reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
LA Chil Code art. 417 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 417. Judgment ordering destruction of reports and records

A. A judgment ordering destruction of reports and records shall be in writing and shall be served upon all of the following: (1) The district attorney. (2) The clerk of the court whose reports and records are to be destroyed. (3) The head of the agency whose reports and records are to be destroyed. B. Service shall be in the manner provided for service of a petition. C. The judgment shall specify the manner and time within which the destruction is to be effected and shall also specify the limitations of Paragraph E of this Article. D. The judgment may require the custodian of records to submit an affidavit to the court attesting that the reports and records have been destroyed. E. Although the custodian of the records or report may keep a copy of the judgment ordering destruction, he shall not disclose the fact that such judgment is maintained or that the destroyed reports or records previously existed to anyone except upon written order of the court. Acts 1991, No. 235, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
LA Chil Code art. 418 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 418. Juvenile court; juvenile judge

When another statute uses the term "juvenile court" or "juvenile judge" for purposes of proceedings under this Code, those terms shall be construed to mean "court" or "judge" as defined in Article 116. Acts 1991, No. 235, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
LA Chil Code art. 419 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 419. Court personnel

A. The judge of the court may employ such stenographic, secretarial, and other personnel deemed necessary to make the functions of the court effective and provide adequate service. B. The employment of such persons shall be at the expense of the court and, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be paid by the respective parishes. Acts 1991, No. 235, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
LA Chil Code art. 420 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 420. Law clerks

Each judge of the juvenile court is hereby authorized to employ a law clerk, provided funds are available, to perform such research duties as the judge who employs the law clerk may assign. The salary of each such law clerk shall be fixed and paid on the warrant of the employing judge. Acts 1991, No. 235, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
LA Chil Code art. 421 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 421. Probation officers

A. The judge of the court shall have the authority to commission probation officers, one of whom may be designated as chief probation officer or director of probation. B. Probation officers shall have the power and authority to make arrests, serve notices, orders, subpoenas, and writs, and to execute all orders and perform any other duties incident to their office. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to relieve the sheriff from the duties as set forth in R.S. 13:5539. C. Employment of such personnel by any court for its exclusive service shall in no wise be affected by or limit the court in availing itself of the services of such officers or other employees as may be provided by the state. Acts 1991, No. 235, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
LA Chil Code art. 422 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 422. Juvenile traffic referee

A. The judge, or a majority of the judges of a court, may appoint persons to serve as juvenile traffic referees to adjudicate and dispose of traffic violations, when authorized by local rule of court under Article 401. The adjudication and disposition shall be held in the parish where the juvenile is domiciled with his parent or tutor or the parish in which the child is residing. If the violation occurred in a different parish, the court in that parish shall transfer the case to the juvenile court in the parish where the child is domiciled or resides for adjudication and disposition.  B. Any person appointed to serve as a juvenile traffic referee shall have been admitted to the practice of law in this state for at least five years prior to his appointment and shall be domiciled in the district or parish in which the court is located.  C. Any person who is serving and, since September 6, 1985, has served as a juvenile traffic referee without having had the qualifications set forth in this Article may continue to serve in that capacity and all acts performed by such a person in that capacity from and after September 6, 1985, are hereby ratified, confirmed, and validated.  Acts 1991, No. 235, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1993, No. 684, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 424 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 424. Court-appointed special advocates (CASA); purpose

The purpose of CASA is to advocate for timely placement of children in permanent, safe, and stable homes. Acts 1991, No. 235, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 1992; Acts 1997, No. 904, §1, eff. July 10, 1997; Acts 1999, No. 275, §1, eff. July 1, 1999.
LA Chil Code art. 424.1 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 424.1. CASA; appointment

A. The court is authorized in child in need of care proceedings, or in any certification for adoption proceedings, and adoption proceedings arising from a child in need of care proceeding, or a safe haven relinquishment, to appoint a CASA program as defined in Article 116 to assist the court in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities to children brought into court. B. Except as otherwise ordered by the court, the appointment of a CASA program for a child shall include subsequent proceedings through permanent placement of the child as defined by Article 603, including families in need of services or delinquency proceedings. C. Upon appointment, the CASA program shall designate the individual CASA volunteer for assignment to the child. The CASA volunteer shall have as his special duty and responsibility the advocacy of the best interests of the child involved in the juvenile proceeding in which he is assigned. D. CASA volunteers serve without compensation and at the pleasure of the court exercising juvenile jurisdiction. The judge of the court will first satisfy himself of the volunteer's qualifications, training, and ability to serve as a CASA volunteer, including his ability to represent and advocate the best interest of children assigned to him. No volunteer shall be assigned until a comprehensive criminal background check has been conducted. E. All CASA volunteers shall: (1) Be sworn by a judge of the court. (2) Swear or affirm to abide by all laws, regulations, and orders of court. (3) Swear or affirm to advocate what he perceives to be in the best interest of the child for whom he is assigned in all matters pending before the court. Acts 1999, No. 275, §1, eff. July 1, 1999; Acts 2003, No. 609, §1; Acts 2008, No. 394.
LA Chil Code art. 424.2 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 424.2. CASA; order of assignment

  To accomplish the assignment of a CASA volunteer, the court shall issue an order of assignment which shall grant the CASA volunteer the authority to review all relevant documents pursuant to Article 424.6 and to interview all parties and witnesses involved in the proceeding in which he is appointed. The court may also grant the CASA volunteer access to the home in which the child is placed.  Acts 1999, No. 275, §1, eff. July 1, 1999; Acts 2018, No. 320, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 424.3 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 424.3. CASA; duties

Under the supervision of the CASA program, it shall be the duty of a CASA volunteer to: (1) Provide independent, factual information to the court regarding the children and cases to which they are assigned. (2) Advocate on behalf of the children involved in the cases in which they are assigned what they perceive to be in the best interest of the children. (3) Monitor proceedings in cases in which they have been assigned and advise and assist the court in its determination of the best interest of the children involved. Acts 1999, No. 275, §1, eff. July 1, 1999.
LA Chil Code art. 424.4 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 424.4. CASA; notice

  A. The CASA volunteer shall be notified by the court of all court proceedings and hearings of any kind pertaining to a child for whom he is assigned.  B. The CASA volunteer shall be notified by the department and shall be entitled to attend all administrative review hearings and family team meetings concerning the case to which he has been assigned, unless the parent objects.  Acts 1999, No. 275, §1, eff. July 1, 1999; Acts 2018, No. 320, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 424.5 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 424.5. CASA; appearance; witness

A. The CASA volunteer shall be entitled to attend all court proceedings and hearings of any kind pertaining to a child for whom he is assigned. B. The CASA volunteer may be called as a witness in the proceedings by any party or by the court and may request of the court the opportunity to appear as a witness. Acts 1999, No. 275, §1, eff. July 1, 1999.
LA Chil Code art. 424.6 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 424.6. CASA; access to records; confidentiality

A. The CASA volunteer shall be given access to all portions of the court record relating to proceedings pertaining to a child for whom he is assigned and to the child's family. B. Upon application to the court and notice to all parties, the court shall grant the CASA volunteer access to other information, including the department records as provided in R.S. 46:56, relating to the child and his family and to other matters involved in the proceeding in which he is appointed. C. All records and information requested or reviewed by the CASA volunteer in the course of his assignment shall be deemed confidential and shall not be disclosed by him except pursuant to court order. Such material will only be disclosed as directed by court order and will be subject to whatever protective order the court deems appropriate. Acts 1999, No. 275, §1, eff. July 1, 1999.
LA Chil Code art. 424.7 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 424.7. CASA; reports

A. The CASA program shall submit reports to the court. Except as provided in Paragraph B, it shall distribute a copy of such reports, prior to or at the same time it is submitted to the court, to all counsel of record, any unrepresented party, and the department. B. CASA reports may be subject to a protective order upon the request of the CASA volunteer, a party or party's attorney, or by the action of the judge. Acts 1999, No. 275, §1, eff. July 1, 1999; Acts 2001, No. 567, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 424.8 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 424.8. CASA; request for hearing

The CASA volunteer may request a hearing before the court for any of the following reasons: (1) The case plan on behalf of the child is not being implemented or adhered to by any party. (2) The plan is not meeting the child's needs. (3) Other reasons in the best interests of the child. Acts 1999, No. 275, §1, eff. July 1, 1999.
LA Chil Code art. 424.9 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 424.9. CASA; record confidentiality

All records maintained by the CASA volunteer and the CASA program shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed except as provided by Article 412. Acts 1999, No. 275, §1, eff. July 1, 1999.
LA Chil Code art. 424.10 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 424.10. CASA; immunity

No cause of action shall exist against any CASA volunteer, director, employee, staff, or volunteer who in good faith makes a report, cooperates in an investigation by an agency, or participates in judicial proceedings. Each such person shall have immunity from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed. This immunity from liability shall not extend to: (1) An alleged principal, conspirator, or accessory to an offense involving the abuse or neglect or sexual exploitation of a child. (2) A person who makes a report known to be false or with reckless disregard for the truth of the report. (3) The unauthorized divulging of confidential information occasioned by the CASA volunteer's gross fault or gross neglect. Acts 1999, No. 275, §1, eff. July 1, 1999.
LA Chil Code art. 425 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 425. Rules for conduct of officers, employees

Each court shall have power to frame and publish rules of procedure for the conduct of its officers and employees. Acts 1991, No. 235, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
LA Chil Code art. 426 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 426. Compensation to courts

Provisions for extra compensation and for extra expense allowances for courts serving as juvenile courts shall apply to courts exercising juvenile jurisdiction under this Code. Acts 1991, No. 235, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
LA Chil Code art. 427 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 427. Clerks; duties; authority

A. Court clerks shall perform all duties generally required by law of clerks and all duties specifically required under the provisions of this Code. B. Court clerks shall have all powers and authority granted by law. Acts 1991, No. 235, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
LA Chil Code art. 435 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 435. Purpose

The purpose of mediation is to encourage and assist parties to reach their own mutually acceptable settlement by facilitating communication, helping to clarify issues and interests, fostering joint problem-solving, and exploring settlement alternatives. Acts 1999, No. 894, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 436 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 436. Definitions

(1) "Approved register" means the register of qualified mediators prepared and maintained by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the Louisiana State Bar Association. (2) "Mediation" is a procedure in which a mediator facilitates communication between the parties concerning the matters in dispute and explores possible solutions to promote reconciliation, understanding, and settlement. (3) "Mediation parties" means: (a) In a child in need of care proceeding, a representative of the Department of Children and Family Services, the parent, and the child. (b) In a delinquency proceeding, the alleged victim and offender. (c) In a families in need of services proceeding, the parent and the child and any other person involved in the complaint including, in truancy cases, a school representative, and, in offense cases, the alleged victim. (4) "Mediator" is a third-party neutral who assists the parties in attempting to reach an agreement and who lacks the authority to impose any particular agreement upon them or to recommend any particular disposition of the case to the court. Acts 1999, No. 894, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 437 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 437. Referral for mediation

  A. At any time the court may order the referral for mediation in any proceeding authorized by this Code, except domestic abuse assistance proceedings brought pursuant to Chapter 8, Title XV.  B. The referral order shall recite that while the parties must attend a scheduled mediation session and must attempt to mediate in good faith, they are not required to reach an agreement.  Acts 1999, No. 894, §1; Acts 2007, No. 396, §1; Acts 2017, No. 359, §§1, 4, special eff. date.
LA Chil Code art. 438 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 438. Selection and appointment of mediator; disclosure; revocation

A. Once an order referring a case for mediation has been signed, the parties are encouraged to mutually agree upon a person to be appointed as the mediator from among those qualified in accordance with Article 439. Upon such agreement, the parties shall submit the mediator's name to the court and the court shall enter an order of appointment. B. A mediator may decline a proposed appointment. C. If the parties fail to agree upon a mediator within fifteen days after the signing of the referral order or if a mediator has declined appointment, the court may appoint a mediator who meets the qualifications of Article 439 and who is willing to serve or the court may return the case to the docket for further proceedings. D. Upon notice of appointment, a mediator must disclose to the parties and the court any representation, consultation, or any other professional or personal relationship with any party or counsel that might reasonably raise a question about the mediator's impartiality. The burden of disclosure rests on the mediator. After appropriate disclosure, the mediator may serve if both parties so desire with the approval of the court. If the mediator believes or perceives that there is a clear conflict of interest, he should withdraw, irrespective of the expressed desires of the parties. E. At any time during the pendency of the proceedings the court may revoke the mediator's appointment upon motion of any party on grounds of the mediator's lack of qualifications or lack of impartiality. Acts 1999, No. 894, §1; Acts 2001, No. 567, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 439.1 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 439.1. Duties of mediator

A. The mediator shall assist the parties in formulating an agreement to mediate. The agreement shall be in writing, dated, and signed by the parties. It shall identify the controversies between the parties, affirm the parties' intent to resolve these controversies through mediation, and specify the circumstances under which the mediation may continue. B. A mediator shall not knowingly assist the parties in reaching an agreement which would be unenforceable for reasons such as fraud, duress, overreaching, the absence of bargaining ability, or unconscionability. C. Prior to signing such an agreement, the mediator shall advise the parties that each of them may obtain review by an attorney of any agreement reached as a result of the mediation. D. The mediator shall at all times be impartial. Acts 2001, No. 567, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 440 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 440. Stay of proceeding; extension

Upon issuing a referral for mediation, the court may stay the proceeding and order a review of the mediation within sixty days of the referral. The court may extend such period for an additional thirty days. Acts 1999, No. 894, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 441 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 441. Confidentiality

A. All oral and written communications and records made during the mediation of a juvenile proceeding are not subject to disclosure and may not be used as evidence in any judicial or administrative proceeding unless: (1) The communication or record presented in the course of mediation is otherwise subject or is otherwise admissible if based on proof independent of the mediation. (2) All parties and the mediator specifically agree in writing to waive confidentiality. (3) Whenever the mediator has cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare is endangered by abuse or neglect, he shall report and refer the charges to the local child protection unit of the Department of Children and Family Services in accordance with Article 610. (4) Disclosure is permitted by Paragraph B of this Article. B. The mediator, parties, counsel, and other participants shall not be required to testify or otherwise make disclosure through discovery and are not subject to subpoena except: (1) The mediator may report to the court whether the parties appeared as ordered, whether mediation took place, and whether a settlement resulted. (2) The mediator may maintain records of mediation cases and may use data for research, training, or statistical reports to the court, provided all individual identifying information about the clients is removed. (3) The court may compel testimony or documents in a contempt proceeding alleging that a party failed to comply with a court order referring the case for mediation; however, the disclosure of any communications and records made during the course of the mediation shall be strictly limited to the issue of noncompliance with the court's order. (4) A court or administrative tribunal may compel testimony in a proceeding concerning the professional competence or ethics of the mediator or otherwise if necessary to prevent fraud or manifest injustice. C. In any judicial or administrative proceeding in which disclosure is sought, the court shall determine in camera whether the facts, circumstances, and context of the communications or records warrant a breach of confidentiality in accordance with this Article. D. The confidentiality protections of this Article are in addition to other provisions governing the confidentiality of juvenile court proceedings contained in this Code. Acts 1999, No. 894, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 442 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 442. Termination of mediation

A. Either party may withdraw and terminate further participation in mediation at any time. B. The mediator shall terminate mediation when: (1) The mediator concludes that the participants are unable or unwilling to participate meaningfully in the process or that an agreement is unlikely. (2) The mediator concludes that a party lacks the capacity to perceive and assert his own interests to the degree that a fair agreement cannot be reached. Acts 1999, No. 894, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 443 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 443. Preparation of agreement; court approval

A. If any agreement is reached by the parties, the mediator shall prepare a written document that contains the details of the agreement between or among the parties. B. A proposed consent judgment incorporating the agreement shall be prepared by the mediator, signed by the parties, and submitted to the court for its consideration. If approved, the judgment shall be signed and filed in the record. C. If no agreement has been reached, the mediator shall report that fact to the court without violating the policy of confidentiality of Article 441. Acts 1999, No. 894, §1; Acts 2001, No. 567, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 444 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 444. Judicial oversight; periodic evaluation; contempt proceedings

A. The court has the continuing responsibility for monitoring the conduct of any mediator to whom the court has referred a case. In fulfilling that responsibility to ensure quality control, the court shall order the mediator to prepare regular statistical reports regarding cases referred for mediation. The court shall also seek evaluations of mediator competence from the parties, counsel, or other participants. B. For the violation of the provisions of this Chapter, the court may institute proceedings for contempt against a mediator, party, counsel, or other participants. Acts 1999, No. 894, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 445 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 445. Supplementary local rules

Pursuant to Article 401, each court is authorized to adopt additional local rules as needed in order to implement mediation to resolve disputes in juvenile proceedings. Acts 1999, No. 894, §1.
LA Chil Code art. 501 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Children's Code|Art. 501. Legislative findings

The legislature finds that the use of a multidisciplinary investigative team response to the investigation and disposition of allegations of child sex abuse or allegations of other serious physical abuse and the use of child advocacy centers will encourage agency cooperation, expedite the resolution of allegations, minimize the trauma to children and their families, and otherwise serve the best interests of the children of Louisiana. In accordance with Article V, Section 27 of the Constitution of Louisiana, nothing in this Title will in any way preclude the sheriff, as the chief law enforcement officer of the parish, from taking any action deemed necessary in cases of alleged child abuse or neglect. Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 69, §1, eff. July 7, 1994; Acts 1995, No. 1305, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 2003, No. 749, §1.