§ 37-1-174 — Order affecting delinquent juvenile's parent or guardian

(a) If an unemancipated child commits a delinquent or unruly act that brings the child within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court and if the child's parent or legal guardian, who is not the victim of the act that brings the child within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, did not take reasonable steps to control such delinquent or unruly conduct, then the court may order the parent or legal guardian to do one (1) or more of the following: (1) Participate in the child's program of treatment and rehabilitation; (2) Seek assistance from school officials, social service officials or other appropriate public or private resources and authorities to provide treatment and rehabilitation for the child; (3) Complete community service work individually or jointly with the child; or (4) Provide supervision to ensure that the child complies with any and all conditions and requirements that the court has ordered the child to follow. (b) If the parent or legal guardian violates or refuses to comply with the order of the juvenile court, then the parent or legal guardian may be held in contempt pursuant to § 37-1-158 ; and the juvenile court may fine the parent or legal guardian up to fifty dollars ($50.00), may incarcerate the parent or legal guardian in the county jail for up to ten (10) days or may impose both fine and incarceration. However, prior to holding any such parent or guardian in contempt, the parent or legal guardian shall be served with notice and shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard by the court. (c) This section shall not apply to the department of children's services acting in its capacity as custodian or guardian of any child.

Legislative History

Acts 1997, ch. 465, § 2; 2000, ch. 834, §§ 1, 2.