Opinion ID: 1092244
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 84

Heading: Detention Hearing.

Text: (1) An authorized agent of the department shall make a diligent effort to notify the parent or custodian of the child of the hearing in the most expeditious method available. (2) The court shall conduct an informal hearing on the petition within 24 hours, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, from the time the child is taken into custody. The court shall determine at the hearing the existence of probable cause to believe the child is dependent and whether the other criteria provided by law for placement in a shelter have been met. (3) The issue of probable cause shall be determined in a nonadversary manner, applying the standard of proof necessary for an arrest warrant. (4) At the hearing all interested persons present shall have an opportunity to be heard on the criteria for placement as provided by law. (5) The court may base its determination on sworn complaint, testimony or affidavit; and may hear all relevant and material evidence, including oral and written reports, to the extent of its probative value even though it would not be competent at an adjudicatory hearing. (6) The court shall advise the parent or custodian of: (i) the right to be represented by counsel as provided by law; (ii) the reason for the child being in custody and why continued placement is requested. (iii) the right to present placement alternatives.