Chapter 10: Juvenile Dispositions

In this chapter. . .

This chapter discusses:

•Dispositional hearing requirements;

•Dispositional hearing procedures;

•Dispositional options for court;

•Required evaluation for juveniles adjudicated of cruelty to animals or arson;

•Required procedures when juvenile escapes placement;

•Supplemental dispositional orders.

10.1Purpose of Dispositional Hearings

In delinquency proceedings, dispositional hearings are conducted after a jury or the court has found that a juvenile has committed an offense. MCR 3.943(A). The purpose of a disposition hearing is “to determine what measures the court will take with respect to a juvenile and, when applicable, any other person, once the court has determined following trial or plea that the juvenile has committed an offense.” Id.

A dispositional hearing may also be conducted in designated case proceedings if the court chooses to order a disposition following conviction instead of sentencing the juvenile as an adult. MCL 712A.2d(8); MCL 712A.18(1)(o).¹