Bill > SB35

This bill modifies the procedures for juvenile and domestic relations district courts when handling cases involving delinquent juveniles by introducing a new provision that allows courts to order a mental health or disability evaluation of a juvenile before making a final disposition. Specifically, the court may direct a public agency to conduct an interdisciplinary team evaluation of the juvenile's mental health or disability needs. The interdisciplinary team can include qualified personnel from local social services, community services boards, court service units, and other public agencies. The evaluation report must be filed with the court clerk and copies must be provided to all attorneys representing parties in the case at least 72 hours before the hearing. If new information is discovered after the initial report, an amended report must be filed and distributed. As an alternative to ordering a new evaluation, the court may also consider an existing interdisciplinary team report that was created within the past 90 days. This bill aims to ensure that juveniles' mental health and disability needs are appropriately assessed and considered during court proceedings, potentially allowing for more comprehensive and individualized case management.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB35