§ 7B-2501. Dispositional hearing. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 7B‑2501. Dispositional hearing.

(a)        The dispositionalhearing may be informal, and the court may consider written reports or otherevidence concerning the needs of the juvenile. The court may consider anyevidence, including hearsay evidence as defined in G.S. 8C‑1, Rule 801,that the court finds to be relevant, reliable, and necessary to determine theneeds of the juvenile and the most appropriate disposition.

(b)        The juvenile andthe juvenile's parent, guardian, or custodian shall have an opportunity topresent evidence, and they may advise the court concerning the disposition theybelieve to be in the best interests of the juvenile.

(c)        In choosing amongstatutorily permissible dispositions, the court shall select the mostappropriate disposition both in terms of kind and duration for the delinquentjuvenile. Within the guidelines set forth in G.S. 7B‑2508, the courtshall select a disposition that is designed to protect the public and to meetthe needs and best interests of the juvenile, based upon:

(1)        The seriousness ofthe offense;

(2)        The need to hold thejuvenile accountable;

(3)        The importance ofprotecting the public safety;

(4)        The degree ofculpability indicated by the circumstances of the particular case; and

(5)        The rehabilitativeand treatment needs of the juvenile indicated by a risk and needs assessment.

(d)        The court maydismiss the case, or continue the case for no more than six months in order toallow the family an opportunity to meet the needs of the juvenile through moreadequate home supervision, through placement in a private or specialized schoolor agency, through placement with a relative, or through some other planapproved by the court. (1979, c. 815, s. 1; 1981, c. 469, s. 18; 1998‑202, s. 6; 2003‑62,s. 5.)