Rule 7-302. Social studies.

Intent:

To develop minimum standards for social studies for the Juvenile Court.

Applicability:

This rule shall apply to all social studies prepared for delinquent cases in the Juvenile Courts.

Statement of the Rule:

(1) The probation department or other agency designated by the court shall prepare a social study in writing in all cases in which a petition has been filed, except:

(1)(A) traffic, fish and game, boating and parks and recreation cases; and

(1)(B) other minor cases, where the Board by rule has waived preparation of the social study.

(2) The court can direct the probation department to prepare a social study on any matter referred to the court.

(3) The contents of the social study shall include the following:

(3)(A) A summary of the minor's prior referral history, including prior actions taken by the probation department.

(3)(B) A statement of the circumstances surrounding the matter before the court.

(3)(C) An itemized listing of loss or damage suffered by the victim with respect to the matter before the court.

(3)(D) An assessment of the minor's attitude towards the court.

(3)(E) An assessment of the minor's attitude and values in general.

(3)(F) A statement of the parents' attitude and what corrective action, if any, they took with respect to the minor's conduct and actions which brought the minor before the court.

(3)(G) A statement of the minor's academic performance and behavior in school and a statement of the minor's employment history if applicable.

(3)(H) A record of any contacts the family has had with other agencies.

(3)(I) A list of strengths and weaknesses of the minor as perceived by the minor and the parents. A list of strengths and weaknesses of the parents as they perceive them.

(3)(J) A statement of any physical or emotional problems the minor may have that could affect behavior.

(3)(K) A dispositional recommendation based upon the information gathered.

(4) All information contained in the social study should be verified whenever possible. Individuals providing information for the report should be identified and any opinions or unverified information should be identified as such.

(5) No social information shall be gathered on a minor if the minor denies the allegations during the preliminary inquiry unless the minor and parent/guardian or custodian give their written consent for the information to be gathered.

(6) No social information shall be provided to the court before the minor's case is adjudicated.

(7) Once the social study is prepared, it shall be placed in the minor's social file where it shall remain.

(8) If a minor moves to another judicial district, the social file shall be forwarded to the new district of residence.