reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-25. - Arrest of juveniles without warrant.

§ 14-1-25. Arrest of juveniles without warrant.
Any officer authorized to make an arrest for any criminal offense may take into custody without a warrant any child believed to be delinquent or wayward within that officer’s jurisdiction, but in no case shall a child be detained in custody longer than twenty-four (24) hours without being referred to the family court for consideration.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-25; impl. am. P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-26. - Separation from adult offenders.

§ 14-1-26. Separation from adult offenders.
In case a delinquent or wayward child is taken into custody or detained before or after the filing of a petition, or pending a hearing on the petition, the child shall not be confined in any prison, jail, lockup, or reformatory, or be transported with, or compelled or permitted to associate or mingle with, criminal, vicious, or dissolute persons, but shall be kept under the care of the person arresting the child, or of a police matron as provided in § 14-1-24, until by order of the court other disposition is made of the child as provided in this chapter; and if the child is ordered to be detained or confined in any of the institutions mentioned in this chapter, the child shall not be conveyed to or from the institution with adult offenders.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-26.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-26.1. - Temporary custody of status and non-offenders.

§ 14-1-26.1. Temporary custody of status and non-offenders.
A juvenile taken into custody at a state, municipal, or college police department for an offense that would not be classified as criminal if committed by an adult, or non-offender juveniles, such as dependent or neglected children, shall be held for identification, investigation, and processing purposes only in an unlocked, multi-purpose room that is not designated for residential use or secure detention. The child shall not be handcuffed to a stationary object and must remain in continuous visual supervision of an agency representative.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 259, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-28. - Transfer of cases from other courts.

§ 14-1-28. Transfer of cases from other courts.
If, during the pendency of a criminal or quasi-criminal charge against any person in any other court it shall be ascertained that the person was under the age of eighteen (18) years at the time of committing the alleged offense, it shall be the duty of the court to immediately transfer the case, together with all the papers, documents, and records of testimony connected with the case, to the family court. The court making the transfer shall order the child to be taken immediately to the family court or to the place of detention designated by the family court, or release the child in the custody of some suitable person, to appear before the family court at a time designated by the family court. The family court shall upon the transfer proceed to hear and dispose of the case in the same manner as if it had been instituted in that court in the first instance.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 23; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-28; impl. am. P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-29. - Times and places of hearings.

§ 14-1-29. Times and places of hearings.
The court shall designate suitable times and places for the hearing of all matters arising within its jurisdiction and may sit at any other times and places within the state that the court may seem best adapted to the carrying out of the purposes of this chapter. Hearings under this chapter may be adjourned from time to time and to different places within the state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-29.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-30. - Conduct of hearings.

§ 14-1-30. Conduct of hearings.
In the hearing of any case, the general public shall be excluded; only an attorney or attorneys, selected by the parents or guardian of a child to represent the child, may attend, and only those other persons shall be admitted who have a direct interest in the case, and as the justice may direct. All cases involving children shall be heard separately and apart from the trial of cases against adults.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-30; P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-30.1. - Compelling evidence in hearings — Immunity.

§ 14-1-30.1. Compelling evidence in hearings — Immunity.
In the hearing of any case in which a child is alleged to be delinquent or wayward, if a person refuses to answer a question or produce other evidence of any kind on the ground that he or she may be incriminated by it, or if a child refuses to answer a question or produce other evidence of any kind on the ground that it supports a finding that he or she is delinquent or wayward, and if the attorney general, in writing, requests the chief judge of the family court or his or her designee to order that person or child to answer the question or produce the evidence, the court, in its discretion, after notice to the witness, may order the person or child to answer the question or produce the evidence. In deciding those matters, the chief judge or his or her designee shall consider whether the person may be incriminated, or whether the evidence may support a finding that the child is delinquent or wayward, in some other jurisdiction. After complying, and if, but for this section, he or she would have been privileged to withhold the answer given or the evidence produced by him or her, that person or child shall not be prosecuted or subjected to penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which, in accordance with the order, he gave answer or produced evidence. But he or she may, nevertheless, be prosecuted or subjected to penalty or forfeiture for any perjury, false swearing, or contempt committed in answering or failing to answer, or in producing, or failing to produce, evidence in accordance with the order.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 217, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-30.2. - Foster parents — Notice of court proceedings.

§ 14-1-30.2. Foster parents — Notice of court proceedings.
The department of children, youth and families shall provide notice to foster parents, pre-adoptive parents or relatives providing care for a child of any review or hearing to be held with respect to a child in the care of the department. The foster parents, pre-adoptive parents or relatives providing care for a child may attend the hearing and file with the court a report, either written or oral, for the purpose of conveying to the court information relating to the best interest of the child. Nothing in this section shall be construed to give the foster parents, pre-adoptive parents or relatives providing care for a child legal standing as a party to the petition.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 193, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 87, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-31. - Services of public defender.

§ 14-1-31. Services of public defender.
Prior to the commencement of any hearing, the justice shall advise the parent or guardian of any child, or the adult involved, as the case may be, that if he or she is financially unable to engage counsel, he or she is entitled to the services of the public defender. The public defender shall, at the request of a justice of the family court, appear in court on behalf of that person.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 24; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-31; impl. am. P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-32.1. - Juvenile victim restitution program.

§ 14-1-32.1. Juvenile victim restitution program.
(a)
If a judge of the family court finds that a child is delinquent, wayward, or otherwise within the provisions of this chapter, and places the child on probation, he or she shall, where appropriate, require the child to compensate the victim for losses due to the act of the child, and the child shall make restitution in a reasonable amount within a reasonable period of time and in accordance with that payment schedule established by the judge from funds earned by the child pursuant to employment engaged in by the child. The restitution shall be made under the direction of a probation counselor in cooperation with the administrator of the juvenile victim restitution program within the family court.
(b)
If the child is not employed, the probation counselor, in cooperation with the restitution program administrator or a member of his or her staff, shall make a reasonable effort to find private or other public employment for the child. However, if the child does not have employment after a reasonable time and private or other public employment is not obtained, despite the efforts of the restitution program staff, the child shall, where appropriate, be directed by the court to perform work in some type of community restitution and with arrangements for compensation pursuant to § 14-1-32.2. If parents make monetary restitution, the child may still be ordered to perform community restitution without compensation.
(c)
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the employer of a juvenile hired pursuant to the provisions of this section shall receive a credit of ten percent (10%) of the amount of wages paid to the juvenile annually against the state income tax owed by the employer, provided the credit shall not exceed the sum of three thousand dollars ($3,000) annually.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 244, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 220, § 1; P.L. 1982, ch. 345, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 167, art. XXIV, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 185, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-32.2. - Administration of program — Payment for services.

§ 14-1-32.2. Administration of program — Payment for services.
The family court shall be responsible for the administration of the restitution program, shall oversee and coordinate all local community based juvenile restitution programs, and shall process and make all payments to children who are required to perform community restitution in lieu of other public or private employment pursuant to § 14-1-32.1. The probation counselor responsible for a child offender, or a child restitution office in the local city or town, shall maintain time sheets and other documents necessary to determine and process the payment of child offenders. Remuneration for the services provided by the child offender in a community restitution job shall be made as a wage payment by check, with the child offender listed as the payee. However, the check shall be mailed to the child’s probation counselor or a child restitution office established by the cities and towns. The child offender shall pay the victim of his or her acts seventy-five percent (75%) of each payment and twenty-five percent (25%) of the payment shall be retained by the child. This same percentage shall apply to the child offender who is otherwise employed at the time he or she is required to make restitution.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 244, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 167, art. XXIV, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-32.3. - Appropriations.

§ 14-1-32.3. Appropriations.
The general assembly shall appropriate one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for support and maintenance of the pilot juvenile restitution program; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of that appropriation or so much of it as may be necessary for the purposes appropriated, upon receipt by him or her of properly authenticated vouchers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1980, ch. 244, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-32.4. - Family counseling for drug or alcohol related offenses.

§ 14-1-32.4. Family counseling for drug or alcohol related offenses.
If the court finds that a child is delinquent or wayward for any violation of the Rhode Island Controlled Substances Act, chapter 28 of title 21, the court may order the child, his or her parent(s), guardian(s), and/or other lawful custodian(s) to participate in a program of counseling designed to attempt to remedy the conditions which led to the child’s coming before the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 284, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-33. - Supervision of child placed on probation.

§ 14-1-33. Supervision of child placed on probation.
(a)
Whenever the court places a child on probation, the court may do so upon any terms and conditions, not inconsistent with law, that the court may deem best for the welfare of the child, but unless otherwise ordered by the court, a probation counselor may make any arrangements for the care of the child that he or she may deem best for its welfare, and may release the child in the care of its parent, guardian, or other lawful custodian, or in the care of any relative of the child. If a child has been placed on probation as provided in this chapter, the probation counselor may at any time before the discharge of the child take the child before the court without a warrant, or the court may issue a warrant to bring the child before the family court. When the child is before the court, the court may make any disposition of the case which it might have made before the child was placed on probation, or may continue or extend the period of probation.
(b)
At the end of the probation period of a child, the probation counselor shall make a report to the court, in writing, as to the conduct of the child during that period.
(c)
If, at any time during a child’s probationary term, the child is charged with an additional and subsequent delinquency offense, which if committed by an adult would be considered a felony, the probation counselor shall file a petition in the family court alleging that the child has violated probation.
(d)
If, at any time during a child’s probationary term the child is charged with an additional and subsequent wayward/disobedient or status offense, the probation counselor may file a petition in the family court alleging that the child has violated probation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-33; impl. am. P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 14; P.L. 2013, ch. 334, § 1; P.L. 2013, ch. 415, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-35. - Guardianship of agency to which child entrusted — Adoption proceedings.

§ 14-1-35. Guardianship of agency to which child entrusted — Adoption proceedings.
In the event that the court shall award a dependent or neglected child to the custody of the department of children, youth, and families, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, the child shall, unless otherwise ordered, become a ward and be subject to the guardianship of the department. That guardianship shall not include the guardianship of any estate of the child. The department shall be made party to any proceeding for the legal adoption of the child and may, by its attorney or agent, appear in the family court where those proceedings are pending and consent to the adoption. However, when adoption proceedings shall be filed in the office of the clerk of the family court, then notice of the filing of the petition in the adoption proceedings shall be filed with the clerk of the family court at least twenty (20) days before any final decree of adoption shall be entered, and the entry of any final decree of adoption shall release the department from any liability which may have been incurred by it by reason of the commitment of the child to it.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-35; impl. am. P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 14; Reorg. Plan No. 1, 1970; P.L. 2001, ch. 77, art. 23, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-35.1. - Child advocate as guardian of estate of child in certain circumstances — Plan for disbursement of funds.

§ 14-1-35.1. Child advocate as guardian of estate of child in certain circumstances — Plan for disbursement of funds.
(a)
Subject to the provisions of § 14-1-35, the office of the child advocate shall be the guardian of the estate of any child for whose benefit a judgment for compensation or order approving a settlement for compensation is entered by the court pursuant to the provisions of § 12-25-3, to be held by that office in accordance with the requirements of § 42-73-9.1.
(b)
Upon the termination of proceedings instituted under this chapter, the child advocate shall formulate a plan for the disbursement of compensation for the sole benefit of the child, whether before or at the age of majority, which plan shall be presented to and approved by the family court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 317, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-36. - Commitment of delinquent and wayward children.

§ 14-1-36. Commitment of delinquent and wayward children.
(a)
In all proceedings under this chapter, the court may order a delinquent or wayward child to be committed to the training school for youth for a sentence no longer than the youth’s nineteenth birthday. However, nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit the placing of any child in the custody of the department of children, youth and families or any other agency, society, or institution, pursuant to § 14-1-32. The commitment of delinquent or wayward children shall be by an order and all assignments of the custody of dependent, neglected, delinquent, or wayward children to the state training school for youth or to the custody of the department of children, youth and families or to any of the private institutions, agencies, or societies mentioned in this chapter shall be by a decree signed by the justice of the court by whom the order or decree is issued, and that order or decree shall be directed to any person that the court may designate, and shall require that person to take the child and deliver him or her to the officer in charge of the training school for youth or to the custody of the director of children, youth and families or of the public or private institution, agency, or society, and the order or decree shall constitute the person charged with it, while he or she has the order in his or her possession for service, an officer for all purposes under this chapter, in any county of the state in which it may be necessary for him or her to go. The person charged with carrying out the order or decree shall also deliver to the officer of the public or private institution, agency, or society or to the training school for youth or the director of children, youth and families a copy of the order or the decree signed by the justice of the court issuing it, and subject to the provisions of this chapter, the officer and other authorities in charge of the training school for youth or the director of children, youth and families or any public or private institution, agency, or society shall hold the child according to the terms of any other order or decree that may from time to time thereafter be issued by the court in relation to the child.
(b)
Whenever the court shall commit a child to the training school for youth or to the director of children, youth and families or any other institution or agency, it shall transmit with the order of commitment a summary of its information concerning the child.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 25; impl. am. P.L. 1946, ch. 1774, §§ 1, 2; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-36; impl. am. P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 14; P.L. 2001, ch. 77, art. 23, § 2; P.L. 2007, ch. 73, art. 22, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-36.1. - Release from training school.

§ 14-1-36.1. Release from training school.
(a)
No child sentenced to the training school for youth, after being found delinquent or wayward, shall be released prior to the end of his or her sentence unless authorized by a justice of the family court, after a hearing with due notice to the parties to the petition upon which the child was sentenced. At any such hearing, the family court shall authorize the release of the child to his or her home and/or to the care and custody of the department of children, youth and families unless the court finds that the child:
(1)
Poses a substantial risk of harm to self; or
(2)
Poses a substantial risk of harm to others; or
(3)
Has demonstrated that he or she may leave the jurisdiction of the court.
Provided, however, any child who has been certified and adjudicated pursuant to §§ 14-1-7.2 and 14-1-7.3, may not be released prior to the end of his or her sentence, except as authorized under § 14-1-42 of this chapter.
(b)
A child so sentenced may be allowed as part of a rehabilitation program to be placed temporarily in a community program outside of the training school only when authorized by the family court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 430, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 9, art. 12, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-36.2. - Assignment of custody to the director of the department of children, youth and families.

§ 14-1-36.2. Assignment of custody to the director of the department of children, youth and families.
In the event the court assigns custody of a child to the director of the department of children, youth and families pursuant to §§ 14-1-11, 14-1-11.1, 14-1-27, 14-1-32, 14-1-34, 14-1-36, 14-1-36.1, 40-11-7.1, or 40-11-12, the court shall authorize the provision of suitable treatment, rehabilitation and care for each child in the least restrictive and community-based setting.
History of Section.
P.L. 2008, ch. 100, art. 17, § 10.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-36.3. - Community confinement.

§ 14-1-36.3. Community confinement.
(a)
The family court may authorize that a sentenced youth or a youth who is subject to an order of detention to the Thomas C. Slater training school be placed in the community in an appropriate setting as specified in §§ 14-1-27 and 14-1-32 for a period of time as determined by the court. In any instance wherein the family court authorizes the release of a sentenced youth from the Thomas C. Slater training school to community confinement, the youth shall be supervised by probation pursuant to § 14-1-33 and the term of community confinement shall not exceed the term of his or her sentence to the training school.
(b)
The court order to place a detained youth or a sentenced youth on probation and/or in community confinement may include the use of electronic surveillance or monitoring devices as defined in this chapter, upon the finding by the court that:
(1)
The youth is charged with or adjudicated on an offense which meets the definition of “delinquent” as found in 14-1-3(5); and
(2)
The youth would otherwise be detained at or sentenced to the Thomas C. Slater Training School for Youth; and
(3)
The use of the surveillance or devices will allow the youth to be released to the home of a legal guardian, family member, or foster home placement.
(c)
Any use of electronic surveillance and monitoring devices authorized for non-adjudicated youth who have been detained in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be limited to thirty (30) days unless the court determines that an additional period not to exceed thirty (30) days is necessary for the safety or welfare of the youth and/or the community.
(d)
Any use of electronic surveillance and monitoring devices authorized for adjudicated youth who have been sentenced in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be limited to a period not to exceed sixty (60) days unless the court determines that an additional period not to exceed thirty (30) days is necessary for the safety or welfare of the youth and/or the community.
(e)
The department is authorized to adopt, amend, and rescind regulations in accordance with this chapter and implement its provisions, including rules and regulations for the application, surveillance and reporting of youth compliance with electronic surveillance and monitoring devices. The regulations shall be promulgated and become effective in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 2011, ch. 151, art. 17, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-37. - Other disposition for best interests of child.

§ 14-1-37. Other disposition for best interests of child.
The court may make any further disposition that it may deem to be for the best interests of the child, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-37.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-38. - Insufficient evidence of waywardness or delinquency.

§ 14-1-38. Insufficient evidence of waywardness or delinquency.
If, after a hearing on any petition in the case of a wayward or delinquent child under this chapter, the court finds that there is not sufficient evidence to support it, the court shall adjudge the child to be not a delinquent or wayward child, as the case may be, and shall discharge the child.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-38.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-39. - Fees for delivery of child to court or institution.

§ 14-1-39. Fees for delivery of child to court or institution.
A fee of one dollar ($1.00), and an allowance of ten cents ($0.10) per mile traveled with any child may be paid to the person designated to deliver any child to a public or private institution, agency, or society, or to bring any child from a public or private institution, agency, or society to a session of the court, the allowance to be paid out of a sum appropriated for this purpose, when certified to by a justice of the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 25; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-39.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-40. - Adjudication not having effect of conviction.

§ 14-1-40. Adjudication not having effect of conviction.
(a)
No adjudication upon the status of any child in the jurisdiction of the court shall operate to impose any of the civil disabilities ordinarily resulting from a conviction, nor shall any child be deemed a criminal by reason of that adjudication, nor shall that adjudication be deemed a conviction, nor shall any child be charged with or convicted of a crime in any court, except as provided in this chapter. The disposition of a child or any evidence given in the court shall not be admissible as evidence against the child in any case or proceeding in any other court, nor shall that disposition or evidence operate to disqualify a child in any future civil service application, examination, or appointment.
(b)
Any finding of delinquency based upon acts which would constitute a felony, if committed by an adult, shall be available to the attorney general for use in its recommendations to any court in sentencing and that record may be taken into consideration for the purposes of sentencing.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-20; P.L. 1985, ch. 349, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-41. - Protection of religious faith.

§ 14-1-41. Protection of religious faith.
In placing a child under the guardianship or custody of a private agency, society, or institution, the court may when practicable select an agency, society, or institution governed by persons of like religious faith of the parents of the child, or in case of a difference in the religious faith of the parents, then of the religious faith of the child, or, if the religious faith of the child is not ascertainable, then of the faith of either of the parents. When neither the religious faith of the parents nor the religious faith of the child is ascertainable, the foregoing principles shall not apply.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 26; P.L. 1946, ch. 1772, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-41; P.L. 1977, ch. 83, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-44. - Effect of order for maintenance — Enforcement.

§ 14-1-44. Effect of order for maintenance — Enforcement.
(a)
The order and decree shall be regarded as a judgment for debt on which suits may be brought or executions may issue for amounts due and unpaid, from time to time, to be shown by affidavits of the custodian of the child entitled to those amounts and the attorney of record, if any, of the custodian, the executions to run against the goods and chattels of the parent, and for want of goods and chattels against the body of the parent. The law officer of any town or city or the state attorney-general of the state may enter appearance for the purpose of obtaining or enforcing any order and decree for support in the case of a child in which the town, city, or state is an interested party.
(b)
The court shall have any and all of the powers of a court of equity for the purpose of enforcing any of these orders and decrees.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-44.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-45. - Procedures in adult cases — Sentence.

§ 14-1-45. Procedures in adult cases — Sentence.
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, all provisions of this chapter relative to procedure in cases of children, so far as practicable, shall also be construed as applying to cases against adults for offenses committed against state laws within the purview of this chapter. Upon trial of those cases, the court shall have the power to impose the sentence that the law provides, suspend the sentence, place on probation, revoke or continue suspension, or by order impose upon the adult any duty that shall be deemed for the best interests of the child, and exercise any additional powers over the defendant that is exercised by the superior court in other criminal cases under the provisions of chapter 19 of title 12.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 28; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-45; P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 6; P.L. 1961, ch. 81, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-45.1. - Compelling evidence in adult cases — Immunity.

§ 14-1-45.1. Compelling evidence in adult cases — Immunity.
In the hearing of any case in which an adult is charged with an offense committed against state laws within the purview of this chapter, if a person refuses to answer a question or produce other evidence of any kind on the ground that he or she may be incriminated by it, or if a child refuses to answer a question or produce other evidence of any kind on the ground that it supports a finding that he or she is delinquent or wayward, and if the attorney general, in writing, requests the chief judge of the family court or his or her designee to order that person or child to answer the question or produce the evidence, the court, in its discretion, after notice to the witness, may order the person or child to answer the question or produce the evidence. In deciding those matters, the chief judge or his or her designee shall consider whether the person may be incriminated or whether the evidence may support a finding that the child is delinquent or wayward in some other jurisdiction. After complying, and if, but for this section, he or she would have been privileged to withhold the answer given or the evidence produced by him or her, that person or child shall not be prosecuted or subjected to penalty or forfeiture for or on account of any transaction, matter, or thing concerning which, in accordance with the order, he or she gave answer or produced evidence. But he or she may, nevertheless, be prosecuted or subjected to penalty or forfeiture for any perjury, false swearing, or contempt committed in answering or failing to answer, or in producing, or failing to produce, evidence in accordance with the order.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 217, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-46. - Institution of proceedings against adults — Process.

§ 14-1-46. Institution of proceedings against adults — Process.
Proceedings against adults may be instituted by the officers duly authorized by law to institute those proceedings or by the court’s own motion. The court shall issue its summons, warrant of arrest, or other process in order to secure or compel the attendance of any necessary person.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 28; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-46.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-47. - Trial by judge or jury.

§ 14-1-47. Trial by judge or jury.
If any adult is charged with an offense, the trial shall be by jury unless the accused shall in open court expressly waive trial by jury and request to be tried by the justice, in which case the trial shall be by the justice of the family court, and the judgment and sentence shall have the same force and effect in all respects as if the judgment and sentence had been entered and pronounced upon the verdict of a jury.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 28; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-47; impl. am. P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-48. - Jury trial in family court.

§ 14-1-48. Jury trial in family court.
(a)
In every case in which trial is by jury in the family court, in accordance with the provisions of § 14-1-47, the trial shall be held in the same manner and subject to the same provisions as jury trials in criminal prosecution in the superior court.
(b)
The presiding justice of the superior court may assign a room in the superior court building for any jury trial held by the family court. The general public shall be excluded and only those persons shall be admitted as provided in § 14-1-30.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-48; P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 6; P.L. 1981, ch. 71, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-48.1. - Powers of chief judge in jury trials.

§ 14-1-48.1. Powers of chief judge in jury trials.
The chief judge of the family court, in the selection of petit jurors for family court service, shall be empowered to exercise all powers which the presiding judge of the superior court has in the selection of petit jurors in criminal cases to be tried before the superior court. All agencies of state government shall provide the necessary services as requested by the chief judge of the family court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 71, § 4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-49. - Fees for service of process or attendance in court.

§ 14-1-49. Fees for service of process or attendance in court.
In proceedings under this chapter, no court or witness fees shall be taxed or allowed against any party to a petition, and no salaried officer of the state, or of any city or town, shall be entitled to receive any fee for the service of process or for attendance in court in any of these proceedings, but all other persons acting under orders of the court shall be allowed, for service of process and attendance in court, the fees provided by law for like services in criminal cases before the district court, the fees to be paid from the appropriation provided for by law, when certified to by a justice of the court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 29; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-49; impl. am. P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-51. - Physical or mental examination and treatment.

§ 14-1-51. Physical or mental examination and treatment.
(a)
The court may cause any person coming under its jurisdiction to be examined by a licensed physician who is expert in physical diagnosis or in neuropsychiatry.
(b)
Whenever a child who has been brought before the family court appears to be in need of medical or surgical care, the court may order the parent, guardian, or other custodian to provide treatment for the child in a hospital or otherwise. If the parent, guardian or other custodian fails to provide that care, the court may, after due notice, enter an order for it; and the expense of the medical care when approved by the court shall be charged to the state, if the parents are unable to pay it.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 31; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-51; impl. am. P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 14.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-52. - Appeals.

§ 14-1-52. Appeals.
(a)
From any final decree, judgment, order, decision, or verdict of the family court, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, there shall be an appeal to the supreme court, which appeal, in all civil cases except paternity proceedings under chapter 8 of title 15, shall follow the procedure for appeal in civil actions as provided in chapter 24 of title 9. A decision granting a divorce shall be appealable upon entry and, except as otherwise provided by law, the correctness of the decision shall not be reviewable upon an appeal from a final decree for divorce entered in pursuance of § 15-5-23. Appeals in criminal cases in which the family court exercises jurisdiction over adults, and in paternity cases under chapter 8 of title 15, shall follow the procedure for appeal as provided in chapter 24 of title 9. The provisions of chapter 24 of title 9 and applicable procedural rules relating to the superior court shall apply to the family court in matters appealed from the family court; provided, that on appeal, the supreme court may by rule provide for certain circumstances as it may deem appropriate.
(b)
Every person aggrieved by any decree, judgment, order, decision, or verdict of the family court relating to modification of alimony or of child support, or a finding of contempt for failure to pay alimony or child support, may, within twenty (20) days after entry of the decree, judgment, order, decision, or verdict, seek review of questions of law in the supreme court by petition for writ of certiorari in accordance with the procedure contained in this chapter. The petition for a writ of certiorari shall set forth errors claimed. Upon the filing of a petition with the clerk of the supreme court, the supreme court may, if it sees fit, issue its writ of certiorari to the family court to certify to the supreme court the record of the proceeding under review, or so much of it as was submitted to the family court by the parties, together with any additional record of the proceeding in the family court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-52; P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 6; P.L. 1965, ch. 55, § 59; P.L. 1972, ch. 169, § 28; P.L. 1981, ch. 329, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-53. - Effect of pendency of appeal.

§ 14-1-53. Effect of pendency of appeal.
The pendency of an appeal in the case of a child shall not suspend the order or decree of the family court, nor shall it discharge the child from the custody of the court or of the person, institution, or agency to whose care the child shall have been committed, unless by writ of habeas corpus unless and until the supreme court or any justice of the supreme court shall so order.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-53; P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-58. - Counsel.

§ 14-1-58. Counsel.
The attorney general or any attorney in his or her department designated by him or her shall, upon request of the petitioner, when directed by the court, appear and act for the petitioner in any criminal case under the provisions of this chapter; and the public defender shall, at the direction of the court, appear in criminal cases on behalf of defendants who are found by the court to be financially unable to engage counsel.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 32; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-58; P.L. 1961, ch. 73, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-59. - Cooperation of public and private agencies.

§ 14-1-59. Cooperation of public and private agencies.
It is made the duty of every state, town, or municipal official or department, including, but not limited to, the department of children, youth, and families, the department of health, the department of human services, the department of elementary and secondary education, the office of substance abuse, and the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals, to render all assistance and cooperation within his, her, or its jurisdictional power which may further the objects of this chapter. All institutions or agencies providing services to any child are required to give to the court any information concerning the child that the court may require. The court is authorized to seek the cooperation of all societies or organizations having for their object the protection or aid of children, and their physical or spiritual welfare; and the court shall utilize the available services of all of those societies and organizations.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 33; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-59; P.L. 1992, ch. 244, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 77, art. 23, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-59.1. - Procedural safeguards.

§ 14-1-59.1. Procedural safeguards.
The family court, in cooperation with the department of children, youth, and families, shall develop policies for the purpose of identifying procedural safeguards to protect the rights of children in the process of discharge or emancipation and/or disposition of a petition.
History of Section.
P.L. 1991, ch. 274, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-60. - Repealed.

§ 14-1-60. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1896, ch. 115, § 7; P.L. 1897, ch. 475, § 4; P.L. 1908, ch. 1540, § 4; G.L. 1909, ch. 139, § 7; G.L. 1923, ch. 142, § 7; P.L. 1926, ch. 844, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 425, § 4; P.L. 1950, ch. 2416, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-60; Repealed by P.L. 2017, ch. 69, § 1, effective June 29, 2017; P.L. 2017, ch. 100, § 1, effective June 30, 2017.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-61. - Rules of court.

§ 14-1-61. Rules of court.
The court shall have the power to adopt rules of procedure for the conduct of the court not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 34; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-61.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-62. - Construction of chapter.

§ 14-1-62. Construction of chapter.
This chapter shall be liberally construed to accomplish the purposes sought in it.
History of Section.
P.L. 1944, ch. 1441, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 14-1-62.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-64. - Disposition of juvenile records.

§ 14-1-64. Disposition of juvenile records.
(a)
All police records relating to the arrest, detention, apprehension, and disposition of any juveniles shall be kept in files separate and apart from the arrest records of adults and shall be withheld from public inspection, but the police report relating to the arrest or detention of a juvenile shall be open to inspection and copying upon request and upon payment of copying costs in accordance with § 38-2-4 by the parent, guardian, or attorney of the juvenile involved. After disposition of an offense and upon execution of an appropriate release and upon payment of copying costs in accordance with § 38-2-4 by the parent, guardian or attorney of the juvenile involved, records relating to the arrest, detention, apprehension and disposition of the juveniles shall be open to inspection and copying by the parent, guardian, or attorney of the juvenile involved.
(b)
Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the identity of any juvenile waived pursuant to § 14-1-7.1 or certified and convicted pursuant to § 14-1-7.2 shall be made public.
History of Section.
P.L. 1977, ch. 70, § 1; P.L. 1990, ch. 325, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 187, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 14 - Delinquent and Dependent Children › Chapter 14-1 - Proceedings in Family Court › Section 14-1-65. - Hearings for out-of-state placement of children.

§ 14-1-65. Hearings for out-of-state placement of children.
(a)
Prior to authorizing the placement of a child entrusted to the control of the department of children, youth, and families and in an out-of-state child caring facility, other than the home of a relative, the department shall petition the family court for a placement hearing. The family court shall grant approval for the placement if the following facts are found:
(1)
That no suitable in-state facilities are available for the placement of the child;
(2)
That the child will receive an individualized treatment plan, including, but not limited to, appropriate clinical treatment, education, training, and rehabilitation; and
(3)
That the proposed placement is in the best interest of the child.
(b)
This section shall not apply when the proposed placement is less than thirty-five (35) miles from the home of the parent previously having custody of the child.
History of Section.
P.L. 1981, ch. 84, § 1; P.L. 1984, ch. 74, § 1.