Bill > SB747

This bill amends Virginia law to expand the authority of juvenile and domestic relations district courts in handling cases involving delinquent juveniles. The bill allows courts to order preliminary mental health and social assessments and additional screenings when necessary for certain juvenile cases. If a juvenile is found to be delinquent, the court can now place the juvenile on probation and order treatment for mental illness or developmental disability through a program licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. The bill introduces a new provision that enables the court to direct a public agency to evaluate the juvenile's service needs using an interdisciplinary team approach, which may include personnel from social services, community services boards, court service units, and other relevant public agencies. This team can conduct a comprehensive assessment of the juvenile's needs before the court makes a final disposition. Additionally, the bill requires that in certain circumstances, the court provide information to the juvenile's parent or legal guardian about the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center, aiming to support families and improve intervention strategies for juveniles involved in the court system.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB747