Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-102 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-102
§ 14-6-102. Interstate Compact for Juveniles; compact provisions generally
Status: in_force

(a) The compacting states to this interstate compact recognize that each state is responsible for the proper supervision or return of juveniles, delinquents and status offenders who are on probation or parole and who have absconded, escaped or run away from supervision and control and in so doing have endangered their own safety and the safety of others. The compacting states also recognize that each state is responsible for the safe return of juveniles who have run away from home and in doing so have left their state of residence. The compacting states also recognize that Congress, by enacting the Crime Control Act, 4 U.S.C. Section 112 (1965) , has authorized and encouraged compacts for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in the prevention of crime.

(b) It is the purpose of this compact, through means of joint and cooperative action among the compacting states to:

(i) Ensure that the adjudicated juveniles and status offenders subject to this compact are provided adequate supervision and services in the receiving state as ordered by the adjudicating judge or parole authority in the sending state;

(ii) Ensure that the public safety interests of the citizens, including the victims of juvenile offenders, in both the sending and receiving states are adequately protected;

(iii) Return juveniles who have run away, absconded or escaped from supervision or control or have been accused of an offense to the state requesting their return;

(iv) Make contracts for the cooperative institutionalization in public facilities in member states for delinquent youth needing special services;

(v) Provide for the effective tracking and supervision of juveniles;

(vi) Equitably allocate the costs, benefits and obligations of the compacting states;

(vii) Establish procedures to manage the movement between states of juvenile offenders released to the community under the jurisdiction of courts, juvenile departments, or any other criminal or juvenile justice agency which has jurisdiction over juvenile offenders;

(viii) Insure immediate notice to jurisdictions where defined offenders are authorized to travel or to relocate across state lines;

(ix) Establish procedures to resolve pending charges (detainers) against juvenile offenders prior to transfer or release to the community under the terms of this compact;

(x) Establish a system of uniform data collection on information pertaining to juveniles subject to this compact that allows access by authorized juvenile justice and criminal justice officials, and regular reporting of compact activities to heads of state executive, judicial, and legislative branches and juvenile and criminal justice administrators;

(xi) Monitor compliance with rules governing interstate movement of juveniles and initiate interventions to address and correct noncompliance;

(xii) Coordinate training and education regarding the regulation of interstate movement of juveniles for officials involved in such activity; and

(xiii) Coordinate the implementation and operation of the compact with the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children, the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision and other compacts affecting juveniles particularly in those cases where concurrent or overlapping supervision issues arise. It is the policy of the compacting states that the activities conducted by the interstate commission created herein are the formation of public policies and therefore are public business. Furthermore, the compacting states shall cooperate and observe their individual and collective duties and responsibilities for the prompt return and acceptance of juveniles subject to the provisions of this compact. The provisions of this compact shall be reasonably and liberally construed to accomplish the purposes and policies of the compact.

(a) As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction:

(i) “ Bylaws ” means those bylaws established by the interstate commission for its governance, or for directing or controlling its actions or conduct;

(ii) “ Compact administrator ” means the individual in each compacting state appointed pursuant to the terms of this compact, responsible for the administration and management of the state's supervision and transfer of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact, the rules adopted by the interstate commission and policies adopted by the state council under this compact;

(iii) “ Compacting state ” means any state which has enacted the enabling legislation for this compact;

(iv) “ Commissioner ” means the voting representative of each compacting state appointed pursuant to article III of this compact;

(v) “ Court ” means any court having jurisdiction over delinquent, neglected or dependent children;

(vi) “ Deputy compact administrator ” means the individual, if any, in each compacting state appointed to act on behalf of a compact administrator pursuant to the terms of this compact responsible for the administration and management of the state's supervision and transfer of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact, the rules adopted by the interstate commission and policies adopted by the state council under this compact;

(vii) “ Interstate commission ” means the Interstate Commission for Juveniles created by article III of this compact;

(viii) “ Juvenile ” means any person defined as a juvenile in any member state or by the rules of the interstate commission, including:

(A) Accused delinquent--a person charged with an offense that, if committed by an adult, would be a criminal offense;

(B) Adjudicated delinquent--a person found to have committed an offense that, if committed by an adult, would be a criminal offense;

(C) Accused status offender--a person charged with an offense that would not be a criminal offense if committed by an adult;

(D) Adjudicated status offender--a person found to have committed an offense that would not be a criminal offense if committed by an adult; and

(E) Nonoffender--a person in need of supervision who has not been accused or adjudicated a status offender or delinquent.

(ix) “ Noncompacting state ” means any state which has not enacted the enabling legislation for this compact;

(x) “ Probation or parole ” means any kind of supervision or conditional release of juveniles authorized under the laws of the compacting states;

(xi) “ Rule ” means a written statement by the interstate commission promulgated pursuant to article VI of this compact that is of general applicability, implements, interprets or prescribes a policy or provision of the compact, or an organizational, procedural or practice requirement of the commission, and has the force and effect of statutory law in a compacting state, and includes the amendment, repeal or suspension of an existing rule;

(xii) “ State ” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia (or its designee), the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands.

(a) The compacting states hereby create the Interstate Commission for Juveniles. The commission shall be a body corporate and joint agency of the compacting states. The commission shall have all the responsibilities, powers and duties set forth herein, and any additional powers as may be conferred upon it by subsequent action of the respective legislatures of the compacting states in accordance with the terms of this compact.

(b) The interstate commission shall consist of commissioners appointed by the appropriate appointing authority in each state pursuant to the rules and requirements of each compacting state and in consultation with the state council for interstate juvenile supervision created hereunder. The commissioner shall be the compact administrator, deputy compact administrator or designee from that state who shall serve on the interstate commission in that capacity under or pursuant to the applicable law of the compacting state.

(c) In addition to the commissioners who are the voting representatives of each state, the interstate commission shall include individuals who are not commissioners, but who are members of interested organizations. The noncommissioner members shall include a member of the national organizations of governors, legislators, state chief justices, attorneys general, Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision, Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children, juvenile justice and juvenile corrections officials and crime victims. All noncommissioner members of the interstate commission shall be nonvoting ex officio members. The interstate commission may provide in its bylaws for additional nonvoting ex officio members, including members of other national organizations, in numbers as shall be determined by the commission.

(d) Each compacting state represented at any meeting of the commission is entitled to one (1) vote. A majority of the compacting states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the interstate commission.

(e) The commission shall meet at least once each calendar year. The chairperson may call additional meetings and, upon the request of a simple majority of the compacting states, shall call additional meetings. Public notice shall be given of all meetings and meetings shall be open to the public.

(f) The interstate commission shall establish an executive committee, which shall include commission officers, members and others as determined by the bylaws. The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the interstate commission during periods when the interstate commission is not in session, with the exception of rulemaking and amendment to the compact. The executive committee shall:

(i) Oversee the day-to-day activities of the administration of the compact managed by an executive director and interstate commission staff;

(ii) Administer enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the compact, its bylaws and rules; and

(iii) Perform other duties as directed by the interstate commission or set forth in the bylaws.

(g) Each member of the interstate commission shall have the right and power to cast a vote to which that compacting state is entitled and to participate in the business and affairs of the interstate commission. A member shall vote in person and shall not delegate a vote to another compacting state. However, a commissioner, in consultation with the state council, shall appoint another authorized representative, in the absence of the commissioner from that state, to cast a vote on behalf of the compacting state at a specified meeting. The bylaws may provide for members' participation in meetings by telephone or other means of telecommunication or electronic communication.

(h) The interstate commission's bylaws shall establish conditions and procedures under which the interstate commission shall make its information and official records available to the public for inspection or copying. The interstate commission may exempt from disclosure any information or official records to the extent they would adversely affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests.

(j) Public notice shall be given of all meetings and all meetings shall be open to the public, except as set forth in the rules or as otherwise provided in the compact. The interstate commission and any of its committees may close a meeting to the public where it determines by two-thirds ( 2 / 3 ) vote that an open meeting would be likely to:

(i) Relate solely to the interstate commission's internal personnel practices and procedures;

(ii) Disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by statute;

(iii) Disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information which is privileged or confidential;

(iv) Involve accusing any person of a crime, or formally censuring any person;

(v) Disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

(vi) Disclose investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes;

(vii) Disclose information contained in or related to examination, operating or condition reports prepared by, or on behalf of or for the use of, the interstate commission with respect to a regulated person or entity for the purpose of regulation or supervision of the person or entity;

(viii) Disclose information, the premature disclosure of which would significantly endanger the stability of a regulated person or entity; or

(ix) Specifically relate to the interstate commission's issuance of a subpoena, or its participation in a civil action or other legal proceeding.

(k) For every meeting closed pursuant to this provision, the interstate commission's legal counsel shall publicly certify that, in the legal counsel's opinion, the meeting may be closed to the public, and shall reference each relevant exemptive provision. The interstate commission shall keep minutes which shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in any meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of any actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of each of the views expressed on any item and the record of any roll call vote, reflected in the vote of each member on the question. All documents considered in connection with any action shall be identified in the minutes.

(m) The interstate commission shall collect standardized data concerning the interstate movement of juveniles as directed through its rules which shall specify the data to be collected, the means of collection and data exchange and reporting requirements. The methods of data collection, exchange and reporting shall insofar as is reasonably possible conform to up-to-date technology and coordinate its information functions with the appropriate repository of records.

(a) The commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(i) To provide for dispute resolution among compacting states;

(ii) To promulgate rules to effect the purposes and obligations as enumerated in this compact, which shall have the force and effect of statutory law and shall be binding in the compacting states to the extent and in the manner provided in this compact;

(iii) To oversee, supervise and coordinate the interstate movement of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact and any bylaws adopted and rules promulgated by the interstate commission;

(iv) To enforce compliance with the compact provisions, the rules promulgated by the interstate commission and the bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including but not limited to, the use of judicial process;

(v) To establish and maintain offices which shall be located within one (1) or more of the compacting states;

(vi) To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;

(vii) To borrow, accept, hire or contract for services of personnel;

(viii) To establish and appoint committees and hire staff which it deems necessary for the carrying out of its functions including, but not limited to, an executive committee as required by article III which shall have the power to act on behalf of the interstate commission in carrying out its powers and duties hereunder;

(ix) To elect or appoint officers, attorneys, employees, agents or consultants, and to fix their compensation, define their duties and determine their qualifications and to establish the interstate commission's personnel policies and programs relating to, inter alia, conflicts of interest, rates of compensation and qualifications of personnel;

(x) To accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, and to receive, utilize and dispose of it;

(xi) To lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use any real, personal or mixed property;

(xii) To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon or otherwise dispose of any real, personal or mixed property;

(xiii) To establish a budget and make expenditures and levy dues as provided in article VIII of this compact;

(xiv) To sue and be sued;

(xv) To adopt a seal and bylaws governing the management and operation of the interstate commission;

(xvi) To perform functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact;

(xvii) To report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary and state councils of the compacting states concerning the activities of the interstate commission during the preceding year. The reports shall also include any recommendations that may have been adopted by the interstate commission;

(xviii) To coordinate education, training and public awareness regarding the interstate movement of juveniles for officials involved in those activities;

(xix) To establish uniform standards of the reporting, collecting and exchanging of data;

(xx) The interstate commission shall maintain its corporate books and records in accordance with the bylaws.

(a) The interstate commission shall, by a majority of the members present and voting, within twelve (12) months after the first interstate commission meeting, adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the compact, including, but not limited to:

(i) Establishing the fiscal year of the interstate commission;

(ii) Establishing an executive committee and other committees as may be necessary;

(iii) Provide for the establishment of committees governing any general or specific delegation of any authority or function of the interstate commission;

(iv) Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the interstate commission and ensuring reasonable notice of each meeting;

(v) Establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers of the interstate commission;

(vi) Providing a mechanism for concluding the operations of the interstate commission and the return of any surplus funds that may exist upon the termination of the compact after the payment and reserving of all of its debts and obligations;

(vii) Providing “start-up” rules for initial administration of the compact; and

(viii) Establishing standards and procedures for compliance and technical assistance in carrying out the compact.

(a) The interstate commission shall, by a majority of the members, elect annually from among its members a chairperson and a vice chairperson, each of whom shall have authority and duties as may be specified in the bylaws. The chairperson or, in the chairperson's absence or disability, the vice-chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the interstate commission. The elected officers shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the interstate commission; provided that, subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers shall be reimbursed for any ordinary and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties and responsibilities as officers of the interstate commission.

(b) The interstate commission shall, through its executive committee, appoint or retain an executive director for a designated period, upon terms and conditions and for compensation as the interstate commission may deem appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the interstate commission, but shall not be a member and shall hire and supervise other staff as may be authorized by the interstate commission.

(a) The commission's executive director and employees shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused or arising out of, or relating to, any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred, or that the person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties or responsibilities, provided that the person shall not be protected from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of the person.

(b) The liability of any commissioner, or the employee or agent of a commissioner, acting within the scope of the person's employment or duties for acts, errors or omissions occurring within the person's state may not exceed the limits of liability set forth under the constitution and laws of that state for state officials, employees and agents. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to protect any person from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of the person.

(c) The interstate commission shall defend the executive director or the employees or representatives of the interstate commission and, subject to the approval of the attorney general of the state represented by any commissioner of a compacting state, shall defend the commissioner or the commissioner's representatives or employees in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that the defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of the person.

(d) The interstate commission shall indemnify and hold the commissioner of a compacting state, or the commissioner's representatives or employees, or the interstate commission's representatives or employees, harmless in the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against those persons arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that those persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of those persons.

(a) The interstate commission shall promulgate and publish rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of the compact.

(b) Rulemaking shall occur pursuant to the criteria set forth in this article and the bylaws and rules adopted pursuant thereto. The rulemaking shall substantially conform to the principles of the “Model State Administrative Procedures Act,” 1981 Act, Uniform Laws Annotated, Vol. 15, p.1 (2000), or another administrative procedures act, as the interstate commission deems appropriate consistent with due process requirements under the United States Constitution as now or hereafter interpreted by the United States Supreme Court. All rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified, as published with the final version of the rule as approved by the commission.

(c) When promulgating a rule, the interstate commission shall, at a minimum:

(i) Publish the proposed rule's entire text stating the reason for that proposed rule;

(ii) Allow and invite any person to submit written data, facts, opinions and arguments, which information shall be added to the record and be made publicly available;

(iii) Provide an opportunity for an informal hearing if petitioned by ten (10) or more persons; and

(iv) Promulgate a final rule and its effective date, if appropriate, based on input from state or local officials or interested parties.

(d) Allow, not later than sixty (60) days after a rule is promulgated, any interested person to file a petition in the United States district court for the District of Columbia or in the federal district court where the interstate commission's principal office is located for judicial review of the rule. If the court finds that the interstate commission's action is not supported by substantial evidence in the rulemaking record, the court shall hold the rule unlawful and set it aside. For purposes of this subsection, evidence is substantial if it would be considered substantial evidence under the Model State Administrative Procedures Act.

(e) If a majority of the legislatures of the compacting states rejects a rule, those states may, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact, cause that the rule shall have no further force and effect in any compacting state.

(f) The existing rules governing the operation of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles superceded by this act shall be null and void twelve (12) months after the first meeting of the interstate commission created hereunder.

(g) Upon determination by the interstate commission that a state-of-emergency exists, it may promulgate an emergency rule which shall become effective immediately upon adoption, provided that the usual rulemaking procedures provided hereunder shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of the emergency rule.

(a) The interstate commission shall oversee the administration and operations of the interstate movement of juveniles subject to this compact in the compacting states and shall monitor the activities being administered in noncompacting states which may significantly affect compacting states.

(b) The courts and executive agencies in each compacting state shall enforce this compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact's purposes and intent. The provisions of this compact and the rules promulgated hereunder shall be received by all the judges, public officers, commissions and departments of the state government as evidence of the authorized statute and administrative rules. All courts shall take judicial notice of the compact and the rules. In any judicial or administrative proceeding in a compacting state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities or actions of the interstate commission, it shall be entitled to receive all service of process in the proceeding, and shall have standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes.

(a) The compacting states shall report to the interstate commission on all issues and activities necessary for the administration of the compact as well as issues and activities pertaining to compliance with the provisions of the compact and its bylaws and rules.

(b) The interstate commission shall attempt, upon the request of a compacting state, to resolve any disputes or other issues which are subject to the compact and which may arise among compacting states and between compacting and noncompacting states. The commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes among the compacting states.

(c) The interstate commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this compact using any or all means set forth in article XI of this compact.

(a) The interstate commission shall pay or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization and ongoing activities.

(b) The interstate commission shall levy on and collect an annual assessment from each compacting state to cover the cost of the internal operations and activities of the interstate commission and its staff which shall be in a total amount sufficient to cover the interstate commission's annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the interstate commission, taking into consideration the population of each compacting state and the volume of interstate movement of juveniles in each compacting state and shall promulgate a rule binding upon all compacting states which governs the assessment.

(c) The interstate commission shall not incur any obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the interstate commission pledge the credit of any of the compacting states, except by and with the authority of the compacting state.

(d) The interstate commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the interstate commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the interstate commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the interstate commission.

Each member state shall create a state council for interstate juvenile supervision. While each state may determine the membership of its own state council, its membership shall consist of one (1) member of the legislature appointed on an alternating basis by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house, with the president appointing the first member. The board of judicial policy and administration shall appoint one (1) member. There shall be one (1) representative of the victim services division of the attorney general's office and two (2) members from the executive branch appointed by the governor one (1) of whom shall be designated as the commissioner. The appointments shall be made for two (2) year terms beginning on the enactment of the Interstate Compact for Juveniles into law by the thirty-fifth jurisdiction or July 1, 2004, whichever date occurs later. The department of family services shall provide support for the council and expenses as provided for in W.S. 9-3-102 and 9-3-103 . The state council shall appoint the compact administrator and may appoint a deputy compact administrator who shall be members of the council and whose terms shall be concurrent with the council members. Each compacting state retains the right to determine the qualifications of the compact administrator or deputy compact administrator. Each state council will advise and may exercise oversight and advocacy concerning that state's participation in interstate commission activities and other duties as may be determined by that state, including but not limited to, development of policy concerning operations and procedures of the compact within that state.

(a) Any state, the District of Columbia, or its designee, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands as defined in article II of this compact is eligible to become a compacting state.

(b) The compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the compact into law by no less than thirty-five (35) of the states. The initial effective date shall be the later of July 1, 2004 or upon enactment into law by the 35th jurisdiction. Thereafter it shall become effective and binding as to any other compacting state upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governors of nonmember states or their designees shall be invited to participate in the activities of the interstate commission on a nonvoting basis prior to adoption of the compact by all states and territories of the United States.

(c) The interstate commission may propose amendments to the compact for enactment by the compacting states. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the interstate commission and the compacting states until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the compacting states.

(a) Once effective, the compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each compacting state, provided that a compacting state may withdraw from the compact by specifically repealing the statute which enacted the compact into law.

(b) The effective date of withdrawal is the effective date of the repeal.

(c) The withdrawing state shall immediately notify the chairperson of the interstate commission in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this compact in the withdrawing state. The interstate commission shall notify the other compacting states of the withdrawing state's intent to withdraw within sixty (60) days of its receipt thereof.

(d) The withdrawing state is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including any obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal.

(e) Reinstatement following withdrawal of any compacting state shall occur upon the withdrawing state reenacting the compact or upon a later date as determined by the interstate commission.

(a) If the interstate commission determines that any compacting state has at any time defaulted in the performance of any of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact, or the bylaws or duly promulgated rules, the interstate commission may impose any or all of the following penalties:

(i) Remedial training and technical assistance as directed by the interstate commission;

(ii) Alternative dispute resolution;

(iii) Fines, fees and costs in amounts as are deemed to be reasonable as fixed by the interstate commission; and

(iv) Suspension or termination of membership in the compact, which shall be imposed only after all other reasonable means of securing compliance under the bylaws and rules have been exhausted and the interstate commission has therefore determined that the offending state is in default. Immediate notice of suspension shall be given by the interstate commission to the governor, the chief justice or the chief judicial officer of the state, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature and the state council. The grounds for default include, but are not limited to, failure of a compacting state to perform the obligations or responsibilities imposed upon it by this compact, the bylaws or duly promulgated rules and any other grounds designated in commission bylaws and rules. The interstate commission shall immediately notify the defaulting state in writing of the penalty imposed by the interstate commission and of the default pending a cure of the default. The commission shall stipulate the conditions and the time period within which the defaulting state shall cure its default. If the defaulting state fails to cure the default within the time period specified by the commission, the defaulting state shall be terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the compacting states and all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by this compact shall be terminated from the effective date of termination.

(b) Within sixty (60) days of the effective date of termination of a defaulting state, the commission shall notify the governor, the chief justice or chief judicial officer, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature and the state council of the termination.

(c) The defaulting state is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination including any obligations, the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of termination.

(d) The interstate commission shall not bear any costs relating to the defaulting state unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing between the interstate commission and the defaulting state.

(e) Reinstatement following termination of any compacting state requires both a reenactment of the compact by the defaulting state and the approval of the interstate commission pursuant to the rules.

The interstate commission may, by majority vote of the members, initiate legal action in the United States district court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion of the interstate commission, in the federal district where the interstate commission has its offices, to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact, its duly promulgated rules and bylaws, against any compacting state in default. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of the litigation, including reasonable attorneys fees.

(a) The compact dissolves effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the compacting states, which reduces membership in the compact to one (1) compacting state.

(b) Upon the dissolution of this compact, the compact becomes null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the interstate commission shall be concluded and any surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the bylaws.

(a) The provisions of this compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the compact shall be enforceable.

(b) The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.

(a) Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a compacting state that is not inconsistent with this compact.

(b) All compacting states' laws other than state constitutions and other interstate compacts conflicting with this compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.

(a) All lawful actions of the interstate commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the interstate commission, are binding upon the compacting states.

(b) All agreements between the interstate commission and the compacting states are binding in accordance with their terms.

(c) Upon the request of a party to a conflict over meaning or interpretation of interstate commission actions, and upon a majority vote of the compacting states, the interstate commission may issue advisory opinions regarding the meaning or interpretation.

(d) In the event any provision of this compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any compacting state, the obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction sought to be conferred by the provision upon the interstate commission shall be ineffective and the obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction shall remain in the compacting state and shall be exercised by the agency thereof to which the obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction are delegated by law in effect at the time this compact becomes effective.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-602 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-602
§ 14-2-602. Execution of acknowledgment of paternity
Status: in_force

(a) An acknowledgment of paternity shall:

(i) Be in a record;

(ii) Be signed, or otherwise authenticated, under penalty for false swearing by the mother and by the man seeking to establish his paternity;

(iii) State that the child whose paternity is being acknowledged:

(A) Does not have a presumed father, or has a presumed father whose full name is stated; and

(B) Does not have another acknowledged or adjudicated father.

(iv) State whether there has been genetic testing and, if so, that the acknowledging man's claim of paternity is consistent with the results of the testing; and

(v) State that the signatories understand that the acknowledgment is the equivalent of a judicial adjudication of paternity of the child and that a challenge to the acknowledgment is permitted only under limited circumstances and is barred after two (2) years.

(b) An acknowledgment of paternity is void if it:

(i) States that another man is a presumed father, unless a denial of paternity signed or otherwise authenticated by the presumed father or a court order rebutting the presumption is filed with the state office of vital records;

(ii) States that another man is an acknowledged or adjudicated father; or

(iii) Falsely denies the existence of a presumed, acknowledged or adjudicated father of the child.

(c) A presumed father may sign or otherwise authenticate an acknowledgment of paternity.

(d) Before a mother and a man claiming to be the genetic father of a child can sign an acknowledgment of paternity affidavit, the mother and the alleged father shall be provided notice orally or through use of video or audio equipment and in writing of the alternatives to, the legal consequences of, and the rights and responsibilities that arise from, signing the acknowledgment of paternity affidavit. If either the mother or the alleged father is a minor, any rights that attach as a result of the status as a minor shall also be provided orally or through the use of video or audio equipment and in writing, in addition to any other requirements of this subsection.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-8-107 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 8 / Section 14-8-107
§ 14-8-107. Disbursement of grants from the income account
Status: repealed

(a) Grants may be awarded from the income account to provide monies for the start-up, continuance or expansion of prevention programs, to provide educational and public informational seminar and to study and evaluate prevention programs.

(b), (c) Repealed by Laws 2019, ch. 114, § 2, eff. July 1, 2019.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-423 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-423
§ 14-6-423. Rights of parties generally; demand for and conduct of jury trial
Status: in_force

(a) A party to any proceeding under this act is entitled to:

(i) A copy of all charges made against him;

(ii) Confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses;

(iii) Introduce evidence, present witnesses and otherwise be heard in his own behalf; and

(iv) Issue of process by the court to compel the appearance of witnesses or the production of evidence.

(b) A party against whom a petition has been filed or the district attorney may demand a trial by jury at an adjudicatory hearing. The jury shall be composed of jurors selected, qualified and compensated as provided by law for the trial of civil matters in the district court. The jury may also be selected from the prospective jurors on the base jury list residing within five (5) miles of the city or town where the trial is to be held, whichever the court directs. Demand for a jury trial must be made to the court not later than ten (10) days after the party making the demand is advised of his right to a jury trial. No deposit for jury fees is required. Failure of a party to demand a jury is a waiver of this right.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-11-101 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 11 / Section 14-11-101
§ 14-11-101. Purpose and intent
Status: in_force

The purpose of this act is to provide to a parent of a newborn child the means to relinquish the child so that the child may be cared for and protected in a safe haven.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-4-104 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 4 / Section 14-4-104
§ 14-4-104. Certification; application; standards; notification to certify or refuse; term
Status: in_force

(a) Application for certification of a child caring facility within W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111 shall be made to the certifying authority.

(b) A certificate shall be issued upon compliance with the following standards:

(i) Good moral character of the applicant, his employees and any other person having direct contact with a child under the care, custody or control of the applicant;

(ii) Practical experience, education or training of the applicant in child care and treatment;

(iii) Uncrowded, safe, sanitary and well repaired facilities; and

(iv) Wholesome food prepared in a clean and healthy environment.

(c) The certifying authority shall notify the applicant of its decision to certify or refuse certification of the applicant within thirty (30) days after the application has been filed.

(d) All full certificates are nontransferable. Duration of the certificate shall be determined pursuant to rules and regulations of the department, subject to an annual continuation fee.

(e) The department is authorized to establish pursuant to rules and regulations full and provisional certificate fees and fees for continuation of a full certificate. Fees for continuation of a full certificate shall be due on the anniversary date of the original certificate. Fees collected by the department under this section shall be deposited in the general fund to offset the cost of administration of the board.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-408 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-408
§ 14-2-408. Free transcript for appeal
Status: in_force

If a party is financially unable to pay the cost of a transcript, the court shall furnish on request a transcript for purposes of appeal under this act.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-404 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-404
§ 14-2-404. Court of this state
Status: in_force

The district court is authorized to adjudicate parentage under this act.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-1-205 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 14-1-205
§ 14-1-205. Application to department of transportation for emancipated status on driver's license; fee
Status: in_force

(a) Upon application of an emancipated minor, the department of transportation shall indicate the minor's emancipated status on his Wyoming driver's license or if without a driver's license, on the minor's Wyoming identification card issued under W.S. 31-8-101 .

(b) An applicant under this section shall pay two dollars ($2.00) to the division. The department of transportation shall deposit the fees in the manner prescribed by law for driver's license and identification card fees and submit receipt and acknowledgement to the state treasurer.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-11-108 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 11 / Section 14-11-108
§ 14-11-108. Immunity from liability
Status: in_force

Any person, official, institution or agency participating in good faith in any act required or permitted by this act is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result by reason of the action. For the purpose of any civil or criminal proceeding, the good faith of any person, official, institution or agency participating in any act permitted or required by W.S. 14-11-101 through 14-11-109 shall be presumed.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-249 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-249
§ 14-6-249. Sanction level two
Status: in_force

(a) For a child at sanction level two, the juvenile court may:

(i) Place the child on probation for not less than six (6) months;

(ii) Impose specific restrictions on the child's activities and requirements on the child's behavior as conditions of probation;

(iii) Require a probation officer to closely monitor the child's activities and behavior;

(iv) Impose any other sanction or condition listed by W.S. 14-6-247 .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-502 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-502
§ 14-2-502. No discrimination based on marital status
Status: in_force

A child born to parents who are not married to each other has the same rights under the law as a child born to parents who are married to each other.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-402 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-402
§ 14-2-402. Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this act:

(i) “ Acknowledged father ” means a man who has established a father-child relationship under article 6 of this act;

(ii) “ Adjudicated father ” means a man who has been adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be the father of a child;

(iii) “ Alleged father ” means a man who alleges himself to be, or is alleged to be, the genetic father or a possible genetic father of a child, but whose paternity has not been determined. The term does not include:

(A) A presumed father;

(B) A man whose parental rights have been terminated or declared not to exist; or

(C) A male donor.

(iv) “ Assisted reproduction ” means a method of causing pregnancy other than through sexual intercourse. The term includes:

(A) Intrauterine insemination;

(B) Donation of eggs;

(C) Donation of embryos;

(D) In-vitro fertilization and transfer of embryos; and

(E) Intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

(v) “ Child ” means an individual of any age whose parentage may be determined under this act;

(vi) “ Commence ” means to file the initial pleading seeking an adjudication of parentage in a district court of this state;

(vii) “ Determination of parentage ” means the establishment of the parent-child relationship by the signing of a valid acknowledgment of paternity under article 5 of this act or by adjudication by the court;

(viii) “ Donor ” means an individual who produces eggs or sperm used for assisted reproduction, whether or not for consideration. The term does not include:

(A) A husband who provides sperm, or a wife who provides eggs, to be used for assisted reproduction by the wife;

(B) A woman who gives birth to a child by means of assisted reproduction;

(C) A parent under article 9 of this chapter.

(ix) “ Ethnic or racial group ” means, for purposes of genetic testing, a recognized group that an individual identifies as all or part of the individual's ancestry or that is so identified by other information;

(x) “ Genetic testing ” means an analysis of genetic markers to exclude or identify a man as the father or a woman as the mother of a child. The term includes an analysis of one (1) or a combination of the following:

(A) Deoxyribonucleic acid; and

(B) Blood-group antigens, red-cell antigens, human-leukocyte antigens, serum enzymes, serum proteins or red-cell enzymes.

(xi) “ Man ” means a male individual of any age;

(xii) “ Parent ” means an individual who has established a parent-child relationship under W.S. 14-2-501 ;

(xiii) “ Parent-child relationship ” means the legal relationship between a child and a parent of the child. The term includes the mother-child relationship and the father-child relationship;

(xiv) “ Paternity index ” means the likelihood of paternity calculated by computing the ratio between:

(A) The likelihood that the tested man is the father, based on the genetic markers of the tested man, mother and child, conditioned on the hypothesis that the tested man is the father of the child; and

(B) The likelihood that the tested man is not the father, based on the genetic markers of the tested man, mother and child, conditioned on the hypothesis that the tested man is not the father of the child and that the father is of the same ethnic or racial group as the tested man.

(xv) “ Presumed father ” means a man who, by operation of law under W.S. 14-2-504 , is recognized as the father of a child until that status is rebutted or confirmed in a judicial proceeding;

(xvi) “ Probability of paternity ” means the measure, for the ethnic or racial group to which the alleged father belongs, of the probability that the man in question is the father of the child, compared with a random, unrelated man of the same ethnic or racial group, expressed as a percentage incorporating the paternity index and a prior probability;

(xvii) “ Record ” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form;

(xviii) “ Signatory ” means an individual who authenticates a record and is bound by its terms;

(xix) “ State ” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States;

(xx) “ Title IV-D ” means Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act;

(xxi) “ This act ” means W.S. 14-2-401 through 14-2-907 .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-251 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-251
§ 14-6-251. Sanction level four
Status: in_force

(a) For a child at sanction level four, the juvenile court may:

(i) Commit a child who has attained the age of twelve (12) years to the Wyoming boys' school or the Wyoming girls' school for an indefinite term, provided:

(A) On release of the child from the Wyoming boys' school or the Wyoming girls' school, the juvenile court may:

(I) Impose highly structured restrictions on the child's activities and requirements for behavior of the child as conditions of release under supervision;

(II) Require a probation officer to closely monitor the child for not less than six (6) months; and

(III) Impose any other appropriate conditions of supervision.

(ii) Impose any other sanction or condition listed by W.S. 14-6-247 .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-819 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-819
§ 14-2-819. Hearings; inspection of records
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other law concerning public hearings and records, any hearing or trial held under this act shall be held in closed court without admittance of any person other than those necessary to the action or proceeding. All papers and records other than the final judgment pertaining to the action or proceeding, whether part of the permanent record of the court or of a file in the state office of vital records services or elsewhere, are subject to inspection only by court order.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-4-201 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 4 / Section 14-4-201
§ 14-4-201. Quality child care system established
Status: repealed

(a) A quality child care system is created for the purpose of assisting the working families of the state by encouraging the availability of high quality care for children in licensed child caring facilities. The system may consist of:

(i) A quality rating system;

(ii) Incentive payments for higher levels of quality care;

(iii) Grants for professional educational development;

(iv) Technical assistance, business management services and family strengthening programs.

(b) The quality child care system shall also provide for a parental education and public awareness program.

(c) The department of workforce services is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the purpose of implementing all or any portion of this article. All rules and regulations shall be promulgated in consultation with the department of education, the department of family services, the department of health, University of Wyoming and early childhood specialists from the private sector.

(d) The state's responsibility for payments under this article shall be limited to the amount of funding provided for the quality child care system by the legislature. The department may receive donations from foundations or other private sources. Any such funds received shall be deposited into a separate account and are continuously appropriated to the department, which may distribute those funds in accordance with the provisions of this article. Services eligible to be paid for by another public program shall not be reimbursed under this article.

(e) Infants and preschool children served under this article who qualify for disability services shall receive those services through a regional developmental preschool that is supported by state funding for this purpose, provided the parents or caretakers agree to those services. The cost of these services shall not be reimbursed by payments made to providers under this article.

(f) In the delivery of services, facilities that receive funds under this article shall not discriminate against any individual on the basis of sex, color, race, religion, national origin, disability or age other than the age of the qualifying child. Notwithstanding this subsection, facilities shall retain the ability to refer children with developmental disabilities to appropriate services.

(g) Upon approval of the application for funds as provided in this article, the facility shall enter into a contract with the state, wherein the facility shall agree:

(i) To provide child care services in this state for a minimum of one (1) year;

(ii) To serve children from families eligible for support for child care under programs, other than the program created by this article, managed by the department of family services;

(iii) To submit the reports required by W.S. 14-4-203(d) and to submit information as required in the department's rules and regulations; and

(iv) To immediately repay all funds provided to the facility pursuant to this article, attorney fees and costs incurred in collection, if the facility breaches the contract during the one (1) year period.

(h) The department of workforce services shall structure its contracts with facilities to ensure necessary data is reported uniformly. The contracts shall specify what services will be provided under the contract and the outcome measures to be achieved to allow the department to determine compliance with contract provisions, the services provided, the outcomes achieved and to determine the extent of statewide needs based on the reports received.

(j) Repealed by Laws 2007, ch. 156, § 3.

(k) The department, in rating facilities for quality and making payments to facilities pursuant to this article, shall not discriminate against any facility due to religious orientation, affiliation or instruction or the lack thereof. No state funds shall be used for materials for religious instruction, salaries and benefits for staff primarily engaged in religious instruction, or for any other incremental cost of religious instruction or observances. Any facility receiving state funds shall be prepared to demonstrate, if audited, that sufficient nongovernmental funds were available to cover all expenses of religious instruction or observance.

(m) For purposes of this article:

(i) “ Department ” means the department of workforce services;

(ii) “ Facility ” means child caring facility as defined in W.S. 14-4-101(a)(vi)(D) and (K) ;

(iii) Repealed by Laws 2007, ch. 156, § 3.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-1006 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-1006
§ 14-2-1006. Birth cost recovery accounts
Status: in_force

(a) There is created the birth cost recovery incentive account. Funds remitted to the account pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1005(d)(i) shall be used by the department for any services or programs relating to infants or mothers. The account may be divided into subaccounts for purposes of administrative management. Funds in the account are continuously appropriated and shall not lapse at the end of any fiscal period.

(b) There is created the birth cost recovery administration account. Funds remitted to the account pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1005(d)(ii) shall be used by the department to offset the costs of the administration of this article and W.S. 42-4-122 . The account may be divided into subaccounts for purposes of administrative management. Funds in the account are continuously appropriated and shall not lapse at the end of any fiscal period.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-422 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Section 14-3-422
§ 14-3-422. Advising of right to counsel required; appointment of counsel; verification of financial condition
Status: in_force

(a) At their first appearance before the court and at their initial hearing the child's parents, guardian or custodian shall be advised by the court of their right to be represented by counsel at every stage of the proceedings including appeal, and to employ counsel of their own choice.

(b) The court shall upon request appoint counsel to represent the child's parents, guardian or custodian if the child's parents, guardian or custodian are unable to obtain counsel. If appointment of counsel is requested, the court shall require the child's parents, guardian or custodian to verify their financial condition under oath, either by written affidavit signed and sworn to by the parties or by sworn testimony made a part of the record of the proceedings. The affidavit or sworn testimony shall state they are without sufficient money, property, assets or credit to employ counsel in their own behalf. The court may require further verification of financial condition if it deems necessary.

(c) The court may appoint counsel for any party when necessary in the interest of justice.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-4-103 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 4 / Section 14-4-103
§ 14-4-103. Certification board; establishment; composition; appointment of lay members; duties
Status: repealed

(a) A certification board of not more than fifteen (15) members reflecting statewide representation is established and shall be composed of:

(i) One (1) representative from the department of family services;

(ii) One (1) representative from the state department of education;

(iii) Repealed by Laws 1991, ch. 161, § 4.

(iv) The state fire marshal or his designee;

(v) Six (6) lay members who are residents of the state and operators of child caring facilities or parents;

(vi) Not more than four (4) additional lay members with an interest in child care;

(vii) One (1) representative from the state department of agriculture or other state or local agency which may be responsible for sanitation inspections of child care facilities; and

(viii) One (1) representative from the state department of health.

(b) The lay members shall be appointed by the governor for terms of two (2) years and may be removed by the governor as provided in W.S. 9-1-202 . Any vacancies among the lay members shall be filled by gubernatorial appointment.

(c) The board shall:

(i) Designate investigators to investigate any child caring facility within the provisions of W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111 ;

(ii) Act as the board of review; and

(iii) Act as an advisor to the state in all matters pertaining to child care programs and child care facility licensing.

(d) When the board is acting as a board of review pursuant to paragraph (c)(ii) of this section, the chairman of the board may designate, on a case by case basis, a committee of the board made up of at least three (3) disinterested members of the board to hear the case and recommend a decision on behalf of the board.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-505 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-505
§ 14-6-505. Victims of delinquent act; present in court
Status: in_force

Unless the court for good cause shown shall find to the contrary, the victim shall have the right to be present at all proceedings which may be attended by the accused delinquent.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-306 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-306
§ 14-6-306. Disclosure of information and data
Status: in_force

All information and data obtained in the discharge of official duties by the supervising probation officer is privileged information and shall not be disclosed directly or indirectly to anyone other than to the juvenile court, department of family services, department of education, department of health or to others entitled to receive reports as ordered by the court, such as multidisciplinary teams.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-216 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-216
§ 14-6-216. Appointment of guardian ad litem
Status: in_force

The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for a child who is a party to proceedings under this act if the child has no parent, guardian or custodian appearing in his behalf or if the interests of the parents, guardian or custodian are adverse to the best interest of the child. A party to the proceeding or employee or representative thereof shall not be appointed guardian ad litem for the child.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-704 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-704
§ 14-2-704. Report of genetic testing
Status: in_force

(a) A report of genetic testing shall be in a record and signed under penalty of perjury by a designee of the testing laboratory. A report made under the requirements of this article is self-authenticating.

(b) Documentation from the testing laboratory of the following information is sufficient to establish a reliable chain of custody that allows the results of genetic testing to be admissible without testimony:

(i) The names and photographs of the individuals whose specimens have been taken;

(ii) The names of the individuals who collected the specimens;

(iii) The places and dates the specimens were collected;

(iv) The names of the individuals who received the specimens in the testing laboratory; and

(v) The dates the specimens were received.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-806 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-806
§ 14-2-806. No limitation; child having no presumed, acknowledged or adjudicated father
Status: in_force

(a) A proceeding to adjudicate the parentage of a child having no presumed, acknowledged or adjudicated father may be commenced at any time, even after:

(i) The child becomes an adult but only if the child initiates the proceeding; or

(ii) An earlier proceeding to adjudicate paternity has been dismissed based on the application of a statute of limitation then in effect.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-12-104 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 12 / Section 14-12-104
§ 14-12-104. Applicability of the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act and state self-insurance program
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any attorney providing services for the office pursuant to the guardian ad litem program shall, for matters arising out of such services, be considered a state employee for purposes of coverage and representation under the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act, W.S. 1-39-101 through 1-39-120 , and the state self-insurance program, W.S. 1-41-101 through 1-41-111 .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-307 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Section 14-3-307
§ 14-3-307. Compliance inspections
Status: in_force

(a) The department of health, working with local law enforcement agencies and other local individuals and organizations at the discretion of the department, shall be the lead agency to ensure compliance with this article.

(b) The department of health shall develop strategies to coordinate and support local law enforcement efforts to enforce all state statutes relating to the prohibition of the sale of nicotine products to persons under twenty-one (21) years of age.

(c) The department shall have discretion to:

(i) Work with each local law enforcement agency; and

(ii) Coordinate local enforcement efforts that appropriately reflect the needs of the community.

(d) To coordinate the enforcement of state statutes relating to the prohibition of the sale of nicotine products to persons under twenty-one (21) years of age and to comply with applicable federal law, the department of health shall have authority to contract with or provide grants to local law enforcement agencies or other local individuals or entities having the appropriate level of enforcement authority on the local level to conduct random, unannounced inspections at retail locations where nicotine products are sold. The local law enforcement agencies or other local individuals or entities authorized to conduct inspections shall be permitted to use minors and persons under twenty-one (21) years of age subject to the following:

(i) Prior to the inspection, the local law enforcement agency or other authorized individual or entity shall obtain the written consent of the person being used in the inspection or if using a minor, the written consent of the minor's parents or guardian shall be obtained prior to the minor participating in an inspection. The written consent required under this paragraph shall include a notification that testimony in a subsequent court proceeding may be required;

(ii) Any person under twenty-one (21) years of age participating in an inspection shall, if questioned, state his true age and that he is less than twenty-one (21) years of age;

(iii) The appearance of a person under twenty-one (21) years of age shall not be altered to make him appear to be twenty-one (21) years of age or older;

(iv) Neither a minor nor his parents or guardians shall be coerced into participating in such inspections;

(v) The person conducting the inspection shall photograph the participant immediately before the inspection and any photographs taken of the participant shall be retained by the person conducting the inspection;

(vi) Any participant in an inspection under this section shall be granted immunity from prosecution under W.S. 14-3-304 or 14-3-305 .

(e) The person conducting an inspection under this section shall:

(i) Remain within sight or sound of the participant attempting to make the purchase;

(ii) Immediately inform in writing a representative or agent of the business establishment that an inspection has been performed and the results of the inspection;

(iii) Within two (2) days, prepare a report of the inspection containing:

(A) The name of the person who supervised the inspection;

(B) The age and date of birth of the participant who assisted in the inspection;

(C) The name and position of the person from whom the participant attempted to purchase nicotine products;

(D) The name and address of the establishment inspected;

(E) The date and time of the inspection; and

(F) The results of the inspection, including whether the inspection resulted in the sale or distribution of, or offering for sale, nicotine products to a person under twenty-one (21) years of age.

(iv) Immediately upon completion of the report required under this subsection, provide a copy of the report to a representative or agent of the business establishment that was inspected;

(v) Request a law enforcement officer to issue a citation for any illegal acts relating to providing nicotine products to persons under twenty-one (21) years of age during the inspection.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-13-101 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 13 / Section 14-13-101
§ 14-13-101. Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this chapter:

(i) “ Age appropriate or developmentally appropriate activities and experiences ” means activities and experiences that are:

(A) Generally accepted as suitable for children of the same chronological age or level of maturity or that are determined to be developmentally appropriate for a child based on the development of cognitive, emotional, physical and behavioral capacities that are typical for an age or age group; or

(B) In the case of a specific child, suitable for that child based on the developmental stages attained by the child with respect to the cognitive, emotional, physical and behavioral capacities of the child.

(ii) “ Caregiver ” means a foster parent, a designated official for a child caring facility certified pursuant to W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-117 or any other person with whom the child is placed by court order in an out-of-home placement or any other placement pursuant to chapter 3, article 4 of this title and chapter 6, articles 2 and 4 of this title;

(iii) “ Department ” means the Wyoming department of family services;

(iv) “ Foster care ” means twenty-four (24) hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardians and for whom the department has placement and care responsibilities, including but not limited to placements in:

(A) Foster family homes;

(B) Foster homes of relatives;

(C) Group homes;

(D) Emergency shelters;

(E) Residential facilities;

(F) Pre-adoptive homes;

(G) Child care institutions.

(v) “ Out-of-home placement ” means a placement of a child physically out of his home pursuant to W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-216 , the Child Protection Act, W.S. 14-3-401 through 14-3-441 , 14-6-102 , the Juvenile Justice Act, W.S. 14-6-201 through 14-6-252 , or the Children in Need of Supervision Act, W.S. 14-6-401 through 14-6-440 ;

(vi) “ Reasonable and prudent parent standard ” means careful and sensible parental decisions that maintain the health, safety, well-being and best interests of a child while encouraging the emotional and developmental growth of the child;

(vii) “ Residual parental rights and duties ” means those rights and duties remaining with the parents after legal custody, guardianship of the person or both have been vested in another person, agency or institution. Residual parental rights and duties include but are not limited to:

(A) The duty to support and provide necessities of life;

(B) The right to consent to adoption;

(C) The right to reasonable visitation unless restricted or prohibited by court order;

(D) The right to determine the minor's religious affiliation; and

(E) The right to petition on behalf of the minor.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-815 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-815
§ 14-2-815. Admission of paternity authorized
Status: in_force

(a) A respondent in a proceeding to adjudicate parentage may admit to the paternity of a child by filing a pleading to that effect or by admitting paternity under penalty of perjury when making an appearance or during a hearing.

(b) If the court finds that the admission of paternity satisfies the requirements of this section and finds that there is no reason to question the admission, the court shall issue an order adjudicating the child to be the child of the man admitting paternity.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-308 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-308
§ 14-2-308. Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this act:

(i) “Abuse” means as defined by W.S. 14-3-202(a)(ii) ;

(ii) “ Authorized agency ” means:

(A) A public social service agency authorized to care for and place children; or

(B) A private child welfare agency certified by the state for such purposes pursuant to W.S. 1-22-101 through 1-22-114 , 14-4-101 through 14-4-117 or 14-6-201 through 14-6-243 ;

(iii) “Child” or “minor” means an individual who is under the age of majority;

(iv) “Court” means the district court in the district where the child resides or is found or the district court which has previously retained jurisdiction of the child because of a previous order entered by that court;

(v) “Mental health professional” means a person with an advanced degree in one of the behavioral sciences including a psychologist, social worker or clinical counselor;

(vi) “Neglect” means as defined by W.S. 14-3-202(a)(vii) ;

(vii) “Parent” means a natural parent or a parent by adoption;

(viii) “Indigent party” means a person whose financial resources and income are insufficient to enable him to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of an attorney licensed to practice in this state;

(ix) “This act” means W.S. 14-2-308 through 14-2-319 .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-425 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-425
§ 14-6-425. Burden of proof required; verdict of jury; effect thereof
Status: in_force

(a) Allegations that a child is in need of supervision must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

(b) If trial by jury is demanded, the jury shall decide issues of fact raised by the petition and return its verdict as to the truth of the allegations contained in the petition. A finding by the jury that the allegations are true is a determination that judicial intervention is necessary for the best interest and welfare of the child.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-307 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-307
§ 14-6-307. Selection of other agencies
Status: in_force

(a) In order to further the objectives of W.S. 14-6-301 through 14-6-308 , the department or the juvenile court may appoint a local, county or private agency which, acting under supervision, may:

(i) Advise and assist the supervising probation officer with special reference to vocational and technical education services for youth on probation or home leave;

(ii) Maintain liaison with all appropriate municipal, county, state and federal agencies whose services aid in the reintegration of youth into society;

(iii) Assist in programs relating to the social, health and psychological needs of youth under probation supervision or home leave.

(b) Agencies appointed under this section shall not:

(i) Have the power of arrest or the right to execute legal process;

(ii) Receive compensation from the state. At the discretion of the probation officer or juvenile court, however, agencies may be reimbursed for necessary and actual expenses incurred in performing the duties described in this section.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-416 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Section 14-3-416
§ 14-3-416. Appointment of guardian ad litem
Status: in_force

The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for a child who is a party to proceedings under this act if the child has no parent, guardian or custodian appearing in his behalf or if the interests of the parents, guardian or custodian are adverse to the best interest of the child. A party to the proceeding or employee or representative thereof shall not be appointed guardian ad litem for the child.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-608 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-608
§ 14-2-608. Challenge after expiration of period for rescission
Status: in_force

(a) After the period for rescission under W.S. 14-2-607 has expired, a signatory of an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity may commence a proceeding to challenge the acknowledgment or denial only:

(i) On the basis of fraud, duress or material mistake of fact; and

(ii) Within two (2) years after the acknowledgment or denial is filed with the state office of vital records.

(b) A party challenging an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity has the burden of proof.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-203 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Section 14-3-203
§ 14-3-203. Duties of state agency; on-call services
Status: repealed

(a) The state agency shall:

(i) Administer W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-215 ;

(ii) Be responsible for strengthening and improving state and community efforts toward the prevention, identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect in the state; and

(iii) Refer any person or family seeking assistance in meeting child care responsibilities, whether or not the problem presented by the person or family is child abuse or neglect, to appropriate community resources, agencies, services or facilities.

(iv) Repealed by Laws 2005, ch. 236, § 4.

(b) The state agency may contract for assistance in providing on-call services. The assistance may include screening protection calls, making appropriate referrals to law enforcement and the agency, and maintaining a record of calls and referrals. Contractors shall have training in child protection services.

(c) The state agency shall ensure that all child protective service workers are trained:

(i) In the principles of family centered practice that focus on providing services to the entire family to achieve the goals of safety and permanency for children, including balancing the best interests of children with the rights of parents;

(ii) In the duty of the workers to inform the individual subject to a child abuse or neglect allegation, at the earliest opportunity during the initial contact, of the specific complaints or allegations made against the individual;

(iii) Concerning constitutional and statutory rights of children and families from and after the initial time of contact and the worker's legal duty not to violate the constitutional and statutory rights of children and families from and after the initial time of contact;

(iv) To know the state's legal definitions of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, dependency and endangerment;

(v) To know the provisions of federal and state laws governing child welfare practice, including but not limited to the Adoption and Safe Families Act, Indian Child Welfare Act, the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act, Multi-Ethnic Placement Act, the Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Act and the Family First Prevention Services Act, as amended;

(vi) To make reasonable efforts to determine if the person responsible for the welfare of a child in a suspected case of child abuse or neglect is a member of the armed forces or if the child is enrolled in the defense enrollment eligibility reporting system of the United States department of defense.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-707 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-707
§ 14-2-707. Additional genetic testing
Status: in_force

The court or the child support enforcement agency shall order additional genetic testing upon the request of a party who contests the result of the original testing. If the previous genetic testing identified a man as the father of the child under W.S. 14-2-705 , the court or agency may not order additional testing unless the party provides advance payment for the testing.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-5-101 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Section 14-5-101
§ 14-5-101. Compact provisions generally
Status: in_force

The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children is enacted into law and entered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining therein in form substantially as follows:

Article I. Definitions.

As used in this compact:

(a) “Child” means a person who, by reason of minority, is legally subject to parental, guardianship or similar control.

(b) “Sending agency” means a party state, or officer or employee thereof; a subdivision of a party state, or officer or employee thereof; a court of a party state; a person, corporation, association, charitable agency or other entity which sends, brings, or causes to be sent or brought any child to another party state.

(c) “Receiving state” means the state to which a child is sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought, whether by public authorities or private persons or agencies, and whether for placement with state or local public authorities or for placement with private agencies or persons.

(d) “Placement” means the arrangement for the care of a child in a family free or boarding home or in a child-caring agency or institution but does not include any institution caring for the mentally ill, mentally defective or epileptic or any institution primarily educational in character, or a hospital or other medical facility.

Article II. Conditions for Placement.

(a) No sending state shall send, bring, or cause to be sent or brought into any other party state any child for placement in foster care or as a preliminary to a possible adoption unless the sending agency shall comply with each and every requirement set forth in this article and with the applicable laws of the receiving state governing the placement of children therein.

(b) Prior to sending, bringing or causing any child to be sent or brought into a receiving state for placement in foster care or as a preliminary to a possible adoption, the sending agency shall furnish the appropriate public authorities in the receiving state written notice of the intention to send, bring or place the child in the receiving state. The notice shall contain:

(1) The name, date and place of birth of the child.

(2) The identity and address or addresses of the parents or legal guardian.

(3) The name and address of the person, agency or institutions to or with which the sending agency proposes to send, bring, or place the child.

(4) A full statement of the reasons for such proposed action and evidence of the authority pursuant to which the placement is proposed to be made.

(c) Any public officer or agency in a receiving state which is in receipt of a notice pursuant to paragraph (b) of this article may request of the sending agency, or any other appropriate officer or agency of or in the sending agency's state, and shall be entitled to receive therefrom, such supporting or additional information as it may deem necessary under the circumstances to carry out the purpose and policy of this compact.

(d) The child shall not be sent, brought or caused to be sent or brought into the receiving state until the appropriate public authorities in the receiving state shall notify the sending agency, in writing, to the effect that the proposed placement does not appear to be contrary to the interests of the child, or in violation of the law of the receiving state.

Article III. Penalty for Illegal Placement.

The sending, bringing, or causing to be sent or brought into any receiving state of a child in violation of the terms of this compact shall constitute a violation of the laws respecting the placement of children of both the state in which the sending agency is located or from which it sends or brings the child and of the receiving state. Such violation may be punished or subjected to penalty in either jurisdiction in accordance with its laws. In addition to liability for any such punishment or penalty, any such violation shall constitute full and sufficient grounds for the suspension or revocation of any license, permit, or other legal authorization held by the sending agency which empowers or allows it to place, or care for children.

Article IV. Retention of Jurisdiction.

(a) The sending agency shall retain jurisdiction over the child sufficient to determine all matters in relation to the custody, supervision, care, treatment and disposition of the child which it would have had if the child had remained in the sending agency's state, until the child is adopted, reaches majority, becomes self-supporting or is discharged with the concurrence of the appropriate authority in the receiving state. Such jurisdiction shall also include the power to effect or cause the return of the child or its transfer to another location and custody pursuant to law. The sending agency shall continue to have financial responsibility for support and maintenance of the child during the period of the placement. Nothing contained herein shall defeat a claim of jurisdiction by a receiving state sufficient to deal with an act of delinquency or crime committed therein.

(b) When the sending agency is a public agency, it may enter into an agreement with an authorized public or private agency in the receiving state providing for the performance of one or more services in respect of such case by the latter as agent for the sending agency.

(c) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to prevent a private charitable agency authorized to place children in the receiving state from performing services or acting as agent in that state for a private charitable agency of the sending state; nor to prevent the agency in the receiving state from discharging financial responsibility for the support and maintenance of a child who has been placed on behalf of the sending agency without relieving the responsibility set forth in paragraph (a) hereof.

Article V. Institutional Care of Delinquent Children.

A child adjudicated delinquent may be placed in an institution in another party jurisdiction pursuant to this compact but no such placement shall be made unless the child is given a court hearing on notice to the parent or guardian with opportunity to be heard, prior to his being sent to such other party jurisdiction for institutional care and the court finds that:

1. Equivalent facilities for the child are not available in the sending agency's jurisdiction; and

2. Institutional care in the other jurisdiction is in the best interest of the child and will not produce undue hardship.

Article VI. Compact Administrator.

The executive head of each jurisdiction party to this compact shall designate an officer who shall be general coordinator of activities under this compact in his jurisdiction and who, acting jointly with like officers or other party jurisdictions, shall have power to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms and provisions of this compact.

Article VII. Limitations.

This compact shall not apply to:

(a) The sending or bringing of a child into a receiving state by his parents, step-parent, grandparent, adult brother or sister, adult uncle or aunt, or his guardian or the leaving of the child with any such relative or nonagency guardian in the receiving state.

(b) Any placement, sending or bringing of a child into a receiving state pursuant to any other interstate compact to which both the state from which the child is sent or brought and the receiving state are party, or to any other agreement between said states which has the force of law.

Article VIII. Enactment and Withdrawal.

This compact shall be open to joinder by any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and with the consent of congress, the government of Canada or any province thereof. It shall become effective with respect to any such jurisdiction when such jurisdiction has enacted the same into law. Withdrawal from this compact shall be by the enactment of a statute repealing the same, but shall not take effect until two (2) years after the effective date of such statute and until written notice of the withdrawal has been given by the withdrawing state to the governor of each other party jurisdiction. Withdrawal of a party state shall not affect the rights, duties and obligations under this compact of any sending agency therein with respect to a placement made prior to the effective date of withdrawal.

Article IX. Construction and Severability.

The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any party state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state party thereto, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-405 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-405
§ 14-6-405. Taking of child into custody; when permitted
Status: in_force

(a) A child may be taken into custody by a law enforcement officer without a warrant or court order when:

(i) The circumstances would permit an arrest without a warrant under W.S. 7-2-102 ;

(ii) There are reasonable grounds to believe the child has violated the terms of an order of the juvenile court issued pursuant to this act;

(iii) There are reasonable grounds to believe a child is abandoned, lost, suffering from illness or injury or seriously endangered by his surroundings and immediate custody appears to be necessary for his protection;

(iv) The child's conduct or behavior seriously endangers himself and immediate custody appears necessary; or

(v) There are reasonable grounds to believe the child has run away from his parents, guardian or custodian.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-715 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-715
§ 14-6-715. Rulemaking; sunset
Status: repealed

(a) The department of family services shall promulgate all rules necessary to implement this act.

(b) This act is repealed July 1, 2027.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-252 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-252
§ 14-6-252. Sanction level five
Status: in_force

(a) For a child at sanction level five, the juvenile court may:

(i) Commit a child who has attained the age of twelve (12) years to the Wyoming boys' school or the Wyoming girls' school for an indefinite term, provided:

(A) On release of the child from the Wyoming boys' school or the Wyoming girls' school, the juvenile court may:

(I) Impose highly structured restrictions on the child's activities and requirements for behavior of the child as conditions of release under supervision;

(II) Require a probation officer to closely monitor the child for not less than twelve (12) months; and

(III) Impose any other appropriate conditions of supervision.

(ii) Impose any other sanction or condition listed by W.S. 14-6-247 .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-314 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-314
§ 14-6-314. Administrative sanctions for program violations
Status: in_force

(a) The department is authorized to establish by rule and regulation a system of administrative sanctions as an alternative to probation revocation for juvenile probationers who violate the rules and restrictions of an intensive supervision program established under this article.

(b) Authorized sanctions may include:

(i) Loss or restriction of privileges; and

(ii) Community service.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-411 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-411
§ 14-6-411. Complaints alleging child in need of supervision; investigation and determination by district attorney
Status: in_force

(a) Complaints alleging a child is in need of supervision shall be referred to the office of the district attorney. The district attorney shall determine whether the best interest of the child requires that judicial action be taken. The department of family services and the county sheriff shall provide the district attorney with any assistance he may require in making an investigation. The district attorney shall prepare and file a petition with the court if he believes action is necessary to protect the interest of the child.

(b) In determining the action necessary to protect the interest of the public or the child with regard to a petition alleging a child in need of supervision, the prosecuting attorney shall consider the following:

(i) Alternative community programs;

(ii) Mental health counseling services available to the family;

(iii) Family preservation services offered by the department of family services;

(iv) Enforcement of compulsory attendance requirements under W.S. 21-4-101 through 21-4-107 ;

(v) Municipal and circuit court remedies;

(vi) If the child has reached his sixteenth birthday, whether or not the child presents a clear and present danger to himself, his family or the community.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-416 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-416
§ 14-6-416. Appointment of guardian ad litem
Status: in_force

The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for a child who is a party to proceedings under this act if the child has no parent, guardian or custodian appearing in his behalf or if the interests of the parents, guardian or custodian are adverse to the best interest of the child. A party to the proceeding or employee or representative thereof shall not be appointed guardian ad litem for the child.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-211 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Section 14-3-211
§ 14-3-211. Appointment of counsel for child and other parties
Status: in_force

(a) The court shall appoint counsel to represent any child in a court proceeding in which the child is alleged to be abused or neglected. Any attorney representing a child under this section shall also serve as the child's guardian ad litem unless a guardian ad litem has been appointed by the court. The attorney or guardian ad litem shall be charged with representation of the child's best interest.

(b) The court may appoint counsel for any party when necessary in the interest of justice.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-5-105 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Section 14-5-105
§ 14-5-105. Inspection and supervision of children and facilities in other states
Status: in_force

Any requirements for inspection or supervision of children, homes, institutions or other agencies in another party state which apply under W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111 are deemed met if performed pursuant to an agreement entered into by appropriate officers or agencies of this state or a subdivision thereof as specified in article IV (b) of W.S. 14-5-101 and performed by agents of an administrative or governmental agency of another state.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-706 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-706
§ 14-2-706. Costs of genetic testing
Status: in_force

(a) Subject to assessment of costs under article 7 of this act, the cost of initial genetic testing shall be advanced:

(i) By a child support enforcement agency in a proceeding in which the agency is providing services;

(ii) By the individual who made the request;

(iii) As agreed by the parties; or

(iv) As ordered by the court.

(b) In cases in which the cost is advanced by the child support enforcement agency, the agency may seek reimbursement from a man who is rebuttably identified as the father.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-609 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-609
§ 14-2-609. Procedure for rescission or challenge
Status: in_force

(a) Every signatory to an acknowledgment of paternity and any related denial of paternity shall be made a party to a proceeding to rescind or challenge the acknowledgment or denial.

(b) For the purpose of rescission of, or challenge to, an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity, a signatory submits to personal jurisdiction of this state by signing the acknowledgment or denial, effective upon the filing of the document with the state office of vital records.

(c) Except for good cause shown, during the pendency of a proceeding to rescind or challenge an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity, the court may not suspend the legal responsibilities of a signatory arising from the acknowledgment, including the duty to pay child support.

(d) A proceeding to rescind or to challenge an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity shall be conducted in the same manner as a proceeding to adjudicate parentage under article 8 of this act.

(e) At the conclusion of a proceeding to rescind or challenge an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity, the court shall order the state office of vital records to amend the birth record of the child, if appropriate.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-10-101 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 10 / Section 14-10-101
§ 14-10-101. State advisory council on juvenile justice
Status: in_force

(a) There is created within the office of the governor the state advisory council on juvenile justice. The advisory council shall consist of not less than fifteen (15) members appointed by the governor representing each judicial district. Each member shall serve a three (3) year term. The advisory council shall be made up of members having training, experience or special knowledge concerning the prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency or the administration of juvenile justice.

(b) The governor may remove any member of the advisory council as provided in W.S. 9-1-202 .

(c) Vacancies on the advisory council shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term.

(d) The advisory council may meet four (4) or more times each year.

(e) Members of the advisory council shall not receive compensation for their services, but when actually engaged in the performance of their duties, they shall receive travel expenses, per diem and mileage expenses in the same manner and amount as employees of the state.

(f) The advisory council shall:

(i) Advise the governor in the development and review of the state's juvenile justice planning;

(ii) Assist communities in the formation of community juvenile services boards;

(iii) Make recommendation for an equitable funding formula for distribution of funds to community juvenile service boards;

(iv) Be afforded the opportunity to review and comment on all juvenile justice, delinquency prevention and juvenile services grant applications prepared for submission under any federal grant program by any governmental entity of the state;

(v) Review the progress and accomplishments of state and local juvenile justice, delinquency prevention and juvenile services projects;

(vi) At the direction of the governor, assist communities to collect, compile and distribute data relating to juvenile justice, delinquency prevention and juvenile services, including but not limited to, an inventory of programs and services available in each county of the state. The council shall then identify and make recommendations with regard to areas for which an unfulfilled need for services or programs exists;

(vii) Develop recommendations concerning establishments of priorities and needed improvements with respect to juvenile justice, delinquency prevention and juvenile services and report its recommendations to the governor and joint judiciary interim committee annually, on or before December 31;

(viii) Review and analyze the proposed budget for each entity of state government which utilizes state or federal funds to administer or provide juvenile justice programs and services and make recommendations to the governor; and

(ix) Coordinate the efficient and effective development and enhancement of state, local and regional juvenile justice programs.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-11-107 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 11 / Section 14-11-107
§ 14-11-107. Authority of department of family services to promulgate rules and regulations
Status: in_force

The department of family services may promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this act. The rules and regulations shall specify conditions and qualifications for safe haven providers in rural areas of the state that do not have a safe haven provider as defined in W.S. 14-11-102(a)(vii)(A), (B) or (C) .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-704 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-704
§ 14-6-704. Pending court proceedings
Status: in_force

(a) In any involuntary proceeding in a state court where the court knows or has reason to know that an Indian child is involved, the party seeking the shelter care placement of, or termination of parental rights to, an Indian child shall notify the parent or Indian custodian and the Indian child's tribe, by registered mail with return receipt requested, of the pending proceedings and of their right to intervention under this act. If the identity or location of the parent or Indian custodian and the tribe cannot be determined, notice shall be given to the United States secretary of the interior. No shelter care placement or termination of parental rights proceeding shall be held until at least ten (10) days after receipt of the notice by the parent or Indian custodian and the tribe or the secretary of the interior. A parent, Indian custodian or the tribe shall, upon request to the state court, be granted not more than twenty (20) additional days to prepare for a shelter care placement or parental rights termination proceeding.

(b) In any case in which a state court determines indigency, the parent or Indian custodian shall have the right to court-appointed counsel in any shelter care placement or termination proceeding. The court may, in its discretion, appoint counsel for the child upon a finding that the appointment is in the child's best interests.

(c) Each party to a shelter care placement or termination of parental rights proceeding under state law involving an Indian child shall have the right to examine all reports or other documents filed with the court upon which any decision with respect to the action may be based.

(d) Any party seeking to establish a shelter care placement of, or termination of parental rights to, an Indian child under state law shall establish to the court's satisfaction that active efforts have been made to provide remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent the breakup of the Indian family and that these efforts have proved unsuccessful.

(e) No shelter care placement of an Indian child shall be ordered in a proceeding unless the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that the continued custody of the child by the parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child.

(f) No termination of parental rights over an Indian child shall be ordered unless the court determines beyond a reasonable doubt that the continued custody of the child by the parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child.

(g) For purposes of subsections (e) and (f) of this section, the testimony of qualified expert witnesses may be used to meet the evidentiary burden specified in those subsections.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-407 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-407
§ 14-2-407. Severability clause
Status: in_force

If any provision of this act or its application to an individual or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this act are severable.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-1007 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-1007
§ 14-2-1007. Best interests of a child
Status: in_force

The department shall not take any action authorized by this article and W.S. 42-4-122 if the department determines that the action would not be in the best interests of a child.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-408 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-408
§ 14-6-408. Notice of detention or shelter care to be given district attorney; written statement required; duty of district attorney
Status: in_force

(a) When a child is taken into custody without a court order and is placed in detention or shelter care, the person taking custody of the child shall notify the district attorney without delay. Also the person shall as soon as possible file a brief written statement with the district attorney setting forth the facts which led to taking the child into custody and the reason why the child was not released.

(b) Upon receiving notice that a child is being held in detention or shelter care, the district attorney shall immediately review the need for detention or shelter care and may order the child released unless he determines detention or shelter care is necessary under the provisions of W.S. 14-6-406(a) or unless ordered by the court.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-226 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-226
§ 14-6-226. Initial appearance; adjudicatory or transfer hearing; entry of decree and disposition; evidentiary matters; continuance of disposition hearing
Status: repealed

(a) At their initial hearing, which may be held after a detention or shelter care hearing or a transfer hearing, the child and his parents, guardian or custodian shall be advised by the court of their rights under law and as provided in this act. They shall also be advised of the specific allegations in the petition and given an opportunity to admit or deny them, unless motion is made to the court to transfer the allegations of delinquency against the minor to another court. They shall also be advised of the possible liability for costs of treatment or services pursuant to this act or W.S. 25-11-101 through 25-11-108 . It is not necessary at the initial appearance for the district attorney to establish probable cause to believe the allegations in the petition are true. When a detention or shelter care hearing is held in accordance with W.S. 14-6-209 , a separate initial hearing is not required if the child and his parents, guardian or custodian were present at the detention or shelter care hearing and advised by the court as provided in this subsection.

(b) If the allegations of the petition are denied, the court may, with consent of the parties, proceed immediately to hear evidence on the petition or it may set a later time not to exceed sixty (60) days for an adjudicatory or a transfer hearing, unless the court finds good cause to delay or postpone the hearing. In no case shall the court hold the adjudicatory hearing more than ninety (90) days after the date the petition is filed. Only competent, relevant and material evidence shall be admissible at an adjudicatory hearing to determine the truth of the allegations in the petition. If after an adjudicatory hearing the court finds that the allegations in the petition are not established as required by this act, it shall dismiss the petition and order the child released from any detention or shelter care.

(c) If after an adjudicatory hearing or a valid admission or confession the court or jury finds that a child committed the acts alleging him delinquent, it shall enter a decree to that effect stating the jurisdictional facts upon which the decree is based. It may then proceed immediately or at a postponed hearing within sixty (60) days to make proper disposition of the child, unless the court finds good cause to delay or postpone the hearing.

(d) In detention or shelter care hearings, disposition hearings or transfer hearings, all material and relevant evidence helpful in determining questions may be received by the court and relied upon for probative value. The parties or their counsel may examine and controvert written reports received as evidence and cross-examine persons making the reports.

(e) On motion of any party or on its own motion, the court may continue a disposition hearing for a reasonable time not to exceed sixty (60) days to receive reports and other evidence bearing on the disposition to be made. The court shall make an appropriate order for detention or shelter care of the child or for his release from detention or shelter care subject to any terms and conditions the court deems necessary during the period of continuance.

(f) At any time prior to disposition under W.S. 14-6-229 , the court, on motion of any party or on its own motion, may reconsider its order regarding detention, shelter care or conditions of release made under W.S. 14-6-209(d) or 14-6-214(e) .

(g) Repealed by Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-432 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Section 14-3-432
§ 14-3-432. Appeal; right generally; transcript provided; cost thereof
Status: in_force

(a) Any party including the state may appeal any final order, judgment or decree of the juvenile court to the supreme court within the time and in the manner provided by the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure.

(b) Upon motion of the child's parents, guardian or custodian, supported by affidavit stating they are financially unable to purchase a transcript of the proceeding, a transcript or so much thereof necessary to support the appeal shall be provided at no cost or at a cost the court determines they are able to pay. Any cost of the transcript not charged to the appellant shall be certified by the court to the county treasurer and paid from the funds of the county in which the proceedings were held.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-4-110 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 4 / Section 14-4-110
§ 14-4-110. Enjoining operations in violation
Status: in_force

Any person may be enjoined from operating a child caring facility for violating any provision within W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111 .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-206 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Section 14-3-206
§ 14-3-206. Child abuse or neglect; written report; statewide reporting center; documentation and examination; costs and admissibility thereof
Status: in_force

(a) Reports of child abuse or neglect or of suspected child abuse or neglect made to the local child protective agency or local law enforcement agency shall be:

(i) Conveyed immediately by the agency receiving the report to the appropriate local child protective agency or local law enforcement agency and, if the person responsible for the welfare of a child is a member of the armed forces or if the child is enrolled in the defense enrollment eligibility reporting system of the United States department of defense, to the state judge advocate for the Wyoming military department. The agencies shall continue cooperating and coordinating with each other during the assessment or investigation; and

(ii) Followed by a written report by the receiving agency confirming or not confirming the facts reported. The report shall provide to law enforcement, the local child protective agency and the state judge advocate for the Wyoming military department when appropriate, the following, to the extent available:

(A) The name, age and address of the child;

(B) The name and address of any person responsible for the child's care;

(C) The nature and extent of the child's condition;

(D) The basis of the reporter's knowledge;

(E) The names and conditions of any other children relevant to the report;

(F) Any evidence of previous injuries to the child;

(G) Photographs, videos and x-rays with the identification of the person who created the evidence and the date the evidence was created; and

(H) Any other relevant information.

(b) The state agency may establish and maintain a statewide reporting center to receive reports of child abuse or neglect on a twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) day week, toll free telephone number. Upon establishment of the service, all reports of child abuse or neglect may be made to the center which shall transfer the reports to the appropriate local child protective agency.

(c) Any person investigating, examining or treating suspected child abuse or neglect may document evidence of child abuse or neglect to the extent allowed by law by having photographs taken or causing x-rays to be made of the areas of trauma visible on a child who is the subject of the report or who is subject to a report. The reasonable cost of the photographs or x-rays shall be reimbursed by the appropriate local child protective agency. All photographs, x-rays or copies thereof shall be sent to the local child protective agency, admissible as evidence in any civil proceeding relating to child abuse or neglect, and shall state:

(i) The name of the subject;

(ii) The name, address and telephone number of the person taking the photographs or x-rays; and

(iii) The date and place they were taken.

(d) Any physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner examining a child and finding reasonable cause to believe the child is a victim of child abuse or neglect and having reasonable cause to believe that other children residing in the same home may also be a victim of child abuse or neglect shall report to law enforcement the results of the examination and facts supporting reasonable cause with respect to the other child or children. Law enforcement may then bring any other child residing in the same home to a physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner for examination. The examination shall take place within twenty-four (24) hours. Any physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner or law enforcement officer denied access to a child for the purposes of examination under this subsection may seek an appropriate court order by ex parte proceedings or other appropriate proceedings to provide for the examination. After receiving the timely results of the examination, the examining physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner or law enforcement officer shall consider whether temporary protective custody is necessary under W.S. 14-3-405 .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-907 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-907
§ 14-2-907. Parental status of deceased individual
Status: in_force

If an individual who consented in a record to be a parent by assisted reproduction dies before placement of eggs, sperm or embryos, the deceased individual is not a parent of the resulting child unless the deceased individual consented in a record that if assisted reproduction were to occur after death, the deceased individual would be a parent of the child.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-425 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Section 14-3-425
§ 14-3-425. Burden of proof required; verdict of jury; effect thereof
Status: in_force

(a) Allegations of conduct showing a child to be neglected must be proved by a preponderance of the evidence.

(b) If trial by jury is demanded, the jury shall decide issues of fact raised by the petition and return its verdict as to the truth of the allegations contained in the petition. A finding by the jury that the allegations are true is a determination that judicial intervention is necessary for the best interest and welfare of the child.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-239 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-239
§ 14-6-239. Records and reports confidential; inspection
Status: repealed

(a) Throughout proceedings pursuant to this act the court shall safeguard the records from disclosure. Upon completion of the proceedings, whether or not there is an adjudication, the court shall order the entire file, except for child support orders, and record of the proceeding sealed and the court shall not release these records except as provided in W.S. 14-6-203(g) or 14-6-240 , unless there has been an adjudication of a delinquent act and except to the extent necessary to meet the following inquiries:

(i) From another court of law;

(ii) From an agency preparing a presentence report for another court;

(iii) From a party to the proceeding;

(iv) From the department of family services for purposes of establishing, modifying or enforcing a support obligation.

(b) Upon receipt of inquiries as set out in this section, the court may release a copy of the presentence investigation report together with a cover letter stating the disposition of the proceeding.

(c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 154, § 2.

(d) Nothing in subsection (a) of this section shall limit the disclosure of records authorized by W.S. 7-19-504 .

(d) Nothing in subsection (a) of this section shall limit the disclosure of records authorized by W.S. 14-6-604 .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-403 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-403
§ 14-2-403. Scope of act; choice of law
Status: in_force

(a) This act applies to every determination of parentage in this state.

(b) The court shall apply the law of this state to adjudicate the parent-child relationship. The applicable law does not depend on:

(i) The place of birth of the child; or

(ii) The past or present residence of the child.

(c) This act does not create, enlarge or diminish parental rights or duties under other law of this state.

(d) This act does not authorize or prohibit an agreement between a woman and a man and another woman in which the woman relinquishes all rights as a parent of a child conceived by means of assisted reproduction, and which provides that the man and the other woman become the parents of the child. If a birth results under such an agreement and the agreement is unenforceable under Wyoming law, the parent-child relationship is determined as provided in article 4 of this act.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-601 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-601
§ 14-2-601. Acknowledgment of paternity
Status: in_force

(a) The mother of a child and a man claiming to be the genetic father of the child may sign an acknowledgment of paternity with intent to establish the man's paternity.

(b) An acknowledgment of paternity of a child born in Wyoming may be filed with the state office of vital records.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-218 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-218
§ 14-6-218. Search warrant; when authorized; affidavit required; contents of affidavit and warrant; service and return
Status: repealed

(a) The court or a commissioner may issue a search warrant within the court's jurisdiction if it appears by application supported by affidavit of one (1) or more adults that there is probable cause to believe a child has committed a delinquent act and the child is in hiding to avoid service of process or being taken into custody, or it appears by application supported by affidavit of one (1) or more adults that there is probable cause to believe a child has committed a delinquent act.

(b) The affidavit shall be in writing, signed and affirmed by the affiant. The affidavit shall set forth:

(i) The name and age of the child sought, provided that if the name or age of the child is unknown the affidavit shall set forth a description of the child sufficient to identify him with reasonable certainty and a statement that the affiant believes the child is of age to come within the provisions of this act; and

(ii) The affiant's belief that the child sought has committed a delinquent act and is in hiding to avoid service of process or being taken into custody, and a statement of the facts upon which the belief is based.

(iii) Repealed by Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3.

(c) The warrant may be directed to any law enforcement officer of the county or municipality in which the place or premises to be searched is located. The warrant shall:

(i) Name or describe the child sought;

(ii) Name the address or location and describe the place or premises to be searched;

(iii) State the grounds for issuance of the warrant;

(iv) Name the person or persons whose affidavit has been taken in support of the warrant; and

(v) Authorize the officer to whom the warrant is directed to conduct the search and instruct him as to the disposition of the child if found, pending further proceedings by the court.

(d) The officer making the search may enter the place or premises described in the warrant at any time with force if necessary, in order to remove the child or to obtain evidence that a delinquent act has been committed. The officer conducting the search shall serve a copy of the warrant upon the person in possession of the place or premises searched and shall return the original warrant to the court showing his actions in the premises.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-4-109 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 4 / Section 14-4-109
§ 14-4-109. Denial of certification; notice and hearing; appeal
Status: in_force

(a) Upon receiving a notice of denial of certification, any applicant may request a hearing with the board of review by serving proper notice to the certifying authority. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act.

(b) Any applicant may appeal to the district court for review of the decision of the board of review as provided by the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-4-205 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 4 / Section 14-4-205
§ 14-4-205. Technical assistance and business management assistance; quality support; family strengthening program
Status: in_force

(a) Quality support payments may be made available to facilities through a competitive process to provide quality care for infants or other children whose care may otherwise be difficult to obtain in the community. Grants shall be awarded as follows:

(i) Repayment shall be required if the facility closes the business within one (1) year after receiving the grant or if the facility fails to comply with any provision of the grant;

(ii) Grant requests for increasing capacity shall only be awarded to existing licensed facilities that are at a quality level of three (3) or higher in the quality rating system;

(iii) Quality support grants shall not be used for capital construction or purchase of land or buildings;

(iv) Grants to any one (1) facility shall not exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) per child.

(b) The department shall provide technical assistance to facilities on best practices for quality operational improvements and business management services of child caring facilities.

(c) The department of health shall contract for delivery of voluntary family strengthening educational programs to promote family involvement in children's development.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-808 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-808
§ 14-2-808. Authority to deny motion for genetic testing
Status: in_force

(a) In a proceeding to adjudicate the parentage of a child having a presumed father or to challenge the paternity of a child having an acknowledged father, the court may deny a motion seeking an order for genetic testing of the mother, the child and the presumed or acknowledged father if the court determines that:

(i) The conduct of the mother or the presumed or acknowledged father estops that party from denying parentage; and

(ii) It would be inequitable to disprove the father-child relationship between the child and the presumed or acknowledged father.

(b) In determining whether to deny a motion seeking an order for genetic testing under this section, the court shall consider the best interest of the child, including the following factors:

(i) The length of time between the proceeding to adjudicate parentage and the time that the presumed or acknowledged father was placed on notice that he might not be the genetic father;

(ii) The length of time during which the presumed or acknowledged father has assumed the role of father of the child;

(iii) The facts surrounding the presumed or acknowledged father's discovery of his possible nonpaternity;

(iv) The nature of the relationship between the child and the presumed or acknowledged father;

(v) The age of the child;

(vi) The harm that may result to the child if presumed or acknowledged paternity is successfully disproved;

(vii) The nature of the relationship between the child and any alleged father;

(viii) The extent to which the passage of time reduces the chances of establishing the paternity of another man and a child support obligation in favor of the child; and

(ix) Other factors that may affect the equities arising from the disruption of the father-child relationship between the child and the presumed or acknowledged father or the chance of other harm to the child.

(c) In a proceeding involving the application of this section, a minor or incapacitated child shall be represented by a guardian ad litem.

(d) Denial of a motion seeking an order for genetic testing shall be based on clear and convincing evidence.

(e) If the court denies a motion seeking an order for genetic testing, it shall issue an order adjudicating the presumed father to be the father of the child.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-1-101 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 1 / Section 14-1-101
§ 14-1-101. Age of majority; rights on emancipation
Status: in_force

(a) Upon becoming eighteen (18) years of age, an individual reaches the age of majority and as an adult acquires all rights and responsibilities granted or imposed by statute or common law, except as otherwise provided by law.

(b) A minor may consent to health care treatment to the same extent as if he were an adult when any one (1) or more of the following circumstances apply:

(i) The minor is or was legally married;

(ii) The minor is in the active military service of the United States;

(iii) The parents or guardian of the minor cannot with reasonable diligence be located and the minor's need for health care treatment is sufficiently urgent to require immediate attention;

(iv) The minor is living apart from his parents or guardian and is managing his own affairs regardless of his source of income;

(v) The minor is emancipated under W.S. 14-1-201 through 14-1-206 ;

(vi) The minor is twelve (12) years of age or older, is a smoker or user of tobacco products and the health care to which the minor consents is a tobacco cessation program approved by the department of health pursuant to W.S. 9-4-1204 .

(c) The consent given pursuant to subsection (b) of this section is not subject to disaffirmance because of minority.

(d) Any competent adult may enter into a binding contract and shall be legally responsible therefor.

(e) A person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age may consent to donate and may donate blood.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-9-108 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 9 / Section 14-9-108
§ 14-9-108. Grant eligibility; allocation of funds
Status: repealed

(a) To qualify for a grant under this act, an applicant shall:

(i) Be created as a community board as provided by W.S. 14-9-105 or be a board of county commissioners which has appointed an advisory board in accordance with W.S. 14-9-105(b) ;

(ii) Submit a grant application;

(iii) Receive certification from the department of family services that the strategic plan developed by the community board or county addresses the purposes of this act;

(iv) Develop a system for:

(A) Central intake and assessment of juveniles with an initial point of contact established within the community;

(B) The development or adoption of criteria for juvenile diversion, short-term detention and longer-term shelter care services, including standards for assessments, admissions, twenty-four (24) hour intakes, predispositional detentions and shelter care standards;

(C) The development of a continuum of nonsecure services, including early intervention, diversion, community service and other sanctions which may include citations, counseling, parenting education, day treatment and aftercare following twenty-four (24) hour placements; and

(D) The identification of other funding sources for local juvenile services.

(b) Repealed by Laws 1998, Sp. & Bud. Sess., ch. 8, § 2.

(c) For grants awarded to community boards, services for juveniles under this section shall be paid cooperatively by the departments of family services, health and education to the providers of those services. For grants awarded to counties acting with an advisory board, services shall be paid by the county from grant funds provided to the county.

(d) Systems approved by the department under this section shall provide for confidential proceedings and records.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-410 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Section 14-3-410
§ 14-3-410. Shelter care hearing conducted by commissioner; authority and duty; review by court
Status: in_force

(a) In the absence or incapacity of the judge, the shelter care hearing may be conducted by a district court commissioner of the county in which the child is being held in shelter care.

(b) The commissioner may make any order concerning the child's release or continued shelter care as authorized to the judge under W.S. 14-3-409 . If the child is not released after the hearing, the commissioner shall promptly file with the court a complete written resume of the evidence adduced at the hearing and his reasons for not releasing the child. The commissioner shall conduct the hearing pursuant to W.S. 14-3-409 . The hearing shall be conducted in the presence of counsel and guardian ad litem, if so appointed. The commissioner may also appoint counsel, appoint a guardian ad litem, order a predisposition report, appoint a multidisciplinary team, issue subpoenas or search warrants, order physical or medical examinations and authorize emergency medical, surgical or dental treatment all as provided in this act. The commissioner shall not make final orders of adjudication or disposition.

(c) The court shall review the reports, orders and actions of the commissioner as soon as reasonably possible and confirm or modify the commissioner's orders and actions as it deems appropriate.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-319 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-319
§ 14-2-319. Determination of indigency; recovery of payment
Status: in_force

(a) In determining whether a person is an indigent party for purposes of W.S. 14-2-318 , the court shall consider in addition to any other relevant factors the person's income, property owned, outstanding obligations and the number and ages of his dependents. In each case the person, subject to the penalties for perjury, shall certify in writing, or by other record, material facts relating to his ability to pay as the court prescribes.

(b) To the extent that an indigent party is able to provide for an attorney or for other expenses incurred in defense of an action brought under this act, the court may order that he make payment within a specified period of time or in specified installments.

(c) Within eight (8) years after the date the services were rendered, the attorney general may sue on behalf of the state to recover payment or reimbursement from each person who has received legal assistance or another benefit under this act:

(i) To which he was not entitled;

(ii) With respect to which he was not an indigent person when he received it; or

(iii) With respect to which he has failed to make the certification required by subsection (a) of this section.

(d) Within three (3) years after the date the services were rendered, the attorney general may sue on behalf of the state to recover payment or reimbursement from each person other than a person covered by subsection (c) of this section who:

(i) Has received legal assistance or other benefit under this act; and

(ii) On the date on which suit is brought is financially able to pay or reimburse the state for all or part of the legal assistance or other benefit according to the standards of ability to pay applicable under this act but refuses to do so.

(e) Amounts recovered under this section shall be remitted to the general fund.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-414 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-414
§ 14-6-414. Service of process; order of custody
Status: in_force

(a) In proceedings under this act, service of order to appear or other process within the state shall be made by the sheriff of the county where service is made, by his undersheriff or deputy or by any law enforcement officer or responsible adult not a party to the proceeding and appointed by the clerk.

(b) Within the state, service of order to appear is made by personally delivering a copy of the order together with a copy of the petition to the person ordered to appear, provided that parents of a child may both be served by personally delivering to either parent two (2) copies of the order and petition, one (1) copy for each parent. A child under the age of fourteen (14) years is served by delivering a copy of the order together with a copy of the petition to the child's parents, guardian, custodian or other adult having the actual physical custody and control of the child or to a guardian ad litem or attorney appointed for the child.

(c) If it appears to the court by affidavit that the parents, guardian or custodian of the child cannot be found within the state, the court may order personal service outside the state or service by certified mail with return receipt requested signed by addressee only. If the address of the child's parents, guardian or custodian is unknown and cannot with reasonable diligence be ascertained, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child and to receive service of process.

(d) Service by certified mail is complete on the date the clerk receives the return receipt signed by addressee. Personal service either within or outside the state is complete on the date when copies of the order to appear and petition are delivered to the person to be served.

(e) When personal service of order to appear is made within the state, service shall be completed not less than two (2) days before the hearing and when made outside the state, service shall be completed not less than five (5) days before the hearing. However, notwithstanding any provision within this act, the court may order that a child be taken into custody as provided in W.S. 14-6-413 or that a child be held in detention or shelter care pending further proceedings as provided in W.S. 14-6-409 , even though service of order to appear on the parents, guardian or custodian of the child is not complete at the time of making the order.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-11-104 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 11 / Section 14-11-104
§ 14-11-104. Newborn child identity
Status: in_force

Unless reliable and sufficient identifying information relating to the newborn child has been provided, the department of family services shall work with law enforcement agencies in an effort to ensure that the newborn child has not been identified as a missing child.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-440 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Section 14-3-440
§ 14-3-440. Reasonable efforts for family reunification; exceptions
Status: repealed

(a) Except as provided in W.S. 14-2-309(b) or (c) , reasonable efforts shall be made to preserve and reunify the family:

(i) Prior to placement of the child outside the home, to prevent or eliminate the need for removing the child from the child's home; and

(ii) To make it possible for the child to safely return to the child's home.

(b) In determining what reasonable efforts shall be made with respect to a child and in making those reasonable efforts, the child's health and safety shall be the paramount concern.

(c) Reasonable efforts to place a child for adoption or with a legal guardian may be made concurrently with the reasonable efforts described in subsection (a) of this section.

(d) If continuation of reasonable efforts described in subsection (a) of this section is determined to be inconsistent with the permanency plan for the child, reasonable efforts shall be made for placement of the child in a timely manner in accordance with the permanency plan, and to complete the steps necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child.

(e) Reasonable efforts determinations shall include whether or not services to the family have been accessible, available and appropriate.

(f) The court shall make the reasonable efforts determinations required under this section at every court hearing. The reasonable efforts determinations shall be documented in the court's orders.

(g) If the court determines as provided in W.S. 14-2-309(a)(vi) , (b) or (c) that reasonable efforts to preserve and reunify the family are not required:

(i) A permanency hearing as provided in W.S. 14-3-431(e) shall be held for the child within thirty (30) days after the determination; and

(ii) Reasonable efforts shall 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.

(h) Repealed by Laws 2005, ch. 201, § 2.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-232 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-232
§ 14-6-232. Probation revocation hearing; how commenced and conducted; contents of petition; disposition
Status: repealed

(a) A child on probation incident to an adjudication of his delinquency who commits a new delinquent act or violates the terms and conditions of his probation may be proceeded against in a probation revocation hearing.

(b) A proceeding to revoke probation shall be commenced by a petition designated as “A Petition to Revoke Probation” and shall be heard by the court without a jury. The petition shall:

(i) Be reviewed and prepared by the district attorney in the same manner and shall contain the same information as required by W.S. 14-6-212 ;

(ii) Set forth the date when the child was placed on probation and the time and manner in which notice of the terms of probation were given; and

(iii) Be served together with an order to appear on all parties having an interest in the proceedings as provided in W.S. 14-6-213 .

(c) If a child is found to have violated the terms of the child's probation, the court may amend the terms and conditions of the probation order, extend the period of probation or make any other order of disposition specified in W.S. 14-6-229(d) .

(i), (ii) Repealed by Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-822 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-822
§ 14-2-822. Order adjudicating parentage
Status: in_force

(a) The court shall issue an order adjudicating whether a man alleged or claiming to be the father is the parent of the child.

(b) An order adjudicating parentage shall identify the child by name and date of birth.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section, the court may assess filing fees, reasonable attorney's fees, fees for genetic testing, necessary travel and other reasonable expenses incurred in a proceeding under this article. The court may award attorney's fees, which may be paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's own name.

(d) The court may not assess fees, costs or expenses against the child support enforcement agency of this state or another state, except as provided by other law.

(e) On request of a party and for good cause shown, the court may order that the name of the child be changed.

(f) If the order of the court is at variance with the child's birth certificate, the court shall order the state office of vital records to issue an amended birth certificate.

(g) Upon a sufficient showing by the department of family services that birth costs were paid by medical assistance within the preceding five (5) years, the court shall include a requirement in an order adjudicating parentage that the father pay birth costs to the department in the manner set forth in W.S. 14-2-1004 . Failure of the department to make a sufficient showing under this subsection shall not preclude the department from subsequently seeking recovery in any other manner authorized by law.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-201 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-201
§ 14-6-201. Definitions; short title; statement of purpose and interpretation
Status: repealed

(a) As used in this act:

(i) “Adjudication” means a finding by the court or the jury, incorporated in a decree, as to the truth of the facts alleged in the petition;

(ii) “Adult” means an individual who has attained the age of majority;

(iii) “Child” means an individual who is under the age of majority;

(iv) Repealed by Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3.

(v) “Clerk” means the clerk of a district court acting as the clerk of a juvenile court;

(vi) “Commissioner” means a district court commissioner;

(vii) “Court” means the juvenile court established by W.S. 5-8-101 ;

(viii) “Custodian” means a person, institution or agency responsible for the child's welfare and having legal custody of a child by court order or having actual physical custody and control of a child and acting in loco parentis;

(ix) “Delinquent act” means an act punishable as a criminal offense by the laws of this state or any political subdivision thereof, or contempt of court under W.S. 14-6-242 , or an act violating the terms and conditions of any court order which resulted from the criminal conviction of any child but does not include a status offense;

(x) “Delinquent child” means a child who has committed a delinquent act;

(xi) “Deprivation of custody” means transfer of legal custody by the court from a parent or previous legal custodian to another person, agency, organization or institution;

(xii) “ Detention ” means the temporary care of a child in physically restricting facilities pending court disposition or the execution of a court order to place or commit a child to a juvenile detention facility;

(xiii) “Judge” means the judge of the juvenile court;

(xiv) “ Legal custody ” means as defined in W.S. 14-3-402(a)(x) ;

(xv) “Minor” means an individual who is under the age of majority;

(xvi) Repealed by Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3.

(xvii) “ Parent ” means either a natural or adoptive parent of the child, a person adjudged the parent of the child in judicial proceedings or a man presumed to be the father under W.S. 14-2-504 ;

(xviii) “Parties” include the child, his parents, guardian or custodian, the state of Wyoming and any other person made a party by an order to appear, or named by the juvenile court;

(xix) “ Probation ” means a legal status created by court order following an adjudication of delinquency or of a status offense where a child is permitted to remain in his home subject to supervision by a city or county probation officer, the department or other qualified private organization the court may designate. A child is subject to return to the court for violation of the terms or conditions of probation provided for in the court order;

(xx) Repealed by Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3.

(xxi) “Residual parental rights and duties” means those rights and duties remaining with the parents after custody, guardianship of the person or both have been vested in another person, agency or institution. Residual parental rights and duties include but are not limited to:

(A) The duty to support and provide necessities of life;

(B) The right to consent to adoption;

(C) The right to reasonable visitation unless restricted or prohibited by court order;

(D) The right to determine the minor's religious affiliation; and

(E) The right to petition on behalf of the minor.

(xxii) “Shelter care” means the temporary care of a child in physically unrestricting facilities pending court disposition or execution of a court order for placement or commitment;

(xxiii) “Status offense” means an offense which, if committed by an adult, would not constitute an act punishable as a criminal offense by the laws of this state or a violation of a municipal ordinance, but does not include a violation of W.S. 12-6-101(b) or (c) or any similar municipal ordinance;

(xxiv) “ Juvenile detention facility ” means any facility which may legally and physically restrict and house a child, other than the Wyoming boys' school, the Wyoming girls' school, the Wyoming state hospital or other private or public psychiatric facility within the state of Wyoming. “Juvenile detention facility” does not include any residential treatment facility which is operated for the primary purpose of providing treatment to a child. A juvenile detention facility may be housed within an adult jail or correction facility if the facility otherwise meets the requirements of state law;

(xxv) “Department” means the Wyoming department of family services;

(xxvi) “ Another planned permanent living arrangement ” means a permanency plan for youth sixteen (16) years of age or older other than reunification, adoption, legal guardianship or placement with a fit and willing relative;

(xxvii) “ Qualified individual ” means a person who meets the requirements of 42 U.S.C. § 675a(c)(1)(D) ;

(xxviii) “ Qualified residential treatment program ” means a program that meets the requirements of 42 U.S.C. § 672(k)(4) ;

(xxix) “ This act ” means W.S. 14-6-201 through 14-6-252 .

(b) This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Juvenile Justice Act”.

(c) This act shall be construed to effectuate the following public purposes:

(i) To provide for the best interests of the child and the protection of the public and public safety;

(ii) Consistent with the best interests of the child and the protection of the public and public safety:

(A) To promote the concept of punishment for criminal acts while recognizing and distinguishing the behavior of children who have been victimized or have disabilities, such as serious mental illness that requires treatment or children with a cognitive impairment that requires services;

(B) To remove, where appropriate, the taint of criminality from children committing certain unlawful acts; and

(C) To provide treatment, training and rehabilitation that emphasizes the accountability and responsibility of both the parent and the child for the child's conduct, reduces recidivism and helps children to become functioning and contributing adults.

(iii) To provide for the care, the protection and the wholesome moral, mental and physical development of children within the community whenever possible using the least restrictive and most appropriate interventions;

(iv) To be flexible and innovative and encourage coordination at the community level to reduce the commission of unlawful acts by children;

(v) To achieve the foregoing purposes in a family environment whenever possible, separating the child from the child's parents only when necessary for the child's welfare or in the interest of public safety and when a child is removed from the child's family, to ensure that individual needs will control placement and provide the child the care that should be provided by parents; and

(vi) To provide a simple judicial procedure through which the provisions of this act are executed and enforced and in which the parties are assured a fair and timely hearing and their constitutional and other legal rights recognized and enforced.

(d) If a child or minor alleged to have committed a delinquent act is an Indian child as defined by W.S. 14-6-702(a)(iv) , the court and all parties shall comply with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act to the extent that the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act applies to the Indian child alleged to have committed a delinquent act. If any provision of this act conflicts with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act for addressing an allegation of a delinquent act committed by an Indian child, the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act shall control.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-9-104 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 9 / Section 14-9-104
§ 14-9-104. Account created
Status: in_force

There is created the juvenile services block grant account into which shall be deposited all funds appropriated by the legislature for the purposes of this act.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-233 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-233
§ 14-6-233. Appeal; right generally; transcript provided; cost thereof
Status: in_force

(a) Any party including the state may appeal any final order, judgment or decree of the juvenile court to the supreme court within the time and in the manner provided by the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure.

(b) Upon motion of the child or his parents, guardian or custodian, supported by affidavit stating they are financially unable to purchase a transcript of the proceeding, a transcript or so much thereof necessary to support the appeal shall be provided at no cost or at a cost the court determines they are able to pay. Any cost of the transcript not charged to the appellant shall be certified by the court to the county treasurer and paid from the funds of the county in which the proceedings were held.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-702 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-702
§ 14-6-702. Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this act:

(i) “ Child custody proceeding ” means any action concerning the custody or care of an Indian child, including a shelter care placement, the termination of parental rights, preadoptive placement or adoptive placement. “Child custody proceeding” shall not include a placement based upon an act that, if committed by an adult, would be deemed a crime and shall not include an award of custody to a parent in a divorce proceeding;

(ii) “ Extended family member ” means as defined by the law or custom of the Indian child's tribe. In the absence of tribal law or custom, “ extended family member ” means a person who has reached age eighteen (18) and who is the Indian child's grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece, nephew, first cousin, second cousin or stepparent;

(iii) “ Indian ” means a person who is a member of an Indian tribe, or who is an Alaska native and a member of a regional corporation as defined in section 7 of the federal Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act;

(iv) “ Indian child ” means any unmarried person under age eighteen (18) and is either:

(A) A member of an Indian tribe; or

(B) Is eligible for membership in an Indian tribe and is the biological child of a member of an Indian tribe.

(v) “ Indian child's tribe ” means the Indian tribe in which an Indian child is a member or eligible for membership or, in the case of an Indian child who is a member of or eligible for membership in more than one (1) tribe, the Indian tribe with which the Indian child has the more significant contacts;

(vi) “ Indian custodian ” means any Indian person who has legal custody of an Indian child under tribal law or custom or under state law or to whom temporary physical care, custody and control has been transferred by the parent of an Indian child;

(vii) “ Indian organization ” means any group, association, partnership, corporation or other legal entity owned or controlled by Indians or a majority of whose members are Indians;

(viii) “ Indian tribe ” means any Indian tribe, band, nation or other organized group or community of Indians recognized as eligible for the services provided to Indians by the United States secretary of the interior because of their status as Indians, including any Alaska native village as defined in section 3(c) of the federal Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act;

(ix) “ Parent ” means a biological parent or the parents of an Indian child or any Indian person who has lawfully adopted an Indian child, including adoptions under tribal law or custom. “Parent” shall not include a father whose paternity has not been acknowledged or established under law;

(x) “ Reservation ” means Indian country as defined by 18 U.S.C. 1151 and any lands where title is held by the United States in trust for the benefit of any Indian tribe or person or held by any Indian tribe or person subject to a restriction by the United States against alienation;

(xi) “Shelter care” means as defined by W.S. 14-3-402(a)(xvii) and shall include foster care;

(xii) “ Tribal court ” means a court with jurisdiction over child custody proceedings and that is either a court of Indian offenses, a court established and operated under the code or custom of an Indian tribe or any other administrative body of a tribe that is vested with authority over child custody proceedings;

(xiii) “This act” means W.S. 14-6-701 through 14-6-715 .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-246 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-246
§ 14-6-246. Sanction levels
Status: in_force

(a) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, when a child is adjudicated as a delinquent the juvenile court may, in a disposition hearing, assign the child one (1) of the following sanction levels according to the child's conduct:

(i) For a misdemeanor punishable under the Wyoming Criminal Code by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, the sanction level is one;

(ii) For a misdemeanor punishable under the Wyoming Criminal Code by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, the sanction level is two;

(iii) For a felony, other than a violent felony as defined by W.S. 6-1-104(a)(xii) , the sanction level is three;

(iv) For a violent felony as defined by W.S. 6-1-104(a)(xii) , other than a felony punishable by life, life without parole or death, the sanction level is four;

(v) For a felony punishable under the Wyoming Criminal Code by life, life without parole or death, the sanction level is five.

(b) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, if the child's subsequent adjudication of delinquent conduct involves a violation of the Wyoming Criminal Code that is the same level of seriousness as the child's previous conduct, the juvenile court may assign the child a sanction level that is one (1) level higher than the previously assigned sanction level, unless the child's previously assigned sanction level is five.

(c) If the court determines that a child assigned a sanction level of one through four has violated a condition imposed under that sanction level, the court shall conduct a new disposition hearing and may assign the child a sanction level that is one (1) level higher than the previously assigned sanction level.

(d) If the juvenile court deviates from the guidelines under this section it shall state in writing its reasons for the deviation and enter the statement into the record. Nothing in W.S. 14-6-245 through 14-6-252 prohibits the imposition of appropriate sanctions that are different from those provided at any sanction level.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-1003 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-1003
§ 14-2-1003. Birth cost recovery--medical assistance
Status: in_force

(a) Not more than sixty (60) days after an unmarried recipient of medical assistance gives birth to a child, the department of health shall notify the department of family services of the actual amount of birth costs paid by medical assistance.

(b) Upon receiving notice pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the department shall determine whether the paternity of the child has been established.

(c) Consistent with W.S. 42-4-106(b) , if paternity has been established based on an acknowledgment made pursuant to W.S. 14-2-601 , the department shall, in writing, request the father to pay the amount of birth costs established pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1004 .

(d) Within ninety (90) days of a request made pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, if the father has not made full payment or has not made arrangements for full payment to the satisfaction of the department, the department shall commence a civil action in accordance with W.S. 14-2-204 to recover the amount of birth costs established pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1004 .

(e) If paternity has not been established, the department, in cooperation with the mother of the child, shall use any means authorized by law to determine the paternity of the child, subject to W.S. 42-4-122(b)(ii) .

(f) Consistent with W.S. 42-4-106(b) , if the father of the child is identified by the department pursuant to subsection (e) of this section, the department shall bring a civil action to adjudicate paternity and recover the amount of birth costs established pursuant to W.S. 42-4-1004 from the father, in the manner set forth in W.S. 14-2-822 .

(g) The department shall not take any of the actions set forth in this section on or after the fifth birthday of the child.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-431 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-431
§ 14-6-431. Duration of orders of disposition; termination of orders
Status: in_force

(a) An order of disposition shall remain in force for an indefinite period until terminated by the court whenever it appears the purpose of the order has been achieved and it is in the child's best interest that he be discharged from further court jurisdiction.

(b) Unless sooner terminated by court order, all orders issued under this act shall terminate with respect to a child adjudicated in need of supervision when he reaches eighteen (18) years of age. If the child is still in the custody of the department upon attaining the age of eighteen (18) years, services may be provided on a case by case basis.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this act, any placement of a child in need of supervision shall be reviewed by the court within six (6) months of the date of placement to determine if the placement is appropriate.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-418 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-418
§ 14-6-418. Search warrant; when authorized; affidavit required; contents of affidavit and warrant; service and return
Status: in_force

(a) The court or a commissioner may issue a search warrant within the court's jurisdiction if it appears by application supported by affidavit of one (1) or more adults that a child is in need of supervision and the child is in hiding to avoid service of process or being taken into custody.

(b) The affidavit shall be in writing, signed and affirmed by the affiant. The affidavit shall set forth:

(i) The name and age of the child sought, provided that if the name or age of the child is unknown the affidavit shall set forth a description of the child sufficient to identify him with reasonable certainty and a statement that the affiant believes the child is of age to come within the provisions of this act; and

(ii) The affiant's belief that the child sought is in need of supervision and is in hiding to avoid service of process or being taken into custody, and a statement of the facts upon which the belief is based.

(c) The warrant may be directed to any law enforcement officer of the county or municipality in which the place or premises to be searched is located. The warrant shall:

(i) Name or describe the child sought;

(ii) Name the address or location and describe the place or premises to be searched;

(iii) State the grounds for issuance of the warrant;

(iv) Name the person or persons whose affidavit has been taken in support of the warrant; and

(v) Authorize the officer to whom the warrant is directed to conduct the search and instruct him as to the disposition of the child if found, pending further proceedings by the court.

(d) The officer making the search may enter the place or premises described in the warrant at any time with force if necessary, in order to remove the child. The officer conducting the search shall serve a copy of the warrant upon the person in possession of the place or premises searched and shall return the original warrant to the court showing his actions in the premises.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-701 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-701
§ 14-2-701. Scope of article
Status: in_force

(a) This article governs genetic testing of an individual to determine parentage, whether the individual:

(i) Voluntarily submits to testing; or

(ii) Is tested pursuant to an order of the court or a child support enforcement agency.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-201 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Section 14-3-201
§ 14-3-201. Purpose
Status: in_force

(a) The purpose of W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-216 is to delineate the responsibilities of the state agency, other governmental agencies or officials, professionals and citizens to intervene on behalf of a child suspected of being abused or neglected, to protect the best interest of the child, to further offer protective services when necessary in order to prevent any harm to the child or any other children living in the home, to protect children from abuse or neglect which jeopardize their health or welfare, to stabilize the home environment, to preserve family life whenever possible and to provide permanency for the child in appropriate circumstances. The child's health, safety and welfare shall be of paramount concern in implementing and enforcing this article.

(b) If a child suspected of being abused or neglected is an Indian child as defined by W.S. 14-6-702(a)(iv) , the state agency and other governmental agencies or officials charged with implementing and enforcing this article shall comply with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act. If any provision of this article conflicts with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act for addressing an allegation of abuse or neglect of an Indian child, the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act shall control.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-5-107 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 5 / Section 14-5-107
§ 14-5-107. Prerequisites for placement of children from other states
Status: in_force

Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, state or political subdivision or agency thereof shall not send, bring or cause to be sent or brought to the state of Wyoming any child for placement in foster care or as a preliminary to a possible adoption unless the sending person, firm, corporation, state, political subdivision or agency thereof complies with the prerequisites required in article II of W.S. 14-5-101 .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-4-105 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 4 / Section 14-4-105
§ 14-4-105. Provisional certificate
Status: in_force

The certifying authority may issue a provisional certificate if a substandard child caring agency is attempting to meet the standards or to comply with the rules and regulations pursuant to W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111 . A provisional certificate is effective for a period of not more than six (6) months and is nonrenewable.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-236 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-236
§ 14-6-236. Ordering payment for support and treatment of child; how paid; enforcement
Status: repealed

(a) When legal custody of a child, other than temporary guardianship, is vested by court order in an individual, agency, institution or organization other than the child's parents, the court shall in the same proceeding inquire into the financial condition of the child's parents or any other person who may be legally obligated to support the child. After due notice and hearing the court shall order the parents or any other legally obligated person to pay a reasonable sum for the support and treatment of the child during the time that a dispositional order is in force. The requirements of W.S. 20-2-101 through 20-2-406 apply to this section. The amount of support shall be determined in accordance with the presumptive child support established by W.S. 20-2-304 . In any case where the court has deviated from the presumptive child support, the reasons therefor shall be specifically set forth in the order. The amount ordered to be paid shall be paid to the clerk of the district court for transmission to the person, institution or agency having legal custody of the child or to whom compensation is due. The clerk of court is authorized to receive periodic payments payable in the name or for the benefit of the child, including but not limited to social security, veteran's administration benefits or insurance annuities, and apply the payments as the court directs. An order for support under this subsection shall include a statement of the addresses and social security numbers if known, of each obligor, the names and addresses of each obligor's employer and the names and birthdates of each child to whom the order relates. The court shall order each obligor to notify the clerk of court in writing within fifteen (15) days of any change in address or employment. If any person who is legally obligated to support the child does not have full time employment, the court may require that person to seek full time employment and may require community service work in lieu of payment until full time employment is obtained.

(b) An order for the payment of money entered against a parent or other person legally obligated to support a child under the provisions of W.S. 14-6-235 , 20-2-101 through 20-2-406 or this section shall be entered separately from the decree of disposition under W.S. 14-6-229 and shall not be treated as a part of the confidential court record under W.S. 14-6-239 . The order may be filed in the district court of any county in the state. From the time of filing, the order shall have the same effect as a judgment or decree of the district court in a civil action and may be enforced by the district attorney, or the department of family services in the same manner and with the same powers as in other child support cases under W.S. 20-2-303 , 20-2-304 , 20-2-307 , 20-2-311 , 20-2-401 through 20-2-406 and 20-6-101 through 20-6-222 , or in any manner provided by law for enforcement of a civil judgment for money.

(c) Repealed by Laws 1993, ch. 85, § 2.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-12-101 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 12 / Section 14-12-101
§ 14-12-101. Office of guardian ad litem; guardian ad litem program; rulemaking; reporting
Status: repealed

(a) The office of guardian ad litem shall administer a guardian ad litem program. The office shall employ or contract with, supervise and manage attorneys providing legal representation as guardians ad litem in the following cases and actions:

(i) Child protection cases under W.S. 14-3-101 through 14-3-440 ;

(ii) Children in need of supervision cases under W.S. 14-6-401 through 14-6-440 , to the extent an attorney has been appointed to serve only as a guardian ad litem;

(iii) Delinquency cases under W.S. 14-6-201 through 14-6-252 , to the extent an attorney has been appointed to serve only as a guardian ad litem;

(iv) Termination of parental rights actions under W.S. 14-2-308 through 14-2-319 , brought as a result of a child protection, child in need of supervision or delinquency action;

(v) Interstate Compact on Juveniles proceedings under W.S. 14-6-102 , when requested by the juvenile or the court;

(vi) Appeals to the Wyoming supreme court in the cases or actions specified in this subsection.

(b) Repealed by Laws 2020, ch. 122, § 3, eff. July 1, 2020.

(c) The office shall adopt policies and rules and regulations governing standards for the legal representation by attorneys acting as guardians ad litem in cases under the program and for the training of those attorneys. Any attorney providing services to the program as a guardian ad litem shall meet the standards established by the office for the program.

(d) The office shall include within its biennial budget request submitted under W.S. 9-2-1013 a report of the reimbursement for legal representation of children by attorneys as guardians ad litem in child protection or children in need of supervision cases. The report shall include the number of cases and the amount of funds expended for reimbursements and the amounts of matching monies from participating counties under W.S. 14-12-103 for each of the two (2) immediately preceding fiscal years. The county attorney in any county not participating in the program shall submit a report containing the same information for the county to the joint appropriations interim committee by December 1 of each odd numbered year.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-407 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-407
§ 14-6-407. Detention or shelter care; delivery of child pending hearing; placing children; notice if no court order
Status: in_force

(a) If detention or shelter care of a child appears necessary to the person taking custody of the child, the child shall be delivered as soon as possible to the court or to the detention or shelter care facility designated by the court pending a hearing.

(b) In providing detention or shelter care placement:

(i) A child alleged to be in need of supervision shall be placed for detention or shelter care in the least restrictive environment reasonably available, which may be a foster home or other child care facility certified by the department of family services or approved by the court;

(ii) If facilities or services are not immediately available to house and protect the child, the judge may order the child held in a temporary holding area at the local law enforcement complex. No child in need of supervision shall be placed in a jail, but may be placed in a juvenile detention facility if the child has been adjudicated under article 2 of this chapter for having committed a delinquent act;

(iii) A child alleged to be in need of supervision shall, if necessary, be detained in a separate detention home or facility, provided the child shall not be detained in the Wyoming boys' school or the Wyoming girls' school.

(c) The person in charge of any detention or shelter care facility shall promptly notify the court and the district attorney of any child being cared for at the facility without a court order and shall deliver the child to the court upon request.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-8-103 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 8 / Section 14-8-103
§ 14-8-103. Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this article:

(i) “Board” means the Wyoming children's trust fund board created in W.S. 14-8-104 ;

(ii) “Child abuse” means any act which reasonably may be construed to fall under the definition of “abuse” or “neglect” under W.S. 14-3-202(a)(ii) or (vii) ;

(iii) “Prevention program” means a program of direct child abuse prevention services to a child, parent or guardian and includes research or education programs related to the prevention of child abuse. The prevention program may be classified as a primary prevention program when it is available to the community on a voluntary basis and as a secondary prevention program when it is directed toward groups of individuals who have been identified as high risk;

(iv) “ Recipient ” means and is limited to a nonprofit or public organization which receives a grant from the income account created in W.S. 14-8-106(b) ;

(v) “ Trust fund ” means the Wyoming children's trust fund created in W.S. 14-8-106(a) ;

(vi) “ Income account ” means the Wyoming children's income account created by W.S. 14-8-106(b) .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-212 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-212
§ 14-6-212. Commencement of proceedings; contents of petition
Status: in_force

(a) Proceedings in juvenile court are commenced by filing a petition with the clerk of the court. The petition and all subsequent pleadings, motions, orders and decrees shall be entitled “State of Wyoming, In the Interest of ․․․․․, minor.” A petition shall be signed by the district attorney on information and belief of the alleged facts. All petitions must be verified.

(b) The petition shall set forth all jurisdictional facts, including but not limited to:

(i) The child's name, date of birth and address;

(ii) The names and addresses of the child's parents, guardian or custodian and spouse, if any;

(iii) Whether the child is being held in detention or shelter care and if so, the name and address of the facility and the time detention or shelter care commenced; and

(iv) A statement setting forth with particularity the facts which bring the child within the provisions of W.S. 14-6-203 . If the basis of the petition is an alleged delinquent act based upon a violation of the laws of the state or a political subdivision, the petition shall cite the alleged law violated.

(c) The petition shall state if any of the facts enumerated in subsection (b) of this section are unknown.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-12-102 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 12 / Section 14-12-102
§ 14-12-102. Appointment of office to provide guardian ad litem services
Status: in_force

(a) In cases specified in W.S. 14-12-101(a) , if the county in which the court is located participates in the program administered by the office:

(i) The court shall appoint the office to provide services when appointing a guardian ad litem. For purposes of this article, references to the program include the office;

(ii) The administrator or designee shall assign an attorney to act as guardian ad litem in accordance with the court's order.

(b) The office shall cooperate with juvenile courts in developing a case appointment system in each participating county for all applicable cases requiring the appointment of a guardian ad litem.

(c) An attorney accepting a guardian ad litem assignment shall be employed by or contract with the office to provide services in accordance with requirements established by the office. The contract shall specify the fees to be paid for the assignment, which may be a defined hourly or per case rate or a defined sum. Fees paid by the office may vary based upon the type and difficulty of the case, location, work required and experience.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-401 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-401
§ 14-6-401. Short title
Status: in_force

(a) This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Children In Need of Supervision Act.”

(b) If a child alleged of being in need of supervision under this act is an Indian child as defined by W.S. 14-6-702(a)(iv) , the court and all parties shall comply with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act. If any provision of this act conflicts with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act for addressing an allegation of a child being in need of supervision, the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act shall control.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-424 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Section 14-3-424
§ 14-3-424. Conduct of hearings generally; exclusion of general public and child; exceptions; consolidations, continuances or deferrals permitted
Status: in_force

(a) Unless a jury trial is demanded, hearings under this act shall be conducted by the court without a jury in an informal but orderly manner and separate from other proceedings not included under this act. The district attorney shall present evidence in support of the petition and otherwise represent the state. If the allegations in the petition are denied, adjudicatory and disposition hearings shall be recorded by the court reporter or by electronic, mechanical or other appropriate means.

(b) Except in hearings to declare a person in contempt of court, the general public are excluded from hearings under this act. Only the parties, counsel for the parties, jurors, witnesses, and other persons the court finds having a proper interest in the proceedings or in the work of the court shall be admitted. If the court finds it necessary in the best interest of the child, the child may be temporarily excluded from any hearing.

(c) Hearings on two (2) or more petitions may be consolidated for purposes of adjudication when the allegations in the petitions pertain to the same act constituting the alleged neglect. Separate hearings on the petitions may be held thereafter for purposes of disposition.

(d) The court may, on the motion of any party or on its own motion, continue or defer any hearing as the work of the court or justice requires.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-428 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-428
§ 14-6-428. Abeyance of proceedings by consent decree; term of decree; reinstatement of proceedings; effect of discharge or completing term
Status: in_force

(a) At any time after the filing of a petition alleging a child to be in need of supervision and before adjudication, the court may issue a consent decree ordering further proceedings held in abeyance and place a child in need of supervision under the supervision of the department of family services or any other qualified person the court may designate. The placement of the child is subject to the terms, conditions and stipulations agreed to by the parties affected. The consent decree shall not be entered without the consent of the district attorney, the child's legal representative, where applicable, and the child and the notification of the parents. Modifications to an existing consent decree may be allowed.

(b) The consent decree agreement shall be in writing and copies given to each of the parties. It shall include the case plan for the child or his family.

(c) A consent decree shall be in force for the period agreed upon by the parties but not longer than one (1) year unless sooner terminated by the court. If prior to discharge by the court or expiration of the consent decree, a child alleged to be in need of supervision fails to fulfill the terms and conditions of the decree or a new petition is filed alleging the child to be in need of supervision because of misconduct occurring during the term of the consent decree, the original petition and proceedings may be reinstated upon order of the court after hearing and the matter may proceed as though the consent decree had never been entered. If, as part of the consent decree, the child made an admission to any of the allegations contained in the original petition, that admission shall be entered only if the court orders that the original petition and proceeding be reinstated and the admissions, if any, be entered. If the admission is entered, the court may proceed to disposition pursuant to W.S. 14-6-426 .

(d) If a consent decree is in effect and the child is in placement, the court shall hold a six (6) month review and twelve (12) month review as provided under W.S. 14-6-429 .

(e) A child discharged by the court under a consent decree without reinstatement of the original petition and proceeding shall not thereafter be proceeded against in any court for the same misconduct alleged in the original petition.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-440 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-440
§ 14-6-440. Expungement of records in juvenile court
Status: in_force

Any person adjudicated in need of supervision under the provisions of this act may petition the court for the expungement of his record in the juvenile court upon reaching the age of majority. If after investigation the court finds that the petitioner has not been convicted of a felony since adjudication, that no proceeding involving a felony is pending or being instituted against the petitioner and the rehabilitation of the petitioner has been attained to the satisfaction of the court or the prosecuting attorney, it shall order expunged all records in any format including electronic records in the custody of the court or any agency or official, pertaining to the petitioner's case. Copies of the order shall be sent to each agency or official named in the order. Upon entry of an order the proceedings in the petitioner's case are deemed never to have occurred and the petitioner may reply accordingly upon any inquiry in the matter. Expungement pursuant to this section shall be accomplished as provided in W.S. 14-6-241 .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-433 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-433
§ 14-6-433. Stay of orders pending appeal; securing of payment; staying transfer of legal custody
Status: in_force

(a) If an appeal is taken, an order to pay a fine, costs, support for a child, restitution or any order for the payment of money may be stayed by the juvenile court or by the supreme court pending appeal. The court may require the appellant to deposit with the clerk of court the whole or any part of the payment ordered, to give bond for the payment thereof or any other terms and conditions to secure payment upon final determination of the appeal as the court deems proper. The court may also issue any appropriate order to restrain the appellant from dissipating his assets pending appeal.

(b) Either the juvenile court or the supreme court may stay an order transferring legal custody of a child to a person, agency, organization or institution other than his parents, guardian or former custodian, provided that suitable provision is made for the shelter care of the child pending the appeal.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-812 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-812
§ 14-2-812. Child as party; representation
Status: in_force

(a) A minor child is a permissible party, but is not a necessary party to a proceeding under this article.

(b) The court shall appoint an attorney to represent the best interest of a minor or incapacitated child if the child is a party or the court finds that the interests of the child are not adequately represented.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-244 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-244
§ 14-6-244. Parental liability for failure to exercise reasonable control and authority
Status: in_force

(a) A parent or guardian having custody of a child shall exercise such parental control and authority over the child as is reasonably necessary to prevent the child from engaging in delinquent acts.

(b) If the court finds at the hearing of a juvenile petition that the parent or guardian having custody of the child has failed or neglected to subject the juvenile to reasonable parental control and authority, and that such failure or neglect is the proximate cause of the act or acts of the juvenile upon which a finding of delinquency is based, the court may, if the child is placed on probation, require the parent or guardian to furnish a cash deposit or bond in an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), conditioned upon the faithful discharge of the conditions of the child's probation.

(c) The court may declare all or part of a cash deposit or bond posted under subsection (b) of this section forfeited if:

(i) The juvenile commits a subsequent delinquent act or is found to be in contempt of court or to have violated the terms of his probation; and

(ii) The court, after hearing, finds that the child's act was proximately caused by the failure or neglect of the parent or guardian to subject the juvenile to reasonable parental control and authority, including, but not limited to, enforcement of curfew, home detention, school attendance, or other conditions of probation.

(d) Funds received upon forfeiture of a cash deposit or bond under subsection (c) of this section shall be applied in payment of damages, if any, which may have been caused by the juvenile. The balance of the proceeds shall be retained by the court to apply to any future damages resulting from the act or acts of the juvenile until the juvenile reaches eighteen (18) years of age at which time any remaining proceeds shall be returned to the parent or guardian.

(e) The provisions of this section as it relates to the failure or neglect of a parent or guardian to subject a child to reasonable parental control and authority, are in addition to and not in substitution for any other requirements of law. The provisions of this section shall not apply to foster parents.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-209 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-209
§ 14-6-209. Taking of child into custody; informal hearing where no court order; conditional release; evidence; rehearing
Status: in_force

(a) When a child is placed in detention or shelter care without a court order, a petition as provided in W.S. 14-6-212 shall be promptly filed and presented to the court. An informal detention or shelter care hearing shall be held as soon as reasonably possible not later than forty-eight (48) hours, excluding weekends and legal holidays, after the child is taken into custody to determine if further detention or shelter care is required pending further court action. The child shall be interviewed by the department or its designee prior to the detention or shelter care hearing, but in no event later than twenty-four (24) hours, excluding weekends and legal holidays, after the child is taken into custody. The department or its designee shall submit a written report of the interview to the court, including an assessment of the immediate needs of the child and a recommendation for the most appropriate placement for the child pending disposition of the violation. Written notice stating the time, place and purpose of the hearing shall be given to the child and to his parents, guardian or custodian.

(b) At the commencement of the hearing the judge shall advise the child and his parents, guardian or custodian of:

(i) The contents of the petition and the nature of the charges or allegations contained therein;

(ii) Their right to counsel as provided in W.S. 14-6-222 ;

(iii) The child's right to remain silent with respect to any allegations of a delinquent act;

(iv) The right to confront and cross-examine witnesses or to present witnesses and evidence in their own behalf and the right to issuance of process by the court to compel the appearance of witnesses and the production of evidence;

(v) The right to a jury trial as provided in W.S. 14-6-223 ;

(vi) The right to appeal as provided in W.S. 14-6-233 ; and

(vii) All other rights afforded a criminal defendant.

(c) The child shall be given an opportunity to admit or deny the allegations in the petition. If the allegations are admitted, the court shall make the appropriate adjudication and may proceed immediately to a disposition of the case, provided the court has the predisposition report and multidisciplinary team recommendations, in accordance with the provisions of W.S. 14-6-229 , except that a commissioner acting in the absence or incapacity of the judge may take testimony to establish a factual basis and accept an admission and perform all other requirements of the initial hearing but shall not proceed to disposition. If denied, the court shall set a time not to exceed sixty (60) days for an adjudicatory hearing or a transfer hearing, unless the court finds good cause to delay or postpone the hearing. In no case shall the court hold the adjudicatory hearing more than ninety (90) days after the date the petition is filed.

(d) Regardless of whether the allegations in the petition are admitted or denied, the court shall determine whether or not the child's full-time detention or shelter care is required pending further proceedings. If the court finds that returning the child to the home is contrary to the welfare of the child, the court shall enter the finding on the record and order the child placed in the legal custody of the department. The court shall explain the terms of the court order to the child, his parents or legal guardian and any other person the court deems necessary. If the court finds that full-time detention or shelter care is not required, the court shall order the child released and may impose one (1) or more of the following conditions:

(i) Place the child in the custody and supervision of his parents, guardian or custodian, under the protective supervision of the department or a county or state probation officer or under the supervision of any individual or organization approved by the court that agrees to supervise the child;

(ii) Place restrictions on the child's travel, associates, activities or place of abode during the period of his release, including a requirement that the child return to the physical custody of his parents, guardian or custodian at specified hours; or

(iii) Impose any other terms and conditions of release deemed reasonably necessary to assure the appearance of the child at subsequent proceedings.

(e) All relevant and material evidence helpful in determining the need for detention or shelter care may be admitted by the court even though not competent in an adjudicatory hearing on the allegations of the petition.

(f) If a child is not released after a detention or shelter care hearing and it appears by sworn statement of the parents, guardian or custodian that they did not receive notice and did not waive notice and appearance at the hearing, the court shall rehear the matter without delay.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-818 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-818
§ 14-2-818. Jury prohibited
Status: in_force

The court, without a jury, shall adjudicate paternity of a child.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-309 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Section 14-3-309
§ 14-3-309. Regulation of mail order and internet purchases and sales; proof of age; penalties
Status: in_force

(a) No person shall sell at retail or wholesale any nicotine product through the internet or any other remote sales method to any person in this state, other than a vendor licensed under W.S. 39-15-106 , unless the seller performs an age verification on the purchaser through an independent third party age verification service. The age verification service utilized shall compare information available from public records to the personal information entered by the purchaser during the ordering process to establish that the purchaser is twenty-one (21) years of age or older.

(b) No person shall sell at retail or wholesale any nicotine product through the internet or any other remote sales method to any person in this state, other than a vendor licensed under W.S. 39-15-106 , unless the seller uses a method of mailing or shipping that, upon delivery, requires the signature of a person at least twenty-one (21) years of age before the nicotine product will be released for delivery.

(c) The provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall not apply if the seller employs one (1) of the following protections to ensure age verification:

(i) The purchaser is required to create an online profile or account with personal information verifying that the purchaser is at least twenty-one (21) years of age including, but not limited to, the purchaser's name, address and a valid phone number, if that personal information is verified by the seller through publicly available records and delivery is made to the same name and address; or

(ii) The purchaser is required to upload a copy of the purchaser's government issued identification and a current photograph of the purchaser verifying that the purchaser is at least twenty-one (21) years of age and delivery is made to the same name on the identification provided.

(d) Any person violating subsection (a) or (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in W.S. 14-3-302(b) .
Wyo. Stat. § 14-3-426 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 3 / Section 14-3-426
§ 14-3-426. Initial hearing; adjudicatory hearing; entry of decree and disposition; evidentiary matters; continuance of disposition hearing
Status: in_force

(a) There shall be an initial hearing. The initial hearing may be held in conjunction with the shelter care hearing provided the requirements of W.S. 14-3-413 , 14-3-414 and 14-3-426 have been met. The initial hearing may also be held after a shelter care hearing or a transfer hearing. At the initial hearing, the child and his parents, guardian or custodian shall be advised by the court of their rights under law and as provided in this act. They shall also be advised of the specific allegations in the petition and given an opportunity to admit or deny them. They shall also be advised of the possible liability for costs of treatment or services pursuant to this act. It is not necessary at the initial hearing for the district attorney to establish probable cause to believe the allegations in the petition are true. If the allegations are admitted, the court shall make the appropriate adjudication and may proceed immediately to a disposition of the case, provided the court has the predisposition report and multidisciplinary team recommendations, in accordance with the provisions of W.S. 14-3-429 , except that a commissioner acting in the absence or incapacity of the judge may take testimony to establish a factual basis and accept an admission and perform all other requirements of the initial hearing but shall not proceed to disposition.

(b) If the allegations of the petition are denied, the court may, with consent of the parties, proceed immediately to hear evidence on the petition or it may set a later time not to exceed sixty (60) days for an adjudicatory hearing, unless the court finds good cause to delay or postpone the hearing. In no case shall the court hold the adjudicatory hearing more than ninety (90) days after the date the petition is filed. Only competent, relevant and material evidence shall be admissible at an adjudicatory hearing to determine the truth of the allegations in the petition. If after an adjudicatory hearing the court finds that the allegations in the petition are not established as required by this act, it shall dismiss the petition and order the child released from any shelter care.

(c) If after an adjudicatory hearing or a valid admission or confession the court or jury finds that a child is neglected, it shall enter a decree to that effect stating the jurisdictional facts upon which the decree is based. It may then proceed immediately or at a postponed hearing within sixty (60) days to make proper disposition of the child.

(d) In shelter care hearings or disposition hearings, all material and relevant evidence helpful in determining questions may be received by the court and relied upon for probative value. The parties or their counsel may examine and controvert written reports received as evidence and cross-examine persons making the reports.

(e) On motion of any party or on its own motion, the court may continue a disposition hearing for a reasonable time not to exceed sixty (60) days to receive reports and other evidence bearing on the disposition to be made. The court shall make an appropriate order for shelter care of the child or for his release from shelter care subject to any terms and conditions the court deems necessary during the period of continuance.

(f) At any time prior to disposition under W.S. 14-3-429 , the court, on motion of any party or on its own motion, may reconsider its order regarding shelter care or conditions of release made under W.S. 14-3-409 or 14-3-414 .

(g) In the absence or incapacity of the judge, the initial hearing may be conducted by a district court commissioner.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-6-435 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 6 / Section 14-6-435
§ 14-6-435. Ordering payment for support and treatment of child; how paid; enforcement
Status: in_force

(a) When legal custody of a child, other than temporary guardianship, is vested by court order in an individual, agency, institution or organization other than the child's parents, the court shall in the same or any subsequent proceeding inquire into the financial condition of the child's parents or any other person who may be legally obligated to support the child. After due notice and hearing the court shall order the parents or any other legally obligated person to pay a reasonable sum for the support and treatment of the child during the time that a dispositional order is in force. The requirements of W.S. 20-2-101 through 20-2-406 apply to this section. The amount of support shall be determined in accordance with the presumptive child support established by W.S. 20-2-304 . In any case where the court has deviated from the presumptive child support, the reasons therefor shall be specifically set forth in the order. The amount ordered to be paid shall be paid to the clerk of the juvenile court for transmission to the person, institution or agency having legal custody of the child or to whom compensation is due. The clerk of court is authorized to receive periodic payments payable in the name or for the benefit of the child, including but not limited to social security, veteran's administration benefits or insurance annuities, and apply the payments as the court directs. An order for support under this subsection shall include a statement of the addresses and social security numbers if known, of each obligor, the names and addresses of each obligor's employer and the names and birth dates of each child to whom the order relates. The court shall order each obligor to notify the clerk of court in writing within fifteen (15) days of any change in address or employment. If any person who is legally obligated to support the child does not have full time employment, the court may require that person to seek full time employment and may require community service work in lieu of payment until full time employment is obtained.

(b) An order for the payment of money entered against a parent or other person legally obligated to support a child under the provisions of W.S. 14-6-434 , 20-2-101 through 20-2-406 or this section shall be entered separately from the decree of disposition under W.S. 14-6-429 and shall not be treated as a part of the confidential court record under W.S. 14-6-437 . The order may be filed in the district court of any county in the state. From the time of filing, the order shall have the same effect as a judgment or decree of the district court in a civil action and may be enforced by the district attorney, or the department of family services in the same manner and with the same powers as in other child support cases under W.S. 20-2-303 , 20-2-304 , 20-2-307 , 20-2-311 , 20-2-401 through 20-2-406 and 20-6-101 through 20-6-222 , or in any manner provided by law for enforcement of a civil judgment for money.
Wyo. Stat. § 14-2-816 — WY Code / Title 14 / Chapter 2 / Section 14-2-816
§ 14-2-816. Temporary order
Status: in_force

(a) In a proceeding under this article, the court shall issue a temporary order for support of a child if the order is appropriate and the individual ordered to pay support is:

(i) A presumed father of the child;

(ii) Petitioning to have his paternity adjudicated;

(iii) Identified as the father through genetic testing under W.S. 14-2-705 ;

(iv) An alleged father who has declined to submit to genetic testing;

(v) Shown by clear and convincing evidence to be the father of the child; or

(vi) The mother of the child.

(b) A temporary order may include provisions for custody and visitation as provided by other law of this state.