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 place the child into a foster group home or a social service facility for up to 18 months, send the child home under the supervision of a probation officer, or suspend judgment on the condition that the child abide by certain terms. If the child is at least 10 years old, the judge can order the child to pay for any damage done to someone's property or require the child to perform community service. The judge can also put the case "on hold" for up to 6 months to decide whether the case should be dismissed or may discharge the child with a warning. The judge then signs a "dispositional order".