§ 3-23 — Dispositional hearing; evidence; continuance

(1) At the dispositional hearing, the court shall determine whether it is in the best interests of the minor and the public that the minor be made a ward of the court, and, if the minor is to be made a ward of the court, the court shall determine the proper disposition best serving the interests of the minor and the public. All evidence helpful in determining these questions, including oral and written reports, may be admitted and may be relied upon to the extent of its probative value, even though not competent for the purposes of the adjudicatory hearing. (2) Notice in compliance with Sections 3-17 and 3-18 must be given to all parties-respondent prior to proceeding to a dispositional hearing. Before making an order of disposition the court shall advise the State's Attorney, the parents, guardian, custodian or responsible relative or their counsel of the factual contents and the conclusions of the reports prepared for the use of the court and considered by it, and afford fair opportunity, if requested, to controvert them. The court may order, however, that the documents containing such reports need not be submitted for inspection, or that sources of confidential information need not be disclosed except to the attorneys for the parties. Factual contents, conclusions, documents and sources disclosed by the court under this paragraph shall not be further disclosed without the express approval of the court pursuant to an in camera hearing. (3) A record of a prior continuance under supervision under Section 3-21, whether successfully completed or not, is admissible at the dispositional hearing. (4) On its own motion or that of the State's Attorney, a parent, guardian, custodian, responsible relative or counsel, the court may adjourn the hearing for a reasonable period to receive reports or other evidence. In scheduling investigations and hearings, the court shall give priority to proceedings in which a minor has been removed from the minor's home before an order of disposition has been made.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 103-22, eff. 8-8-23.)