§ 37-1-171 — Written orders - Presumptions - Forms

(a) When a court desires to commit a child to the department of children's services under this part, it shall do so by written order that finds that the child has been adjudicated dependent and neglected, unruly, delinquent or meets the criteria in § 37-1-175 . If the written order fails to make a specific adjudication of the child, it shall be presumed that the court has found the child dependent and neglected. Commitments to the department shall be consistent with all other laws regarding adjudication and commitment to the department. Nothing in this part shall be interpreted as prohibiting taking children into emergency protective services custody without a prior adjudication. (b) When a court commits a child to the department, the court shall address the issue of child support under § 37-1-151(b) . (c) The department shall prepare a form for the court to use when committing a child to custody. Such form shall be completed and transmitted along with the court's commitment order to the department at the time of the child's commitment.

Legislative History

Acts 1996, ch. 1079, § 72; 2000, ch. 947, § 8G.