reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2531 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter III - Delinquency and Persons in Need of Supervision Matters|§ 2531. Sealing of records; expungement

 (a) On motion by a person who has been the subject of a complaint filed under this chapter or on the court's own motion, the court may vacate its order and findings and order the sealing of the legal and social records of the court, Youth Services Administration, and of any other agency in the case if it finds that: (1) two years have elapsed since the final discharge of the person from legal custody or supervision, or the entry of any other court order not involving custody or supervision; and (2) he has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, and no proceeding is pending seeking a conviction or adjudication. The motion and the order may include the files and records specified in sections 2527, 2528 and 2529 of this title. (b) Reasonable notice of the motion shall be given to: (1) the Attorney General; and (2) the Youth Services Administration; and (3) the law enforcement officers and department having custody of the files and records, if the files and records specified in section 2527 are included in the motion. (c) Upon entry of the order, the proceedings in the case shall be treated as if they never occurred, and all index references shall be deleted and the court and law enforcement and departments shall reply and the person may reply to any inquiry that no record exists with respect to such a person. Copies of the order shall be sent to each agency or official named therein. However, the court shall maintain a special index reference to sealed records under the direct control of the Clerk of Court or his designee. No person shall have access to this special index without order of the court. Inspection of the files and records included in the order may thereafter be permitted by the court to those persons or departments named in the motion in defense of an action filed by the child against the person or departments named. Provided, however, the court in its discretion may by special order in an individual case permit inspection by or release information in the records to any clinic, hospital or agency which has the person under care or treatment. Also in the situation where individuals or agencies are engaged in fact finding or research the court may allow nonidentifiable information to be given. (d) Any adjudication of delinquency or person in need of supervision or conviction of a crime subsequent to sealing and prior to the child becoming an adult shall have the effect of nullifying the sealing order. (e) On motion on the part of a person who has been the subject of a complaint filed under this subchapter or on the court's own motion, the court may order the expunging of all legal and social records of the court, Youth Services Administration, and of any other agency pertaining to a case, if the child is found to be not delinquent.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2531a (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter III - Delinquency and Persons in Need of Supervision Matters|§ 2531a. Juvenile names published

 The Family Division of the Superior Court and the Virgin Islands Police Department shall release the names of minors fourteen years and older, and their parents, as part of the public record, whenever the minor is adjudicated delinquent for committing an act which would be a felony if committed by an adult.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2532 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2532. Purpose of subchapter

 The public policy of this territory is to protect children whose health and welfare may be adversely affected through abuse and neglect; to strengthen the family and to make the home safe for children by enhancing the parental capacity for good care; to provide a temporary or permanent nurturing and safe environment for children when necessary; and for these purposes to require the reporting of child abuse, investigation of such reports, and provision of services when needed by the child and family.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2533 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2533. Persons mandated to report suspected abuse, sexual abuse and neglect

 (a) When any physician, hospital personnel engaged in the admission, examination, care or treatment of persons, nurse, dentist or any other medical or mental health professional, school teacher or other school personnel, social service worker, day-care worker or other child-care or foster-care worker, or any peace officer or law enforcement official, has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse, sexual abuse or neglect, or observes the child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, he shall immediately report it or cause a report to be made in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter. (b) Whenever any person is required to report under this subchapter in his capacity as a member of the staff of a medical or other public or private institution, school, facility or agency, he shall immediately notify the person in charge of such institution, school facility or agency, or his designated agent, who shall then also become responsible to report or cause reports to be made. However, nothing in this subchapter is intended to require more than one report from any such institution, school or agency; but neither is it intended to prevent individuals from reporting on their own behalf. (c) In addition to those persons and officials specifically required to report suspected child abuse, sexual abuse and neglect, any other person may make a report if such person has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected or observes the child has been abused or neglected or observes the child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2534 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2534. Reporting procedures

 (a) Reports of child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect made pursuant to this subchapter shall be made immediately by telephone or otherwise to the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department (V.I.P.D.) or to the Department of Social Welfare. The U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department (V.I.P.D.) shall relay such reports to the Department of Social Welfare immediately or, at the latest, at the commencement of the next regular office hours of the Department of Social Welfare. At the request of the Department of Social Welfare, an oral report shall be followed by a written report within 48 hours. (b) To the extent possible, such reports shall include the following information: the names and addresses of the child and his parents or other persons responsible for his care; the child's age and sex; the nature and extent of the child's injuries, sexual abuse or neglect to the child or any other child in the same home; the name and address of the person responsible for the injuries, sexual abuse or neglect, the family composition, the source of the report, including the name of the person making the report, his occupation and his address; any action taken by the reporting source, including the taking of X-rays or color photographs or filing for temporary custody; and any other information that the person making the report believes may further the purpose of this subchapter.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2535 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2535. Color photographs and X-rays

 Any person required to report cases of child abuse, sexual abuse and neglect, may take or cause to be taken color photographs of the areas of trauma visible on a child and, if medically indicated, cause to be performed radiological examinations of the child. Any photographs or X-rays taken shall be sent to the Department of Social Welfare as soon as possible, which department shall make reimbursement for the reasonable cost of the photographs or X-rays.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2536 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2536. Child protective services

 (a) The Department of Social Welfare shall receive or arrange for the receipt of all reports of alleged child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect; provide or arrange for emergency temporary care and protection of victims of alleged child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect; and within 24 hours of notification of an alleged case of child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect, commence or cause to be commenced a thorough investigation of the report. (b) The investigation by the Department of Social Welfare shall include an evaluation of the child named in the report and any other children that may be in the same home; a determination of the risk to those children if they continue to remain in the home; a determination of the nature, extent and cause of any condition enumerated in the initial report of child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect, and the name, age and condition of any other children living in the same home. (c) Upon completion of the investigation, where appropriate, the Department of Social Welfare shall offer rehabilitative or ameliorative services to the child or to the family. (d) The Department of Social Welfare shall be responsible for providing, directing or coordinating the appropriate and timely delivery of services to abused children and their families, including the care of those abused or neglected children who are placed in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare upon the granting of a petition by the Superior Court. (e) The Department of Social Welfare shall within 90 days of receipt of the initial report of alleged child abuse or neglect, prepare a progress report, including a determination that the report is founded or unfounded, a plan for rehabilitative or ameliorative treatment, services offered and accepted or refused, and the present status of the case. Within seven days of termination of a case, a report indicating the final disposition shall be prepared. (f) The U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department (V.I.P.D.) shall, on its own initiative where appropriate or at the request of the Department of Social Welfare, investigate reports of alleged child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect, and shall convey the results of such investigation to the Department of Social Welfare and, where a petition or complaint has been filed, to the Superior Court. If the report of child abuse or neglect involves the acts or omissions of the Department of Social Welfare, the U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department (V.I.P.D.) shall investigate such report and shall convey the results of such report to the Department of Law, which shall take appropriate action.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2537 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2537. Immunity from liability

 Any person, official or institution participating in good faith in any act permitted or required by this subchapter shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability that otherwise might result by reason of such actions.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2538 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2538. Abrogation of privileged communications

 The privileged quality of communications between husband and wife and between any professional person and his patient or his client, except that between attorney and client, is hereby abrogated in situations involving alleged child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. Such privileged communications, excluding those of attorney and client, shall not constitute grounds for failure to report as required or permitted by this subchapter, or to give or accept evidence in any judicial proceedings relating to child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2539 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2539. Failure to report

 Any person, official or institution required by this subchapter to report a case of alleged child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect, or to perform any other act, who knowingly fails to do so, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2540 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2540. Confidentiality of records

 (a) In order to protect the rights of the child and his parent or guardian, all records concerning reports of child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect, made to the government of the Virgin Islands and all records generated as a result of such reports, shall be confidential, except as specifically provided by this subchapter. Any person who willfully permits, assists or encourages the release of information contained in such reports or records to persons or agencies not permitted by this section to have access, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than one year or both. (b) No person, official or agency shall have access to such records unless for the express purpose of acting pursuant to this subchapter. Persons permitted access include: (1) The Department of Social Welfare and its legal representative; (2) The U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department (V.I.P.D.) when investigating a report of known or suspected child abuse, sexual abuse or neglect; (3) A physician who has before him a child he reasonably suspects may have been abused or neglected; (4) A person legally authorized to place a child in emergency temporary custody under section 2544 of this chapter, but only when such person has before him a child he reasonably suspects may have been abused or neglected and such person requires the information in the report or record to determine whether or not to place the child in emergency temporary custody; (5) Any agency with legal responsibility or authorization to care for, treat or supervise a child who is the subject of a record, or other person responsible for the child's welfare; (6) Any person who is the subject of a report and his legal representative, or if such person is a child, the child's guardian ad litem, parent, guardian or other person responsible for his welfare; and (7) A court, upon finding that access to such record may be necessary for the determination of an issue before it; but such access shall be limited to in camera inspection, unless the court determines that public disclosure of the information contained therein is necessary for the resolution of an issue pending before it. (8) Any person appointed to a case under a Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program, as provided under section 2555, of this chapter. (c) A person given access to the names and other identifying information concerning the subjects of the report, except the subject of the report, shall not divulge or make public such identifying information.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2541 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2541. Education and training

 Within available funding and as appropriate, the Department of Social Welfare shall conduct a public education program in order to encourage maximum reporting of alleged child abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. To the extent possible, such education programs shall include information on the extent and nature of the problem, the duties and responsibilities of persons required to report and the duties and functions of the Department of Social Welfare.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2542 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2542. Appointment of counsel for the child; role of counsel

 In every case of child abuse or neglect the court shall appoint counsel for the child to act in the role of guardian ad litem. Such counsel shall be willing and competent by training or experience in representing the interests of a child in such proceedings. Guardian ad litem shall be given access to all reports relevant to the case and to any reports of examination of the child's parents, guardian or custodian. Guardian ad litem shall be charged with the representation of the child's rights, welfare, interest and well-being and to advocate the child's viewpoint, and to these ends shall make such further investigation as he deems necessary. In addition, guardian ad litem may interview witnesses, examine and cross-examine witnesses, introduce other evidence, make recommendations to the court and participate in the proceedings to the degree appropriate for adequately representing the child.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2543 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2543. Appointment of independent experts

 Any party to the proceedings may petition the court for appointment of experts, at public expense for independent evaluation of the child or the respondents or to evaluate the recommendations of the investigating agency.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2545 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2545. Issuance of warrant and reports to court

 (a) The court may issue a warrant directing the person responsible for the welfare of the child to be brought before the court, when a petition or complaint is filed with the court under this chapter and it appears that: (1) the summons cannot be served; or (2) the summoned person has refused to obey the summons; or (3) the person responsible for the child is likely to leave the jurisdiction; or (4) a summons, in the court's opinion, would be ineffectual; or (5) the child is in imminent danger to that child's life or health. (b) When issuing a warrant under this section, the court may also direct that the child be brought before the court. (c) In any case involving abuse or neglect, the warrant shall be clearly marked on the face thereof “Child Abuse Case” or “Child Neglect Case”. If a warrant is not executed within two (2) days of its issuance, such fact shall be reported to the court within three (3) days of its issuance.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2546 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2546. Application to return child temporarily removed

 At any time prior to an adjudicatory hearing and upon the application by the respondent for an order returning the child temporarily removed, the court shall hold a hearing: (a) if there has not been a hearing on the removal of the child at which the respondent was present or had adequate opportunity to be present; or (b) upon good cause shown. Except for valid reasons shown to the court, if a hearing is granted such hearing shall be held within three court days of the application. Upon such hearing, the court shall grant the application, unless it finds that there is probable cause to believe there is an imminent danger to that child's life or health through abusive or neglectful behavior of the applicant.
V.I. Code tit. 5, § 2547 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 5 - Judicial Procedure|Subtitle 2 - Family Division Procedure|Chapter 201 - Family Division of the Superior Court|Subchapter IV - Abuse and Neglect Matters|§ 2547. Continuance in contemplation of dismissal

 (a) Prior to or at trial, upon the motion of any party and with the consent of all parties, and upon such conditions as may be agreeable to all parties, the court may, at its discretion, order that the proceeding be “continued in contemplation of dismissal”. (b) A continuance in contemplation of dismissal is a continuance of the proceeding for a period not to exceed six months, with a view to ultimate dismissal of the petition in furtherance of justice. Upon the consent of the parties, the court may issue an order extending such period for such time and upon such conditions as may be agreeable to the parties. (c) At any time during the period of continuance, upon the motion of any party, or upon the motion of the court, the court may restore the matter to the calendar and, upon reasonable notice to all parties, may proceed to a hearing of the petition. (d) If the matter has not been so restored to the calendar and heard, at the expiration of the continuance period the petition is deemed to have been dismissed by the court in furtherance of justice.