Section 29 Determining MostAppropriateFormofIntervention

• Library: Juvenile Law 2011

If sufficient grounds exist to bring the child within the court’s jurisdiction, the juvenile officer may either make informal adjustment of the matter under Rule 112 or file a petition. Rule 111.01.b(2); § 211.081, RSMo 2000. This decision can have a far‑reaching impact on the ultimate disposition of the case. If informal adjustment is chosen, the child will receive informal services from juvenile court staff on a voluntary basis. See §1.30, infra. But if a petition is filed, more drastic “official” court action can take place, including involuntary removal of the child from the parents’ home.

Counsel representing children or their parents would be well advised at this critical stage of the proceedings to contact the juvenile officer or deputy assigned to the case in order to have input in the decision‑making process. Juvenile officers normally conduct investigations to determine the most appropriate...