§ 931 — Concurrent jurisdiction — Mental health

Delaware § 931

• Jurisdiction: Delaware
• Title: 10
• Part: Organization, Powers, Jurisdiction and Operation of Courts
• Ch. 9: THE FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
• Subch.: Jurisdiction and Powers

Text

(a)Purpose. —

The purpose of jurisdiction under this section is to extend Family Court’s jurisdiction under Chapter 50 of Title 16 over a specific category of youths.

(b)Scope. —

(1) This section applies only to a youth who was under DSCYF custody when the youth attained 18 years of age and both of the following apply:

a. At the time of attaining 18 years of age, the youth was identified or diagnosed with a mental condition as defined in § 5001 of Title 16.

b. After attaining 18 years of age, but prior to attaining the age of 26 years of age, the youth is subject to proceedings in Superior Court under Chapter 50 of Title 16.

(2) Family Court’s jurisdiction under this section:

a. May continue until the youth attains 26 years of age.

b. Does not affect the youth attaining the age of majority on the youth’s eighteenth birthday, and DSCYF custody of a youth terminates by operation of law when the youth attains 18 years of age.

c. May be concurrent with jurisdiction under § 928 or § 929 of this title.

(c)Procedure. —

(1) In any proceeding under Chapter 50 of Title 16 involving a youth who meets the criteria of this section, the Superior Court may, upon notification by the youth or by its own initiative, transfer the case to the Family Court for further proceedings under Chapter 50 of Title 16. Transfer of a case may occur in conjunction with the youth’s first appearance in the Superior Court or as soon as practicable thereafter.

(2) When a youth under the jurisdiction of the Family Court under this section attains 26 years of age, the Family Court shall transfer that youth’s case to the Superior Court.

(3) The Family Court and the Superior Court may establish procedures for all of the following:

a. The identification of youths who meet the criteria of this section.

b. The transfer of cases between the 2 Courts.

(4) Upon transfer of a case under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the Family Court shall utilize and apply the same procedure and legal standard in Chapter 50 of Title 16 that the Superior Court would otherwise apply to an individual of the same age as the youth.

Legislative History

81 Del. Laws, c. 163, § 1 ; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1 ; 84 Del. Laws, c. 42, § 1