Tribe: Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Minnesota - White Earth Band
Section 3-11-3 Informal Conference.
1. After conducting a preliminary investigation, the juvenile
counselor/Probation Officer shall hold an informal conference with the child and
the child’s parent(s), guardian or custodian to discuss alternative courses of
action in the particular case.
2. The juvenile counselor shall inform the child, the child’s parent(s),
guardian or custodian of their basic rights under Chapter 7 of this code.
Statements made by the child at the informal conference may or may not be
used against the child in determining the truth of the allegations in the petition.
The court shall make the determination whether or not the statement(s) are
admissible.
3. At the informal conference, upon the basis of the information
obtained during the preliminary investigation, the juvenile counselor may enter
into a written agreement with the child and the child’s parent(s), guardian or
custodian specifying particular conditions to be observed during an informal
adjustment period, not to exceed six (6) months. The child and the child’s
parent(s), guardian or custodian shall enter into the agreement with the
knowledge that consent is voluntary and that they may terminate the adjustment
process at any time and petition the court for a hearing in the case.
4. The child shall be permitted to be represented by counsel at the
informal conference.
5. If the child does not desire to participate voluntarily in a diversion
program, the juvenile counselor shall recommend that the juvenile presenter file
a petition under Section 3-11-4 of this code.
6. Upon the successful completion of the informal adjustment
agreement, the case shall be closed and no further action taken in the case.
7. If the child fails to successfully complete the terms of the informal
adjustment agreement, the juvenile counselor may recommend that a petition be
filed in the case under Section 3-11-4 of this code.