§571-31.4  Informal adjustment, law
violators.  (a)  When a child reasonably believed to come within section
571-11(1) is referred to the court or other designated agency, informal
adjustment may be provided to the child by an intake officer duly authorized by
the family court only where the facts reasonably appear to establish prima
facie jurisdiction and are admitted and where a consent is obtained from the
child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, and the child, if of sufficient
age and understanding.



(b)  Informal adjustment under this section may
include, among other suitable methods, programs, and procedures, the following:



(1)  Participation in restitution projects to obtain
appropriate victim satisfaction;



(2)  Participation in community service projects so as
to establish the child's self value in the community;



(3)  Participation in community-based programs which
work with the child and family to maintain and strengthen the family unit so
that the child may be retained in the child's own home;



(4)  Submission to neighborhood courts or panels upon
procedures to be established by the court.  As used in this paragraph
"neighborhood courts or panels" are community organizations designed
to settle minor disputes between parties on a voluntary basis using mediation
or nonbinding arbitration;



(5)  Participation in programs to support, counsel, or
provide work and recreational opportunities to help prevent delinquency;



(6)  Participation in educational programs or
supportive services designed to help delinquents and to encourage other youths
to remain in elementary and secondary schools or in alternative learning
situations;



(7)  Participation in youth-initiated programs and
outreach programs designed to assist youth and families;



(8)  Appropriate physical and medical examinations,
vocational and aptitude testing, examinations for learning disabilities or
emotional dysfunctions, and suitable counseling and therapy;



(9)  Placement with nonsecure or secure shelter
facilities; or



(10)  Restitution providing for monetary payment by the
parents of the child.



(c)  Informal adjustment projects, programs,
and services may be provided through public agencies or private agencies.



(d)  In the event resources and services for
informal adjustment are not available, have failed, are reasonably believed to
fail if attempted, or are unable to respond to the needs of the child or
family, the intake officer shall proceed with formal action, or take such
action as is otherwise allowed under this chapter. [L 1980, c 303, pt of §5(3);
am L 1986, c 133, §1; am L 1988, c 294, §5]



 



Rules of Court



 



  Informal adjustment, see HFCR rule 124.