At the dispositional hearing, information is presented to the court to help the judge decide whether the child is a person in need of supervision - a PINS. Witnesses with information about the child testify and present evidence.
If the judge decides that the child does not need supervision or treatment, the judge may dismiss the case. If the child does need supervision or treatment, the judge can choose one of the following options:
- Warning and discharge
The judge may decide that no further court involvement is needed and discharge the case with a warning to the child.
- Suspended judgment
The judge may pause the case for a set period of time and require the child to follow certain rules or participate in services. If the child follows the rules, the case may be dismissed.
- Placement outside the home
In some cases, the judge may place the child in foster care or another approved placement. This usually happens only if the court decides the child cannot safely remain at home. Children who are 16 or older generally cannot be placed unless the court finds special circumstances.
- Probation
The judge may place the child on probation. This means the child remains at home but must follow certain conditions and may be required to participate in services or programs.
In some cases, the court may also order the child to participate in an education reform program.