. If the court is
satisfied that reimbursement of the amount due will impose undue hardship on the
party or the party's immediate family, the court may waive reimbursement of all or any
portion of the amount due or modify the method of payment.
27-20-50. Protective order.
At any stage of the proceedings, upon application of a party or on the court's own motion,
the court may make an order restraining or otherwise controlling the conduct of a person if:
1. The court finds that the conduct:
a. Is or may be detrimental or harmful to the child; or
b. Will tend to defeat the execution of an order of disposition; and
2. Due notice of the application or motion and the grounds therefor and an opportunity to
be heard have been given to the person against whom the order is directed.
27-20-51. Inspection of court files and records.
1. Except as provided in this section, all files and records of the juvenile court, whether in
the office of the clerk of district court or juvenile court, of a proceeding under this
chapter are closed to the public. Juvenile court files and records are open to inspection
only by:
a. The judge and staff of the juvenile court.
b. The parties to the proceeding or their counsel or the guardian ad litem of any
party.
c. A public or private agency or institution providing supervision or having custody of
the child under order of the juvenile court, which must be given a copy of the
findings and order of disposition when it receives custody of the child.
d. Any court and its probation and other officials or professional staff and the
attorney for the defendant for use in preparing a presentence report in a criminal
case in which the defendant is convicted and who, prior to the criminal case, had
been a party to the proceeding in juvenile court.
e. The professional staff of the uniform crime victims compensation program when
necessary for the discharge of their duties pursuant to chapter 54-23.4.
f. A staff member of the division of children and family services of the department of
human services or a law enforcement officer when necessary for the performance
of that person's duties under section 50-11.1-06.2 or the National Child Protection
Act of 1993 [Pub. L. 103-209; 107 Stat. 2490; 42 U.S.C. 5119 et seq.].
g. An employee or agent of the department of human services when necessary for
performance of that individual's duty under chapter 50-11 or 50-11.1 to investigate
the background of an individual living or working in the facility, home, or residence
for which licensure is sought.
Page No. 28
h.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
A criminal justice agency if the juvenile is required to register under section
12.1-32-15.
Juvenile court files and records are also open to inspection with written leave of a
juvenile court judge or judicial referee to whom juvenile court matters have been
referred:
a. Upon a showing in writing of a legitimate interest in a proceeding or in the work of
the juvenile court, but only to the extent necessary to respond to the legitimate
interest; and
b. By the principal of any public or private school that is a member of the North
Dakota high school activities association, or the superintendent of any school
district that has one or more schools involved in the association, but only to the
extent necessary to enforce the rules and regulations of the North Dakota high
school activities association.
In a proceeding under this chapter, if the juvenile court finds that a child committed a
delinquent or unruly act that constitutes a violation of a law or local ordinance
governing the operation of a motor vehicle or a delinquent act of manslaughter or
negligent homicide caused by the child's operation of a motor vehicle, the juvenile
court shall report the finding to the director of the department of transportation within
ten days.
Following an adjudication of delinquency for an offense that would be a felony if
committed by an adult, the juvenile's school principal, chief administrative officer, or
designated school guidance counselor, if requested, must be allowed access to the
disposition order. Any other juvenile court files and records of a child may be disclosed
to a superintendent or principal of the school in which the child is currently enrolled or
in which the child wishes to enroll if the child appears to present a danger to self or to
the students or staff of the school.
Following an adjudication of delinquency for an offense that results in the prohibitions
included in subsection 1 or 2 of section 62.1-02-01, if requested, a law enforcement
officer must be allowed access to the disposition order.
The juvenile court may notify a referring agency of the disposition of a case.
Notwithstanding that juvenile court records are closed to the public, nothing in this
section may be construed to limit the release upon request of general information not
identifying the identity of any juvenile, witness, or victim in any proceeding under this
chapter. Files in the clerk of court's office are open to public inspection if the related
hearing was open to the public under section 27-20-24.
27-20-51.1. Disclosure of information needed to apprehend juvenile.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the name, photographs, fingerprints, or other
identifying information of a juvenile who is alleged to have committed a delinquent act involving
actual or threat of serious bodily injury that would constitute a felony if committed by an adult or
who has escaped or left without authorization from a secure facility may be released by law
enforcement, the division of juvenile services, or the juvenile court for purposes of apprehending
the juvenile.
27-20-52. Law enforcement and correctional facility records.
1. Unless a charge of delinquency is transferred for criminal prosecution under section
27-20-34, the interest of national security requires, or the court otherwise orders in the
interest of the child, the law enforcement and correctional facility records and files of a
child alleged or found to be delinquent, unruly, or deprived are not open to public
inspection; but inspection of these records and files is permitted by:
a. A juvenile court having the child before it in any proceeding;
b. Counsel for a party to the proceeding;
c. The officers of public institutions or agencies to whom the child is or may be
committed;
d. Law enforcement officers of other jurisdictions when necessary for the discharge
of their official duties;
Page No. 29
e.
2.
A court in which the child is convicted of a criminal offense for the purpose of a
presentence report or other dispositional proceeding, or by officials of correctional
facilities to which the child is detained or committed, or by the parole board, the
governor, or the pardon advisory board, if one has been appointed, in considering
the child's parole or discharge or in exercising supervision over the child;
f. The professional staff of the uniform crime victims compensation program when
necessary for the discharge of its duties pursuant to chapter 54-23.4; and
g. A superintendent or principal of the school in which the child is currently enrolled
or of a school in which the child wishes to enroll.
Notwithstanding that law enforcement records and files of a child alleged or found to
be delinquent, unruly, or deprived are not open to public inspection, this section does
not limit the release of general information that does not identify the identity of the
child.
27-20-52.1. Law enforcement database.
Repealed by S.L. 1999, ch. 131, § 2.
27-20-53. Children's fingerprints, photographs.
1. No child under fourteen years of age may be fingerprinted in the investigation of a
crime except as provided in this section. Fingerprints of a child who is referred to the
court may be taken and filed by law enforcement officers in investigating the
commission of the following crimes: murder, manslaughter, gross sexual imposition,
robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, forgery, and unlawful possession or use of
a handgun.
2. Fingerprint files of children must be kept separate from those of adults. Copies of
fingerprints known to be those of a child may be maintained locally and copies may be
sent to a central state depository but may not be sent to a federal depository unless
needed in the interest of national security.
3. Fingerprint files of children may be inspected by law enforcement officers when
necessary for the discharge of their official duties. Other inspections may be
authorized by the court in individual cases upon a showing that it is necessary in the
public interest.
4. Fingerprints of a child are considered a part of the child's juvenile or adult investigative
file and must be removed from the state and local files and destroyed in accordance
with section 27-20-54.
5. If latent fingerprints are found during the investigation of an offense and a law
enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that they are those of a particular
child, the officer may fingerprint the child regardless of age or offense for purposes of
immediate comparison with the latent fingerprints. If the comparison is negative, the
fingerprint card and other copies of the fingerprints taken must be immediately
destroyed. If the child is not referred to the court, the fingerprints must be immediately
destroyed.
6. A child may be photographed by a law enforcement officer at the time of arrest for the
crimes of murder, manslaughter, gross sexual imposition, robbery, aggravated assault,
burglary, theft, forgery, or unlawful possession or use of a handgun. The photograph
must be destroyed if the child is not referred to the juvenile court. If a court finds facts
that would justify a finding that a child at least fourteen years of age at the time of the
offense is delinquent and the finding involves the unlawful use or possession of a
handgun or the commission of an act proscribed by the criminal laws of this state and
punishable as a felony or a class A misdemeanor committed for the benefit of, at the
direction of, or in association or affiliation with any criminal street gang, with the intent
to promote, further, or assist in the activities of a criminal gang, the juvenile court shall
order upon the request of the state's attorney the taking and retention of a photograph
of the child for purposes of identification. Photographs of children under this
subsection may be maintained on a local basis and sent to a central state depository
Page No. 30
but must be maintained separate from those of adults and must be destroyed in
accordance with section 27-20-54.
27-20-54. Destruction of juvenile court records.
1. Except as otherwise required under section 25-03.3-04, all juvenile court records must
be retained and disposed of pursuant to rules and policies established by the North
Dakota supreme court.
2. Upon the final destruction of a file or record, the proceeding must be treated as if it
never occurred. The juvenile court shall notify each agency named in the file or record
of the destruction. All index references, except those which may be made by the
attorney general and the directors of the department of transportation, the department
of human services, the department of corrections and rehabilitation, law enforcement
agencies, and county social service agencies, must be deleted. Each agency, except
the attorney general and the directors of the department of transportation, the
department of human services, the department of corrections and rehabilitation, law
enforcement agencies, and county social service agencies, upon notification of the
destruction of a file or record, shall destroy all files, records, and references to the
child's apprehension, detention, and referral to the juvenile court and any record of
disposition made by the juvenile court. The attorney general, the department of human
services, the department of corrections and rehabilitation, law enforcement agencies,
and county social service agencies may not keep a juvenile file or record longer than is
required by the records retention policy of that official, department, or agency. Upon
inquiry in any matter the child, the court, and representatives of agencies, except the
attorney general and the directors of the department of transportation, the department
of human services, the department of corrections and rehabilitation, law enforcement
agencies, and county social service agencies, shall properly reply that no record exists
with respect to the child.
27-20-54.1. Destruction of juvenile records and files - Certain types of records
excepted.
Repealed by S.L. 1979, ch. 366, § 2.
27-20-55. Contempt powers.
The court may punish a person for contempt of court under chapter 27-10.
27-20-56. Appeals.
1. An aggrieved party, including the state or a subdivision of the state, may appeal from a
final order, judgment, or decree of the juvenile court to the supreme court by filing
written notice of appeal within thirty days after entry of the order, judgment, or decree,
or within any further time the supreme court grants, after entry of the order, judgment,
or decree. The appeal must be heard by the supreme court upon the files, records,
and minutes or transcript of the evidence of the juvenile court, giving appreciable
weight to the findings of the juvenile court. The name of the child may not appear on
the record on appeal.
2. The appeal does not stay the order, judgment, or decree appealed from, but the
supreme court may otherwise order on application and hearing consistent with this
chapter if suitable provision is made for the care and custody of the child. If the order,
judgment, or decree appealed from grants the custody of the child to, or withholds it
from, one or more of the parties to the appeal, it must be heard at the earliest
practicable time.
27-20-57. Rules of court.
The supreme court of this state may adopt rules of procedure not in conflict with this chapter
governing proceedings under it.
Page No. 31
27-20-58. Uniformity of interpretation.
Repealed by S.L. 1983, ch. 82, § 154.
27-20-59. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the Juvenile Court Act.
27-20-60. In-state placement of juveniles - Exception.
Except for cases in which the specific necessary treatment is unavailable in the state or
cases in which the appropriate treatment or services cannot be provided in a timely manner in
the state, all juveniles in need of residential treatment or residential care placement must be
placed in in-state residential facilities.
Page No. 32
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