This Wyoming statute (Title 14) governs general children's law matters including age of majority, minor consent to healthcare, emancipation, parental rights and obligations, and termination of the parent-child relationship. It does not license, regulate, or set operating standards for any behavioral health, IDD, ABA, or foster care facility or level of care. Compliance staff at behavioral health or related facilities may note the minor consent provisions (§14-1-101(b)) as relevant to treatment authorization, but the statute itself does not govern any licensed care setting.
View official sourceTITLE 14 - CHILDREN CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS ARTICLE 1 - IN GENERAL 14-1-101. Age of majority; rights on emancipation. (a) Upon becoming eighteen (18) years of age, an individual reaches the age of majority and as an adult acquires all rights and responsibilities granted or imposed by statute or common law, except as otherwise provided by law. (b) A minor may consent to health care treatment to the same extent as if he were an adult when any one (1) or more of the following circumstances apply: (i) The minor is or was legally married; (ii) The minor is in the active military service of the United States; (iii) The parents or guardian of the minor cannot with reasonable diligence be located and the minor's need for health care treatment is sufficiently urgent to require immediate attention; (iv) The minor is living apart from his parents or guardian and is managing his own affairs regardless of his source of income; (v) The minor is emancipated under W.S. 14-1-201 through 14-1-206; (vi) The minor is twelve (12) years of age or older, is a smoker or user of tobacco products and the health care to which the minor consents is a tobacco cessation program approved by the department of health pursuant to W.S. 9-4-1204. (c) The consent given pursuant to subsection (b) of this section is not subject to disaffirmance because of minority. (d) Any competent adult may enter into a binding contract and shall be legally responsible therefor. (e) A person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age may consent to donate and may donate blood. 14-1-102. Right to contract. (a) An unemancipated minor may obtain a birth certificate from the department of health and may enter into a legally binding contract for housing, employment, purchase of a motor vehicle, receipt of a student loan, admission to postsecondary school, establishing a bank account, admission to a domestic violence or homeless shelter and receipt of services as a homeless youth or victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse, provided that the minor: (i) Meets all of the following: (A) At least sixteen (16) years of age; (B) Willingly living separate and apart from his parents who consent to or acquiesce in the separate living arrangement; (C) Homeless; (D) Managing his own financial affairs. (ii) Submits a notarized affidavit in accordance with subsection (b) of this section. (b) A notarized affidavit required under this section shall be: (i) Signed and sworn to by the minor which includes all of the following: (A) The minor's full name; (B) The minor's birth date; (C) A statement by the minor verifying the conditions listed in paragraph (a)(i) of this section; (D) A statement by the minor declaring that the information provided is true and correct under penalty of perjury. (ii) Witnessed by two (2) or more adults. The acknowledgment by each adult witnessing the affidavit shall include a declaration that he is an attorney, health care provider, rabbi, priest, minister, clergy or other religious counselor or a college or school administrator or counselor and that to the best of his knowledge the minor signed the affidavit willingly and understands the nature and legal implications of the contract, if applicable. The affidavit shall require a rabbi, priest, minister, clergy or other religious counselor who witnesses an affidavit to verify under penalty of false swearing under W.S. 6-5-303 that the witness has not been convicted of a felony in this state or another jurisdiction. An adult witnessing an affidavit pursuant to this paragraph shall not assume any legal responsibility or liability under a contract entered into pursuant to this section. (c) A person that in good faith accepts an affidavit purportedly signed and sworn to in accordance with this section and who is without actual knowledge that the affidavit is fraudulent or otherwise invalid may rely upon the affidavit as if it were genuine and may enter into a contract that is legally binding upon the minor as provided under subsection (a) of this section. (d) For purposes of this section, "homeless" means as that term is defined in 42 U.S.C. section 11434a(2). ARTICLE 2 - EMANCIPATION OF MINORS 14-1-201. Definitions. (a) As used in this article: (i) "Emancipation" means conferral of certain rights of majority upon a minor as provided under this article and includes a minor who: (A) Is or was married; (B) Is in the military service of the United States; or (C) Has received a declaration of emancipation pursuant to W.S. 14-1-203. (ii) "Minor" means an individual under the age of majority defined by W.S. 14-1-101(a); (iii) "Parent" means the legal guardian or custodian of the minor, his natural parent or if the minor has been legally adopted, the adoptive parent; (iv) "This act" means W.S. 14-1-201 through 14-1-206. 14-1-202. Application for emancipation decree; effect of decree. (a) Upon written application of a minor under jurisdiction of the court and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a district court may enter a decree of emancipation in accordance with this act. In addition to W.S. 14-1-101(b), the decree shall only: (i) Recognize the minor as an adult for purposes of: (A) Entering into a binding contract; (B) Suing and being sued; (C) Buying or selling real property; (D) Establishing a residence; (E) The criminal laws of this state. (ii) Terminate parental support and control of the child and their rights to his income; (iii) Terminate parental tort liability for the minor. 14-1-203. Application for emancipation decree; hearing; notice; rights and liabilities of emancipated minor; conditions for issuance of decree; filing of decree; copy to applicant. (a) Upon written application of a minor subject to personal jurisdiction of the court, a district court may enter a decree of emancipation in accordance with this act. The application shall be verified and shall set forth with specificity all of the following facts: (i) That he is at least seventeen (17) years of age; (ii) That he willingly lives separate and apart from his parents; (iii) That his parents consent to or acquiesce in the separate living arrangement; (iv) That he is managing his own financial affairs; and (v) That the source of his income is not derived from means declared unlawful under state or federal law or from assistance received under W.S. 42-2-104. (b) The district court shall conduct a hearing on the minor's application for emancipation within sixty (60) days after the date of filing. Notice of the hearing shall be given to the minor and his parents by certified mail at least ten (10) days before the date set for hearing. (c) At the hearing, the court shall advise the minor of the effect of emancipation pursuant to W.S. 14-1-202. These rights and liabilities shall be stated in the emancipation decree. (d) The court may enter a decree of emancipation if the minor is at least seventeen (17) years of age and the court finds emancipation is in the best interests of the minor. In making a determination, the court shall consider if the: (i) Minor's parents consent to the proposed emancipation; (ii) Minor is living or is willing to live apart from his parents and is substantially able to provide self-maintenance and support without parental guidance and supervision; (iii) Minor demonstrates he is sufficiently mature and knowledgeable to manage his personal affairs without parental assistance; and (iv) Source of the minor's income is not derived from means declared unlawful under state or federal law. (e) Upon entry of a decree of emancipation, the court shall file the decree with the county clerk of the county in which the child resides. A copy of the decree shall be issued to the minor. (f) A declaration of emancipation shall be conclusive evidence that the minor is emancipated, but emancipation may also be proved by other evidence like any other fact. 14-1-204. Third party application; procedure. (a) Any interested third party having dealings with an apparently emancipated minor may apply to the district court where that minor is domiciled or may be found for a declaration of emancipation. (b) The application under this section shall be made in conformity with W.S. 14-1-203(a). (c) Proceedings under this section shall be conducted in conformity with the requirements of W.S. 14-1-203. 14-1-205. Application to department of transportation for emancipated status on driver's license; fee. (a) Upon application of an emancipated minor, the department of transportation shall indicate the minor's emancipated status on his Wyoming driver's license or if without a driver's license, on the minor's Wyoming identification card issued under W.S. 31-8-101. (b) An applicant under this section shall pay two dollars ($2.00) to the division. The department of transportation shall deposit the fees in the manner prescribed by law for driver's license and identification card fees and submit receipt and acknowledgement to the state treasurer. 14-1-206. Emancipated minor subject to adult criminal jurisdiction. An emancipated minor is subject to jurisdiction of adult courts for all criminal offenses. CHAPTER 2 - PARENTS ARTICLE 1 - PARENTAGE; PATERNITY ACTIONS 14-2-101. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-102. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-103. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-104. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-105. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-106. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-107. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-108. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-109. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-110. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-111. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-112. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-113. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-114. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-115. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-116. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-117. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-118. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-119. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. 14-2-120. Repealed By Laws 2003, Ch. 93, § 3. ARTICLE 2 - RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS 14-2-201. Maintenance and education of minor out of income from own property. Any minor having a living parent and owning property with income sufficient for his maintenance and education in a manner more expensive than his parent can reasonably afford, regard given to the situation of the parent's family and to all circumstances of the case, the expenses of the minor's education and maintenance may be defrayed out of the income of the minor's own property in whole or in part, as judged reasonable and as directed by the court. The charges for maintenance and education may be allowed accordingly in the settlements of the accounts of the minor's guardian. 14-2-202. Payment or delivery to parent of minor's estate not exceeding $25,000; duty of parent; settlement agreements on behalf of minors. (a) Money or other property not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) in value belonging to a minor having no guardian of his estate may be paid or delivered to a parent entitled to the custody of the minor to hold for the minor, upon written assurance verified by the oath of the parent that the total estate of the minor does not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) in value. The written receipt of the parent shall be an acquittance of the person making the payment or delivery of money or other property. (b) It is the duty of the parent to apply the funds received under subsection (a) of this section to the use and benefit of the minor. (c) A parent, guardian or conservator of a minor may enter into a settlement or compromise on behalf of the minor with a person against whom the minor has a claim without first seeking court approval and without first establishing a guardianship or conservatorship for the minor if: (i) A guardian or conservator has not been previously appointed for the minor to represent the minor; (ii) The minor is not emancipated under W.S. 14-1-201 through 14-1-206; (iii) The total amount of the settlement or compromise to be paid to the minor is not greater than twenty- five thousand dollars ($25,000.00); (iv) The moneys paid under the settlement agreement or compromise are paid: (A) To the parent, guardian or conservator of the minor; or (B) Into a trust or other account held for the benefit of the minor. (v) The parent, guardian or conservator of the minor attests in an affidavit that the person has made a reasonable inquiry into the minor's claim and that: (A) The total amount of the minor's claim is not greater than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), excluding fees, costs and all other expenses incident to the claim; and (B) To the best of the parent's, guardian's or conservator's knowledge: (I) The minor will be fully compensated by the settlement or compromise; or (II) It is unlikely that the minor will be able to obtain additional amounts from the party entering into the settlement agreement or compromise with the minor. (vi) The parent, guardian or conservator of the minor will apply the funds received to the use and benefit of the minor. (d) A settlement or compromise entered into in compliance with subsection (c) of this section shall, upon signature of the parent, guardian or conservator entering into the agreement on the minor's behalf, be binding on the minor without the need for further court approval or review and shall have the same force and effect as if the minor were a competent adult entering into the settlement or compromise. (e) A minor shall have a cause of action against a parent, guardian or conservator who fails to manage or apply all funds received for the sole benefit of the minor, who fails to make a reasonable inquiry into the minor's claim, who falsely states that the minor's claim is not greater than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) to settle the claim under this section or who otherwise fails to comply with the requirements of this section in settling a claim on behalf of the minor. 14-2-203. Parental tort liability for property damage of certain minors; exception; action cumulative. (a) Any property owner is entitled to recover damages from the parents of any minor under the age of seventeen (17) years and over the age of ten (10) years who maliciously and willfully damages or destroys his property. The recovery is limited to the actual damages in an amount not to exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) in addition to taxable court costs. This section does not apply to parents whose parental custody and control of the child had been terminated by court order prior to the destructive act. (b) The action authorized in subsection (a) of this section is in addition to all other actions which the owner is entitled to maintain and nothing in this section precludes recovery in a greater amount from the minor, parents or any person for damages for which the minor or other person would otherwise be liable. The purpose of this section is to authorize recovery from parents in situations where they would not otherwise be liable. 14-2-204. Liability for support; right of action; venue; service; measure of recovery; remedies cumulative; execution; continuing jurisdiction; notice. (a) Any person legally responsible for the support of a child who abandons, deserts, neglects or unjustifiably fails to support the child is liable for support of the child. It is no defense that the child was not or is not in destitute circumstances. For purposes of this section, a parent's legal obligation for the support of his or her children, whether natural or adopted, continues past the age of majority in cases where the children are: (i) Mentally or physically disabled and thereby incapable of self support; or (ii) Repealed By Laws 2000, Ch. 1, § 2. (iii) Between the age of majority and twenty (20) years and attending high school or an equivalent program as full-time participants. (b) Either of the parents of the child, the department of family services or any other person, agency or institution furnishing the physical care or support of the child may commence civil action for past and future child and medical support. (c) The petition or complaint shall be filed in the district court of the county where the defendant resides, is found or has assets subject to attachment or execution. Service of process shall be as provided by the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure. (d) The measure of recovery from the defendant is the reasonable value of the care or support, including medical support furnished to the child by the petitioner and the child support ordered pursuant to W.S. 20-2-303, 20-2-304, 20-2-307 and 20-2-311. In addition, the court may make other suitable order for future care or support of the child. These remedies are cumulative and in addition to other remedies provided by law. Payments of future support shall be paid to the clerk of the district court. (e) Repealed By Laws 2000, Ch. 1, § 2. (f) Repealed By Laws 2000, Ch. 1, § 2. 14-2-205. Presence of parent, custodian or guardian at hearings; failure to appear; issuance of bench warrant. (a) It is the responsibility of one (1) or both parents, and the guardian or custodian of an unemancipated minor, if applicable, to appear with the minor before any court of this state in any proceeding in which the minor is required to appear and is alleged to have committed a criminal offense or to have violated a municipal ordinance. It shall be the responsibility of the court to afford any parent, guardian or custodian appearing with a minor pursuant to this subsection a reasonable opportunity to address the court. (b) In any proceeding in juvenile court, attendance of one or both parents, and the guardian or custodian of the minor, if applicable, shall be compelled as provided by W.S. 14-6-215. (c) In a proceeding in a court other than the juvenile court, the presiding judge may require the presence of one or both parents, and the guardian or custodian of the minor, if applicable, at any hearing by causing an order to appear to be served in the manner provided by W.S. 14-6-214. (d) Any person served with an order to appear under subsection (c) of this section who without reasonable cause fails to appear, is liable for contempt of court and the court may issue a bench warrant to cause the person to be brought before the court. 14-2-206. Protection of parental rights; applicability. (a) The liberty of a parent to the care, custody and control of their child is a fundamental right that resides first in the parent. (b) The state, or any agency or political subdivision of the state, shall not infringe the parental right as provided under this section without demonstrating that the interest of the government as applied to the parent or child is a compelling state interest addressed by the least restrictive means. (c) The parental right as provided under this section shall also apply to any state or local education agency, school district, board of trustees, commission or school under title 21 of the Wyoming statutes regarding communication or disclosure to a parent about that parent's unemancipated child. ARTICLE 3 - TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS 14-2-301. Repealed by Laws 1981, ch. 102, § 2. 14-2-302. Repealed by Laws 1981, ch. 102, § 2. 14-2-303. Repealed by Laws 1981, ch. 102, § 2. 14-2-304. Repealed by Laws 1981, ch. 102, § 2. 14-2-305. Repealed by Laws 1981, ch. 102, § 2. 14-2-306. Repealed by Laws 1981, ch. 102, § 2. 14-2-307. Repealed by Laws 1981, ch. 102, § 2. 14-2-308. Definitions. (a) As used in this act: (i) "Abuse" means as defined by W.S. 14-3-202(a)(ii); (ii) "Authorized agency" means: (A) A public social service agency authorized to care for and place children; or (B) A private child welfare agency certified by the state for such purposes pursuant to W.S. 1-22-101 through 1- 22-114, 14-4-101 through 14-4-117 or 14-6-201 through 14-6-243; (iii) "Child" or "minor" means an individual who is under the age of majority; (iv) "Court" means the district court in the district where the child resides or is found or the district court which has previously retained jurisdiction of the child because of a previous order entered by that court; (v) "Mental health professional" means a person with an advanced degree in one of the behavioral sciences including a psychologist, social worker or clinical counselor; (vi) "Neglect" means as defined by W.S. 14-3-202(a)(vii); (vii) "Parent" means a natural parent or a parent by adoption; (viii) "Indigent party" means a person whose financial resources and income are insufficient to enable him to pay the reasonable fees and expenses of an attorney licensed to practice in this state; (ix) "This act" means W.S. 14-2-308 through 14-2-319. 14-2-309. Grounds for termination of parent-child relationship; clear and convincing evidence. (a) The parent-child legal relationship may be terminated if any one (1) or more of the following facts is established by clear and convincing evidence: (i) The child has been left in the care of another person without provision for the child's support and without communication from the absent parent for a period of at least one (1) year. In making the above determination, the court may disregard occasional contributions, or incidental contacts and communications. For purposes of this paragraph, a court order of custody shall not preclude a finding that a child has been left in the care of another person; (ii) The child has been abandoned with no means of identification for at least three (3) months and efforts to locate the parent have been unsuccessful; (iii) The child has been abused or neglected by the parent and reasonable efforts by an authorized agency or mental health professional have been unsuccessful in rehabilitating the family or the family has refused rehabilitative treatment, and it is shown that the child's health and safety would be seriously jeopardized by remaining with or returning to the parent; (iv) The parent is incarcerated due to the conviction of a felony and a showing that the parent is unfit to have the custody and control of the child; (v) The child has been in foster care under the responsibility of the state of Wyoming for fifteen (15) of the most recent twenty-two (22) months, and a showing that the parent is unfit to have custody and control of the child; (vi) The child is abandoned at less than one (1) year of age and has been abandoned for at least six (6) months; (vii) The child was relinquished to a safe haven provider in accordance with W.S. 14-11-101 through 14-11-109, and neither parent has affirmatively sought the return of the child within three (3) months from the date of relinquishment; (viii) The parent is convicted of murder or homicide of the other parent of the child under W.S. 6-2-101 through 6-2-104; (ix) The parent committed sexual assault and the child was conceived as a result of the sexual assault. For the purposes of this paragraph, the following shall apply: (A) A person committed sexual assault if the person was convicted of an offense under W.S. 6-2-302, 6-2-303, 6-2-314 through 6-2-316 or other similar law of another jurisdiction; (B) Reasonable effort to reunify the family is not required to terminate parental rights; (C) This paragraph shall not apply if the parent seeking termination was married to or cohabiting with the parent committing the sexual assault resulting in the birth of the child for not less than two (2) years immediately after the birth of the child. Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed as limiting a parent from seeking termination under another provision of this section or from seeking sole custody under title 20, chapter 5 of the Wyoming statutes. (x) The child has been appointed a guardian who is a relative of the child, the child has been under the guardian's care for at least twenty-four (24) consecutive months and a showing that the parent is unfit to have custody and control of the child. As used in this paragraph, "relative" means as defined by W.S. 3-2-301(a)(iii). (b) Proof by clear and convincing evidence that the parent has been convicted of any of the following crimes may constitute grounds that the parent is unfit to have custody or control of any child and may be grounds for terminating the parent-child relationship as to any child with no requirement that reasonable efforts be made to reunify the family: (i) Murder or voluntary manslaughter of another child of the parent or aiding and abetting, attempting, conspiring to commit or soliciting such a crime; or (ii) Commission of a felony assault which results in serious bodily injury to a child of the parent. As used in this paragraph "serious bodily injury" means as defined by W.S. 6-1-104. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, evidence that reasonable efforts have been made to preserve and reunify the family is not required in any case in which the court determines any one (1) or more of the following by clear and convincing evidence: (i) The parental rights of the parent to any other child have been terminated involuntarily; (ii) The parent abandoned, chronically abused, tortured or sexually abused the child; (iii) The parent has been convicted of committing one (1) or more of the following crimes against the child or another child of that parent: (A) Sexual assault under W.S. 6-2-302 through 6-2-304; (B) Sexual battery under W.S. 6-2-313; (C) Sexual abuse of a minor under W.S. 6-2-314 through 6-2-317. (iv) The parent is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to W.S. 7-19-302 if the offense involved the child or another child of that parent. This shall not apply if the parent is only required to register for conviction under W.S. 6-2-201; (v) Other aggravating circumstances exist indicating that there is little likelihood that services to the family will result in successful reunification. 14-2-310. Parties authorized to file petition. (a) The petition for the termination of the parent-child relationship shall be filed with the court by: (i) Either parent, when termination of the parent-child legal relationship is sought with respect to the other parent; or (ii) The guardian or the legal custodian of the child; or (iii) An authorized agency. (b) The petition for the termination of the parent-child relationship may be filed with the court by a biological or adoptive grandparent acting in loco parentis to the child, where the child has resided with the grandparent for a period of not less than one (1) year and the placement is not under the direction of a juvenile court or the department of family services. 14-2-311. Contents of petition. (a) The petition for the termination of the parent-child legal relationship shall state: (i) The legal name, sex, date and place of birth of the child, if known, and the jurisdictional facts; (ii) The name and residence of the petitioner and his relationship to the child; (iii) The name, address and place and date of birth of the parent, if known, and of the name of the person having the legal custody or guardianship of the child; (iv) The grounds for termination of the parent-child legal relationship pursuant to W.S. 14-2-309; (v) Name and address of the person or authorized agency requesting appointment as the guardian of the child. 14-2-312. Hearing; appointment of guardian ad litem. After the petition has been filed, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child unless the court finds the interests of the child will be represented adequately by the petitioner or another party to the action and are not adverse to that party. If the court appoints a guardian ad litem it shall approve a fee for services. When a petition is filed and presented to the judge, the judge shall set the petition for hearing. The Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure, including the right of a parent, child or interested person to demand a jury trial, are applicable in actions brought under this act. 14-2-313. Service of petition. (a) The petition shall be served on the following persons: (i) The parent of the child; (ii) The guardian ad litem; (iii) The guardian or next friend of the parent if the parent is a minor; (iv) The department of family services if the child is or has been supported by public assistance funds. (b) Service of the petition on the person required to be served by subsection (a) of this section shall be made as provided by the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure. If the person is a nonresident or his residence is unknown, service may be had by constructive service or by publication as provided in the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure. 14-2-314. Social study required; information to be shown; not excluded as hearsay. Upon the filing of a petition by anyone other than an authorized agency as defined by W.S. 14-2-308(a)(ii)(A), the court shall direct that a social study be made by the appropriate county office of public assistance and social services or by any authorized agency to aid the court in making a final disposition of the petition. The social study shall state the factual information pertaining to the allegations in the petition, the social history and the present situation and environment of the child and parent. The social study shall not be excluded as evidence by reason of hearsay alone. The social study shall be made available to any party to the action upon request. 14-2-315. Order terminating the parent-child legal relationship; contents. The order terminating the parent-child legal relationship shall be in writing and shall contain the findings of the court. If the court terminates the parent-child legal relationship of either one (1) or both parents, it shall fix the responsibility for the child's support and appoint a guardian of the child's person or estate or both. 14-2-316. Dismissal of petition; continuation of hearing. If the court does not terminate the parent-child legal relationship, it shall dismiss the petition or direct an authorized agency to continue to make efforts to rehabilitate the parent and continue the hearing for no longer than six (6) months. The authorized agency shall provide the court with any additional reports regarding its rehabilitative efforts and results. Pending final hearing, the court may continue the present placement of the child or place the child in the temporary custody of an authorized agency and fix responsibility for temporary child support. 14-2-317. Effect of order of termination. (a) An order terminating the parent-child legal relationship divests the parent of all legal rights and privileges and relieves the child of all duties to that parent except: (i) The order does not divest that parent of duties and support obligations unless otherwise specifically ordered by the court or the child is adopted; and (ii) Except as provided in W.S. 2-4-107(a)(i), the right of the child to inherit from the parent shall not be affected by the order. (b) The parent whose parent-child legal relationship has been terminated is not thereafter entitled to the notice of proceedings for the adoption of the child, nor has he any right to object to the adoption or otherwise participate in the adoption proceedings. 14-2-318. Costs of proceedings; appointment of counsel. (a) The court may appoint counsel for any party who is indigent. Indigency shall be established by written affidavit signed and sworn to by the party or sworn testimony made a part of the record of the proceedings. The affidavit or sworn testimony shall state that the party is without sufficient money, property, assets or credit to employ counsel in his own behalf. The court may require further verification of financial condition as it deems necessary. (b) Where petitioner is an authorized agency as defined by W.S. 14-2-308(a)(ii)(B), it shall pay for the costs of the action. Costs shall include: (i) Fee for the guardian ad litem. If the agency had entered into an agreement with the office of guardian ad litem pursuant to W.S. 14-12-101 through 14-12-104 and the office was appointed to provide the guardian ad litem, the office shall pay the fee for the guardian ad litem in accordance with that agreement; (ii) Attorney's fee for an indigent party; (iii) Other professional fees incurred by an indigent party in defense of an action brought under this act. (c) Prior to incurring any cost under subsection (b) of this section application shall be made to the court and written approval by the court shall be obtained. (d) Where petitioner is an authorized agency as defined by W.S. 14-2-308(a)(ii)(A): (i) The district attorney for the county in which the petition is filed shall represent the authorized agency in all proceedings under this act; (ii) The authorized agency shall pay the reasonable attorney's fees and expenses for an indigent party incurred in the defense of an action brought under this act and approved by the court; and (iii) The authorized agency shall pay the guardian ad litem reasonable fees and expenses approved by the court unless the agency had entered into an agreement with the office of guardian ad litem pursuant to W.S. 14-12-101 through 14-12-104 and the office was appointed to provide the guardian ad litem. If so, the office shall pay the fee for the guardian ad litem in accordance with that agreement. 14-2-319. Determination of indigency; recovery of payment. (a) In determining whether a person is an indigent party for purposes of W.S. 14-2-318, the court shall consider in addition to any other relevant factors the person's income, property owned, outstanding obligations and the number and ages of his dependents. In each case the person, subject to the penalties for perjury, shall certify in writing, or by other record, material facts relating to his ability to pay as the court prescribes. (b) To the extent that an indigent party is able to provide for an attorney or for other expenses incurred in defense of an action brought under this act, the court may order that he make payment within a specified period of time or in specified installments. (c) Within eight (8) years after the date the services were rendered, the attorney general may sue on behalf of the state to recover payment or reimbursement from each person who has received legal assistance or another benefit under this act: (i) To which he was not entitled; (ii) With respect to which he was not an indigent person when he received it; or (iii) With respect to which he has failed to make the certification required by subsection (a) of this section. (d) Within three (3) years after the date the services were rendered, the attorney general may sue on behalf of the state to recover payment or reimbursement from each person other than a person covered by subsection (c) of this section who: (i) Has received legal assistance or other benefit under this act; and (ii) On the date on which suit is brought is financially able to pay or reimburse the state for all or part of the legal assistance or other benefit according to the standards of ability to pay applicable under this act but refuses to do so. (e) Amounts recovered under this section shall be remitted to the general fund. ARTICLE 4 - GENERAL PROVISIONS 14-2-401. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Wyoming Parentage Act. 14-2-402. Definitions. (a) As used in this act: (i) "Acknowledged father" means a man who has established a father-child relationship under article 6 of this act; (ii) "Adjudicated father" means a man who has been adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction to be the father of a child; (iii) "Alleged father" means a man who alleges himself to be, or is alleged to be, the genetic father or a possible genetic father of a child, but whose paternity has not been determined. The term does not include: (A) A presumed father; (B) A man whose parental rights have been terminated or declared not to exist; or (C) A male donor. (iv) "Assisted reproduction" means a method of causing pregnancy other than through sexual intercourse. The term includes: (A) Intrauterine insemination; (B) Donation of eggs; (C) Donation of embryos; (D) In-vitro fertilization and transfer of embryos; and (E) Intracytoplasmic sperm injection. (v) "Child" means an individual of any age whose parentage may be determined under this act; (vi) "Commence" means to file the initial pleading seeking an adjudication of parentage in a district court of this state; (vii) "Determination of parentage" means the establishment of the parent-child relationship by the signing of a valid acknowledgment of paternity under article 5 of this act or by adjudication by the court; (viii) "Donor" means an individual who produces eggs or sperm used for assisted reproduction, whether or not for consideration. The term does not include: (A) A husband who provides sperm, or a wife who provides eggs, to be used for assisted reproduction by the wife; (B) A woman who gives birth to a child by means of assisted reproduction; (C) A parent under article 9 of this chapter. (ix) "Ethnic or racial group" means, for purposes of genetic testing, a recognized group that an individual identifies as all or part of the individual's ancestry or that is so identified by other information; (x) "Genetic testing" means an analysis of genetic markers to exclude or identify a man as the father or a woman as the mother of a child. The term includes an analysis of one (1) or a combination of the following: (A) Deoxyribonucleic acid; and (B) Blood-group antigens, red-cell antigens, human-leukocyte antigens, serum enzymes, serum proteins or red- cell enzymes. (xi) "Man" means a male individual of any age; (xii) "Parent" means an individual who has established a parent-child relationship under W.S. 14-2-501; (xiii) "Parent-child relationship" means the legal relationship between a child and a parent of the child. The term includes the mother-child relationship and the father-child relationship; (xiv) "Paternity index" means the likelihood of paternity calculated by computing the ratio between: (A) The likelihood that the tested man is the father, based on the genetic markers of the tested man, mother and child, conditioned on the hypothesis that the tested man is the father of the child; and (B) The likelihood that the tested man is not the father, based on the genetic markers of the tested man, mother and child, conditioned on the hypothesis that the tested man is not the father of the child and that the father is of the same ethnic or racial group as the tested man. (xv) "Presumed father" means a man who, by operation of law under W.S. 14-2-504, is recognized as the father of a child until that status is rebutted or confirmed in a judicial proceeding; (xvi) "Probability of paternity" means the measure, for the ethnic or racial group to which the alleged father belongs, of the probability that the man in question is the father of the child, compared with a random, unrelated man of the same ethnic or racial group, expressed as a percentage incorporating the paternity index and a prior probability; (xvii) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form; (xviii) "Signatory" means an individual who authenticates a record and is bound by its terms; (xix) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; (xx) "Title IV-D" means Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act; (xxi) "This act" means W.S. 14-2-401 through 14-2-907. 14-2-403. Scope of act; choice of law. (a) This act applies to every determination of parentage in this state. (b) The court shall apply the law of this state to adjudicate the parent-child relationship. The applicable law does not depend on: (i) The place of birth of the child; or (ii) The past or present residence of the child. (c) This act does not create, enlarge or diminish parental rights or duties under other law of this state. (d) This act does not authorize or prohibit an agreement between a woman and a man and another woman in which the woman relinquishes all rights as a parent of a child conceived by means of assisted reproduction, and which provides that the man and the other woman become the parents of the child. If a birth results under such an agreement and the agreement is unenforceable under Wyoming law, the parent-child relationship is determined as provided in article 4 of this act. 14-2-404. Court of this state. The district court is authorized to adjudicate parentage under this act. 14-2-405. Protection of participants. Proceedings under this act are subject to other law of this state governing the health, safety, privacy and liberty of a child or other individual who could be jeopardized by disclosure of identifying information, including address, telephone number, place of employment, social security number and the child's day- care facility and school. 14-2-406. Determination of maternity. Provisions of this act relating to determination of paternity apply to determinations of maternity. 14-2-407. Severability clause. If any provision of this act or its application to an individual or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this act are severable. 14-2-408. Free transcript for appeal. If a party is financially unable to pay the cost of a transcript, the court shall furnish on request a transcript for purposes of appeal under this act. ARTICLE 5 - PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP 14-2-501. Establishment of parent-child relationship. (a) The mother-child relationship is established between a woman and a child by: (i) The woman's having given birth to the child; (ii) An adjudication of the woman's maternity; or (iii) Adoption of the child by the woman. (b) The father-child relationship is established between a man and a child by: (i) An unrebutted presumption of the man's paternity of the child under W.S. 14-2-504; (ii) An effective acknowledgment of paternity by the man under article 6 of this act, unless the acknowledgment has been rescinded or successfully challenged; (iii) An adjudication of the man's paternity; (iv) Adoption of the child by the man; or (v) The man's having consented to assisted reproduction by his wife under article 9 of this act which resulted in the birth of the child. 14-2-502. No discrimination based on marital status. A child born to parents who are not married to each other has the same rights under the law as a child born to parents who are married to each other. 14-2-503. Consequences of establishment of parentage. Unless parental rights are terminated, a parent-child relationship established under this act applies for all purposes, except as otherwise specifically provided by other law of this state. 14-2-504. Presumption of paternity in context of marriage. (a) A man is presumed to be the father of a child if: (i) He and the mother of the child are married to each other and the child is born during the marriage; (ii) He and the mother of the child were married to each other and the child is born within three hundred (300) days after the marriage is terminated by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, divorce or after the entry of a decree of separation; (iii) Before the birth of the child, he and the mother of the child married each other in apparent compliance with law, even if the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and the child is born during the invalid marriage or within three hundred (300) days after its termination by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, divorce or after the entry of a decree of separation; (iv) After the birth of the child, he and the mother of the child married each other in apparent compliance with law, whether or not the marriage is or could be declared invalid, and he voluntarily asserted his paternity of the child, and: (A) The assertion is in a record filed with the state office of vital records; (B) He agreed to be and is named as the child's father on the child's birth certificate; or (C) He promised in a record to support the child as his own. (v) For the first two (2) years of the child's life, he resided in the same household with the child and openly held out the child as his own. (b) A presumption of paternity established under this section may be rebutted only by an adjudication under article 8 of this act. ARTICLE 6 - VOLUNTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PATERNITY 14-2-601. Acknowledgment of paternity. (a) The mother of a child and a man claiming to be the genetic father of the child may sign an acknowledgment of paternity with intent to establish the man's paternity. (b) An acknowledgment of paternity of a child born in Wyoming may be filed with the state office of vital records. 14-2-602. Execution of acknowledgment of paternity. (a) An acknowledgment of paternity shall: (i) Be in a record; (ii) Be signed, or otherwise authenticated, under penalty for false swearing by the mother and by the man seeking to establish his paternity; (iii) State that the child whose paternity is being acknowledged: (A) Does not have a presumed father, or has a presumed father whose full name is stated; and (B) Does not have another acknowledged or adjudicated father. (iv) State whether there has been genetic testing and, if so, that the acknowledging man's claim of paternity is consistent with the results of the testing; and (v) State that the signatories understand that the acknowledgment is the equivalent of a judicial adjudication of paternity of the child and that a challenge to the acknowledgment is permitted only under limited circumstances and is barred after two (2) years. (b) An acknowledgment of paternity is void if it: (i) States that another man is a presumed father, unless a denial of paternity signed or otherwise authenticated by the presumed father or a court order rebutting the presumption is filed with the state office of vital records; (ii) States that another man is an acknowledged or adjudicated father; or (iii) Falsely denies the existence of a presumed, acknowledged or adjudicated father of the child. (c) A presumed father may sign or otherwise authenticate an acknowledgment of paternity. (d) Before a mother and a man claiming to be the genetic father of a child can sign an acknowledgment of paternity affidavit, the mother and the alleged father shall be provided notice orally or through use of video or audio equipment and in writing of the alternatives to, the legal consequences of, and the rights and responsibilities that arise from, signing the acknowledgment of paternity affidavit. If either the mother or the alleged father is a minor, any rights that attach as a result of the status as a minor shall also be provided orally or through the use of video or audio equipment and in writing, in addition to any other requirements of this subsection. 14-2-603. Denial of paternity. (a) A presumed father may sign a denial of his paternity. The denial is valid only if: (i) An acknowledgment of paternity signed, or otherwise authenticated, by another man is filed pursuant to W.S. 14-2-605; (ii) The denial is in a record, and is signed, or otherwise authenticated, under penalty of perjury; and (iii) The presumed father has not previously: (A) Acknowledged his paternity, unless the previous acknowledgment has been rescinded pursuant to W.S. 14-2-607 or successfully challenged pursuant to W.S. 14-2-608; or (B) Been adjudicated to be the father of the child. 14-2-604. Rules for acknowledgment and denial of paternity. (a) An acknowledgment of paternity and a denial of paternity may be contained in a single document or may be signed in counterparts, and may be filed separately or simultaneously. If the acknowledgement and denial are both necessary, neither is valid until both are filed. (b) An acknowledgment of paternity or a denial of paternity may be signed before the birth of the child. (c) Subject to subsection (a) of this section, an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity takes effect on the birth of the child or the filing of the document with the state office of vital records, whichever occurs later. (d) An acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity signed by a minor and a legal guardian of the minor is valid if it is otherwise in compliance with this act. 14-2-605. Effect of acknowledgment or denial of paternity. (a) Except as otherwise provided in W.S. 14-2-607 and 14-2-608, a valid acknowledgment of paternity filed with the state office of vital records is equivalent to an adjudication of paternity of a child and confers upon the acknowledged father all of the rights and duties of a parent. (b) Except as otherwise provided in W.S. 14-2-607 and 14-2-608, a valid denial of paternity by a presumed father filed with the state office of vital records in conjunction with a valid acknowledgment of paternity is equivalent to an adjudication of the nonpaternity of the presumed father and discharges the presumed father from all rights and duties of a parent. 14-2-606. No filing fee. The state office of vital records shall not charge for filing an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity. 14-2-607. Proceeding for rescission. (a) A signatory may rescind an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity by commencing a proceeding to rescind before the earlier of: (i) Sixty (60) days after the effective date of the acknowledgment or denial, as provided in W.S. 14-2-604; or (ii) The date of the first hearing in a proceeding to which the signatory is a party before a court to adjudicate an issue relating to the child, including a proceeding that establishes support. 14-2-608. Challenge after expiration of period for rescission. (a) After the period for rescission under W.S. 14-2-607 has expired, a signatory of an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity may commence a proceeding to challenge the acknowledgment or denial only: (i) On the basis of fraud, duress or material mistake of fact; and (ii) Within two (2) years after the acknowledgment or denial is filed with the state office of vital records. (b) A party challenging an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity has the burden of proof. 14-2-609. Procedure for rescission or challenge. (a) Every signatory to an acknowledgment of paternity and any related denial of paternity shall be made a party to a proceeding to rescind or challenge the acknowledgment or denial. (b) For the purpose of rescission of, or challenge to, an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity, a signatory submits to personal jurisdiction of this state by signing the acknowledgment or denial, effective upon the filing of the document with the state office of vital records. (c) Except for good cause shown, during the pendency of a proceeding to rescind or challenge an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity, the court may not suspend the legal responsibilities of a signatory arising from the acknowledgment, including the duty to pay child support. (d) A proceeding to rescind or to challenge an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity shall be conducted in the same manner as a proceeding to adjudicate parentage under article 8 of this act. (e) At the conclusion of a proceeding to rescind or challenge an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity, the court shall order the state office of vital records to amend the birth record of the child, if appropriate. 14-2-610. Ratification barred. A court or administrative agency conducting a judicial or administrative proceeding is not required or permitted to ratify an unchallenged acknowledgment of paternity. 14-2-611. Full faith and credit. A court of this state shall give full faith and credit to an acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity effective in another state if the acknowledgment or denial has been signed and is otherwise in compliance with the law of the other state. 14-2-612. Forms for acknowledgment and denial of paternity. (a) To facilitate compliance with this article, the state office of vital records shall prescribe forms for the acknowledgment of paternity and the denial of paternity. (b) A valid acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity is not affected by a later modification of the prescribed form. (c) Every hospital or birthing center located in the state shall provide to any person who holds himself out to be the natural parent of a child born in the state an affidavit of paternity pursuant to this act. The facility providing the affidavit shall forward the completed affidavit to the state office of vital records. Upon request, the state office of vital records shall provide blank affidavits of paternity to any facility making the request under this subsection. 14-2-613. Release of information. The state office of vital records may release information relating to the acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity to a signatory of the acknowledgment or denial, to courts and to the Title IV-D agency of this or another state. 14-2-614. Adoption of rules. The state office of vital records may adopt rules to implement this article. ARTICLE 7 - GENETIC TESTING 14-2-701. Scope of article. (a) This article governs genetic testing of an individual to determine parentage, whether the individual: (i) Voluntarily submits to testing; or (ii) Is tested pursuant to an order of the court or a child support enforcement agency. 14-2-702. Order for testing. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this article and article 8 of this act, the court shall order the child and other designated individuals to submit to genetic testing if the request for testing is supported by the sworn statement of a party to the proceeding: (i) Alleging paternity and stating facts establishing a reasonable probability of the requisite sexual contact between the individuals; or (ii) Denying paternity and stating facts establishing a possibility that sexual contact between the individuals, if any, did not result in the conception of the child. (b) A child support enforcement agency may order genetic testing only if there is no presumed, acknowledged or adjudicated father. (c) If a request for genetic testing of a child is made before birth, the court or child support enforcement agency may not order in-utero testing. (d) If two (2) or more men are subject to court-ordered genetic testing, the testing may be ordered concurrently or sequentially. 14-2-703. Requirements for genetic testing. (a) Genetic testing shall be of a type reasonably relied upon by experts in the field of genetic testing and performed in a testing laboratory accredited by: (i) The American Association of Blood Banks, or a successor to its functions; (ii) The American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, or a successor to its functions; or (iii) An accrediting body designated by the United States secretary of health and human services. (b) A specimen used in genetic testing may consist of one (1) or more samples, or a combination of samples, of blood, buccal cells, bone, hair, or other body tissue or fluid. The specimen used in the testing is not required to be of the same kind for each individual undergoing genetic testing. (c) Based on the ethnic or racial group of an individual, the testing laboratory shall determine the databases from which to select frequencies for use in calculation of the probability of paternity. If there is disagreement as to the testing laboratory's choice, the following rules apply: (i) The individual objecting may require the testing laboratory, within thirty (30) days after receipt of the report of the test, to recalculate the probability of paternity using an ethnic or racial group different from that used by the laboratory. (ii) The individual objecting to the testing laboratory's initial choice shall: (A) If the frequencies are not available to the testing laboratory for the ethnic or racial group requested, provide the requested frequencies compiled in a manner recognized by accrediting bodies; or (B) Engage another testing laboratory to perform the calculations. (iii) The testing laboratory may use its own statistical estimate if there is a question regarding which ethnic or racial group is appropriate. If available, the testing laboratory shall calculate the frequencies using statistics for any other ethnic or racial group requested. (d) If, after recalculation using a different ethnic or racial group, genetic testing does not rebuttably identify a man as the father of a child under W.S. 14-2-605, an individual who has been tested may be required to submit to additional genetic testing. 14-2-704. Report of genetic testing. (a) A report of genetic testing shall be in a record and signed under penalty of perjury by a designee of the testing laboratory. A report made under the requirements of this article is self-authenticating. (b) Documentation from the testing laboratory of the following information is sufficient to establish a reliable chain of custody that allows the results of genetic testing to be admissible without testimony: (i) The names and photographs of the individuals whose specimens have been taken; (ii) The names of the individuals who collected the specimens; (iii) The places and dates the specimens were collected; (iv) The names of the individuals who received the specimens in the testing laboratory; and (v) The dates the specimens were received. 14-2-705. Genetic testing results; rebuttal. (a) Under this act, a man is rebuttably identified as the father of a child if the genetic testing complies with this article and the results disclose that: (i) The man has at least a ninety-nine percent (99%) probability of paternity, using a prior probability of one-half (1/2), as calculated by using the combined paternity index obtained in the testing; and (ii) A combined paternity index of at least one hundred (100) to one (1). (b) A man identified under subsection (a) of this section as the father of the child may rebut the genetic testing results only by other genetic testing satisfying the requirements of this article which: (i) Excludes the man as a genetic father of the child; or (ii) Identifies another man as the possible father of the child. (c) Except as otherwise provided in W.S. 14-2-710, if more than one (1) man is identified by genetic testing as the possible father of the child, the court shall order them to submit to further genetic testing to identify the genetic father. 14-2-706. Costs of genetic testing. (a) Subject to assessment of costs under article 7 of this act, the cost of initial genetic testing shall be advanced: (i) By a child support enforcement agency in a proceeding in which the agency is providing services; (ii) By the individual who made the request; (iii) As agreed by the parties; or (iv) As ordered by the court. (b) In cases in which the cost is advanced by the child support enforcement agency, the agency may seek reimbursement from a man who is rebuttably identified as the father. 14-2-707. Additional genetic testing. The court or the child support enforcement agency shall order additional genetic testing upon the request of a party who contests the result of the original testing. If the previous genetic testing identified a man as the father of the child under W.S. 14-2-705, the court or agency may not order additional testing unless the party provides advance payment for the testing. 14-2-708. Deceased individual. For good cause shown, the court may order genetic testing of a deceased individual. 14-2-709. Identical brothers. (a) The court may order genetic testing of a brother of a man identified as the father of a child if the man is commonly believed to have an identical brother and evidence suggests that the brother may be the genetic father of the child. (b) If each brother satisfies the requirements as the identified father of the child under W.S. 14-2-705 without consideration of another identical brother being identified as the father of the child, the court may rely on nongenetic evidence to adjudicate which brother is the father of the child. 14-2-710. Confidentiality of genetic testing. (a) In all cases where paternity testing is undertaken, all genetic information, including genetic material and test results, shall be maintained only as long as an accreditation body specified in W.S. 14-2-703 requires such materials to be maintained for accreditation purposes. Thereafter, all materials shall be destroyed or returned to the individual from whom the information was obtained. (b) No testing shall be conducted on any identifiable genetic material for purposes other than paternity determination without the written consent of the individual from whom the genetic material is obtained. (c) All information obtained from identifiable genetic material submitted or used for determination of paternity shall be confidential and used solely for the purposes of determining paternity, unless individual identifiers are removed from the data used for purposes other than establishing paternity. (d) For purposes of this section, "genetic information" means any information about genes, gene products or inherited characteristics that may derive from the individual or a family member, including, but not limited to, information: (i) Regarding carrier status; (ii) Regarding an increased likelihood of future disease or increased sensitivity to any substance; (iii) Derived from laboratory tests that identify mutations in specific genes or chromosomes, physical medical examinations, family histories, requests for genetic services or counseling, tests of gene products and direct analysis of genes or chromosomes. (e) Release of any information obtained in paternity testing without the written consent of the individual from whom the genetic material is obtained to anyone not directly involved in the paternity determination shall be a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both fine and imprisonment. (f) An individual who intentionally releases an identifiable specimen of another individual for any purpose other than that relevant to the proceeding regarding parentage without a court order or the written permission of the individual who furnished the specimen commits a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both fine and imprisonment. ARTICLE 8 - PROCEEDING TO ADJUDICATE PARENTAGE 14-2-801. Proceeding authorized. A civil proceeding may be maintained to adjudicate the parentage of a child. The proceeding is governed by the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure. 14-2-802. Standing to maintain proceeding. (a) Subject to article 5 of this act and W.S. 14-2-807 and 14-2-809, a proceeding to adjudicate parentage may be maintained by: (i) The child; (ii) The mother of the child; (iii) A man whose paternity of the child is to be adjudicated; (iv) The child support enforcement agency; (v) An authorized adoption agency or licensed child- placing agency; or (vi) A representative authorized by law to act for an individual who would otherwise be entitled to maintain a proceeding but who is deceased, incapacitated or a minor. 14-2-803. Parties to proceeding. (a) The following individuals shall be joined as parties in a proceeding to adjudicate parentage: (i) The mother of the child; and (ii) A man whose paternity of the child is to be adjudicated. 14-2-804. Personal jurisdiction. (a) An individual may not be adjudicated to be a parent unless the court has personal jurisdiction over the individual. (b) A court of this state having jurisdiction to adjudicate parentage may exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident individual, or the guardian or conservator of the individual, if the conditions prescribed in W.S. 20-4-142 are met. (c) Lack of jurisdiction over one (1) individual does not preclude the court from making an adjudication of parentage binding on another individual over whom the court has personal jurisdiction. 14-2-805. Venue. (a) Venue for a proceeding to adjudicate parentage is in the county of this state in which: (i) The child resides or is found; (ii) The respondent resides or is found if the child does not reside in this state; or (iii) A proceeding for probate or administration of the presumed or alleged father's estate has been commenced. 14-2-806. No limitation; child having no presumed, acknowledged or adjudicated father. (a) A proceeding to adjudicate the parentage of a child having no presumed, acknowledged or adjudicated father may be commenced at any time, even after: (i) The child becomes an adult but only if the child initiates the proceeding; or (ii) An earlier proceeding to adjudicate paternity has been dismissed based on the application of a statute of limitation then in effect. 14-2-807. Limitation; child having presumed father. (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, a proceeding brought by a presumed father, the mother, or another individual to adjudicate the parentage of a child having a presumed father shall be commenced within a reasonable time after obtaining knowledge of relevant facts, but in no event later than five (5) years after the child's birth. (b) A proceeding seeking to disprove the father-child relationship between a child and the child's presumed father may be maintained at any time if the court determines that: (i) The presumed father and the mother of the child neither cohabited nor engaged in sexual intercourse with each other during the probable time of conception; and (ii) The presumed father never openly held out the child as his own. 14-2-808. Authority to deny motion for genetic testing. (a) In a proceeding to adjudicate the parentage of a child having a presumed father or to challenge the paternity of a child having an acknowledged father, the court may deny a motion seeking an order for genetic testing of the mother, the child and the presumed or acknowledged father if the court determines that: (i) The conduct of the mother or the presumed or acknowledged father estops that party from denying parentage; and (ii) It would be inequitable to disprove the father- child relationship between the child and the presumed or acknowledged father. (b) In determining whether to deny a motion seeking an order for genetic testing under this section, the court shall consider the best interest of the child, including the following factors: (i) The length of time between the proceeding to adjudicate parentage and the time that the presumed or acknowledged father was placed on notice that he might not be the genetic father; (ii) The length of time during which the presumed or acknowledged father has assumed the role of father of the child; (iii) The facts surrounding the presumed or acknowledged father's discovery of his possible nonpaternity; (iv) The nature of the relationship between the child and the presumed or acknowledged father; (v) The age of the child; (vi) The harm that may result to the child if presumed or acknowledged paternity is successfully disproved; (vii) The nature of the relationship between the child and any alleged father; (viii) The extent to which the passage of time reduces the chances of establishing the paternity of another man and a child support obligation in favor of the child; and (ix) Other factors that may affect the equities arising from the disruption of the father-child relationship between the child and the presumed or acknowledged father or the chance of other harm to the child. (c) In a proceeding involving the application of this section, a minor or incapacitated child shall be represented by a guardian ad litem. (d) Denial of a motion seeking an order for genetic testing shall be based on clear and convincing evidence. (e) If the court denies a motion seeking an order for genetic testing, it shall issue an order adjudicating the presumed father to be the father of the child. 14-2-809. Limitation; child having acknowledged or adjudicated father. (a) If a child has an acknowledged father, a signatory to the acknowledgment of paternity or denial of paternity may commence a proceeding seeking to rescind the acknowledgement or denial or challenge the paternity of the child only within the time allowed under W.S. 14-2-607 or 14-2-608. (b) If a child has an acknowledged father or an adjudicated father, an individual, other than the child, who is neither a signatory to the acknowledgment of paternity nor a party to the adjudication and who seeks an adjudication of paternity of the child shall commence a proceeding not later than two (2) years after the effective date of the acknowledgment or adjudication. (c) A proceeding under this section is subject to the application of the principles of estoppel established under W.S. 14-2-808. 14-2-810. Joinder of proceedings. (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, a proceeding to adjudicate parentage may be joined with a proceeding for adoption, termination of parental rights, child custody or visitation, child support, divorce, annulment, legal separation or separate maintenance, probate or administration of an estate or other appropriate proceeding. (b) A respondent may not join a proceeding described in subsection (a) of this section with a proceeding to adjudicate parentage brought under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act. 14-2-811. Proceeding before birth. (a) A proceeding to determine parentage may be commenced before the birth of the child, but may not be concluded until after the birth of the child. The following actions may be taken before the birth of the child: (i) Service of process; (ii) Discovery; and (iii) Except as prohibited by W.S. 14-2-702, collection of specimens for genetic testing. 14-2-812. Child as party; representation. (a) A minor child is a permissible party, but is not a necessary party to a proceeding under this article. (b) The court shall appoint an attorney to represent the best interest of a minor or incapacitated child if the child is a party or the court finds that the interests of the child are not adequately represented. 14-2-813. Admissibility of results of genetic testing; expenses. (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, a record of a genetic testing expert is admissible as evidence of the truth of the facts asserted in the report unless a party objects to its admission within fourteen (14) days after its receipt by the objecting party and cites specific grounds for exclusion. The admissibility of the report is not affected by whether the testing was performed: (i) Voluntarily or pursuant to an order of the court or a child support enforcement agency; or (ii) Before or after the commencement of the proceeding. (b) A party objecting to the results of genetic testing may call one (1) or more genetic testing experts to testify in person or by telephone, videoconference, deposition or another method approved by the court. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the party offering the testimony bears the expense for the expert testifying. (c) If a child has a presumed, acknowledged or adjudicated father, the results of genetic testing are inadmissible to adjudicate parentage unless performed: (i) With the consent of both the mother and the presumed, acknowledged or adjudicated father; or (ii) Pursuant to an order of the court under W.S. 14-2-702. (d) Copies of bills for genetic testing and for prenatal and postnatal health care for the mother and child which are furnished to the adverse party not less than ten (10) days before the date of a hearing are admissible to establish: (i) The amount of the charges billed; and (ii) That the charges were reasonable, necessary and customary. 14-2-814. Consequences of declining genetic testing. (a) A person who declines to comply with an order for genetic testing is guilty of contempt of court. (b) If an individual whose paternity is being determined declines to submit to genetic testing ordered by the court, the court for that reason may adjudicate parentage contrary to the position of that individual. (c) Genetic testing of the mother of a child is not a condition precedent to testing the child and a man whose paternity is being determined. If the mother is unavailable or declines to submit to genetic testing, the court may order the testing of the child and every man whose paternity is being adjudicated. 14-2-815. Admission of paternity authorized. (a) A respondent in a proceeding to adjudicate parentage may admit to the paternity of a child by filing a pleading to that effect or by admitting paternity under penalty of perjury when making an appearance or during a hearing. (b) If the court finds that the admission of paternity satisfies the requirements of this section and finds that there is no reason to question the admission, the court shall issue an order adjudicating the child to be the child of the man admitting paternity. 14-2-816. Temporary order. (a) In a proceeding under this article, the court shall issue a temporary order for support of a child if the order is appropriate and the individual ordered to pay support is: (i) A presumed father of the child; (ii) Petitioning to have his paternity adjudicated; (iii) Identified as the father through genetic testing under W.S. 14-2-705; (iv) An alleged father who has declined to submit to genetic testing; (v) Shown by clear and convincing evidence to be the father of the child; or (vi) The mother of the child. (b) A temporary order may include provisions for custody and visitation as provided by other law of this state. 14-2-817. Rules for adjudication of paternity. (a) The court shall apply the following rules to adjudicate the paternity of a child: (i) The paternity of a child having a presumed, acknowledged or adjudicated father may be disproved only by admissible results of genetic testing excluding that man as the father of the child or identifying another man as the father of the child; (ii) Unless the results of genetic testing are admitted to rebut other results of genetic testing, a man identified as the father of a child under W.S. 14-2-705 shall be adjudicated the father of the child; (iii) If the court finds that genetic testing under W.S. 14-2-705 neither identifies nor excludes a man as the father of a child, the court may not dismiss the proceeding. In that event, the results of genetic testing, and other evidence, are admissible to adjudicate the issue of paternity; (iv) Unless the results of genetic testing are admitted to rebut other results of genetic testing, a man excluded as the father of a child by genetic testing shall be adjudicated not to be the father of the child. 14-2-818. Jury prohibited. The court, without a jury, shall adjudicate paternity of a child. 14-2-819. Hearings; inspection of records. Notwithstanding any other law concerning public hearings and records, any hearing or trial held under this act shall be held in closed court without admittance of any person other than those necessary to the action or proceeding. All papers and records other than the final judgment pertaining to the action or proceeding, whether part of the permanent record of the court or of a file in the state office of vital records services or elsewhere, are subject to inspection only by court order. 14-2-820. Order on default. (a) The court shall issue an order adjudicating the paternity of a man who: (i) After service of process, is in default; and (ii) Is found by the court to be the father of a child. 14-2-821. Dismissal for want of prosecution. The court may issue an order dismissing a proceeding commenced under this act for want of prosecution only without prejudice. An order of dismissal for want of prosecution purportedly with prejudice is void and has only the effect of a dismissal without prejudice. 14-2-822. Order adjudicating parentage. (a) The court shall issue an order adjudicating whether a man alleged or claiming to be the father is the parent of the child. (b) An order adjudicating parentage shall identify the child by name and date of birth. (c) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section, the court may assess filing fees, reasonable attorney's fees, fees for genetic testing, necessary travel and other reasonable expenses incurred in a proceeding under this article. The court may award attorney's fees, which may be paid directly to the attorney, who may enforce the order in the attorney's own name. (d) The court may not assess fees, costs or expenses against the child support enforcement agency of this state or another state, except as provided by other law. (e) On request of a party and for good cause shown, the court may order that the name of the child be changed. (f) If the order of the court is at variance with the child's birth certificate, the court shall order the state office of vital records to issue an amended birth certificate. (g) Upon a sufficient showing by the department of family services that birth costs were paid by medical assistance within the preceding five (5) years, the court shall include a requirement in an order adjudicating parentage that the father pay birth costs to the department in the manner set forth in W.S. 14-2-1004. Failure of the department to make a sufficient showing under this subsection shall not preclude the department from subsequently seeking recovery in any other manner authorized by law. 14-2-823. Binding effect of determination of parentage. (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, a determination of parentage is binding on: (i) All signatories to an acknowledgement or denial of paternity as provided in article 5 of this act; and (ii) All parties to an adjudication by a court acting under circumstances that satisfy the jurisdictional requirements of W.S. 20-4-142. (b) A child is not bound by a determination of parentage under this act unless: (i) The determination was based on an unrescinded acknowledgment of paternity and the acknowledgement is consistent with the results of genetic testing; (ii) The adjudication of parentage was based on a finding consistent with the results of genetic testing and the consistency is declared in the determination or is otherwise shown; or (iii) The child was a party or was represented in the proceeding determining parentage by an attorney representing the child's best interest. (c) In a proceeding to dissolve a marriage, the court is deemed to have made an adjudication of the parentage of a child if the court acts under circumstances that satisfy the jurisdictional requirements of W.S. 20-4-142, and the final order: (i) Expressly identifies a child as a "child of the marriage," "issue of the marriage," or similar words indicating that the husband is the father of the child; or (ii) Provides for support of the child by the husband unless paternity is specifically disclaimed in the order. (d) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, a determination of parentage may be a defense in a subsequent proceeding seeking to adjudicate parentage by an individual who was not a party to the earlier proceeding. (e) An adjudication of the paternity of a child issued by a court of this state or by the filing of an acknowledgment of paternity pursuant to W.S. 14-2-605 without the benefit of genetic testing, may be challenged by a party to the adjudication only if post-adjudication genetic testing proves that the adjudicated father is not the biological father of the child pursuant to W.S. 14-2-817. This section does not apply to any of the following: (i) A paternity determination made in or by a foreign jurisdiction or a paternity determination which has been made in or by a foreign jurisdiction and registered in this state in accordance with the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act; (ii) A paternity determination based upon a court or administrative order of this state if the order was entered based upon blood or genetic test results which demonstrate that the alleged father was not excluded and that the probability of the alleged father's paternity was ninety-nine percent (99%) or higher. (f) A petition for disestablishment of paternity shall be filed: (i) In the district court in which the paternity order is filed; (ii) In the case of an adjudication as a result of the filing of an acknowledgment of paternity pursuant to W.S. 14-2-605, notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the petition shall be filed within the earlier of two (2) years after the petitioner knew or should have known that the paternity of the child was at issue or as provided in W.S. 14-2-809(b); (iii) In the case of an adjudication issued by a court of this state, the petition shall be filed only by the mother of the child, the adjudicated father of the child, the child, if the child was a party to the adjudication, or the legal representative of any of these parties. A petition filed by an individual who is not a party to the adjudication shall be filed pursuant to W.S. 14-2-809. The petition under this paragraph shall be filed no later than two (2) years after the petitioner knew or should have known that the paternity of the child was at issue. (g) The court shall appoint an attorney to represent the best interests of a child if the court finds that the best interests of the child is not adequately represented. In cases concerning an adjudication of paternity pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, the court shall appoint an attorney to represent the best interests of the child. In determining the best interests of the child, the court shall consider the following factors: (i) The length of time between the proceeding to adjudicate parentage and the time that the adjudicated father was placed on notice that he might not be the genetic father; (ii) The length of time during which the adjudicated father has assumed the role of the father of the child; (iii) The facts surrounding the adjudicated father's discovery of his possible nonpaternity; (iv) The nature of the relationship between the child and the adjudicated father; (v) The age of the child; (vi) The harm that may result to the child if adjudicated paternity is successfully disproved; (vii) The nature of the relationship between the child and any alleged father; (viii) The extent to which the passage of time reduces the chances of establishing the paternity of another man and a child support obligation in favor of the child; and (ix) Other factors that may affect the equities arising from the disruption of the father-child relationship between the child and the adjudicated father or the chance of other harm to the child. (h) The court may order genetic testing pursuant to article 7 of this chapter. (j) The court may grant relief on the petition filed in accordance with this section upon a finding by the court of all of the following: (i) The relief sought is in the best interests of the child pursuant to the factors in this section; (ii) The genetic test upon which the relief is granted was properly conducted; (iii) The adjudicated father has not adopted the child; (iv) The child is not a child whose paternity is governed by article 9 of this chapter; (v) The adjudicated father did not act to prevent the biological father of the child from asserting his paternal rights with respect to the child. (k) If the court determines that test results conducted in accordance with W.S. 14-2-703 and 14-2-704 exclude the adjudicated father as the biological father, the court may nonetheless dismiss the action to overcome paternity and affirm the paternity adjudication if: (i) The adjudicated father requests that paternity be preserved and that the parent-child relationship be continued; or (ii) The court finds that it is in the best interests of the child to preserve paternity. In determining the best interests of the child, the court shall consider all of the factors listed in this section. (m) If the court finds that the adjudication of paternity should be vacated, in accordance with all of the conditions prescribed, the court shall enter an order which provides all of the following: (i) That the disestablishment of paternity is in the best interests of the child pursuant to the factors in this section; (ii) That the adjudicated father is not the biological father of the child; (iii) That the adjudicated father's parental rights and responsibilities are terminated as of the date of the filing of the order; (iv) That the birth records agency shall amend the child's birth certificate by removing the adjudicated father's name, if it appears thereon, and issue a new birth certificate for the child; (v) That the adjudicated father is relieved of any and all future support obligations owed on behalf of the child from the date that the order determining that the established father is not the biological father is filed; (vi) That any unpaid support due prior to the date the order determining that the adjudicated father is not the biological father is filed, is due and owing; (vii) That the adjudicated father has no right to reimbursement of past child support paid to the mother, the state of Wyoming or any other assignee of child support. (n) Participation of the Title IV-D agency in an action brought under this section shall be limited as follows: (i) The Title IV-D agency shall only participate in actions if services are being provided by the Title IV-D agency pursuant to title 20 chapter 6 of the Wyoming Statutes; (ii) When services are being provided by the Title IV-D agency under title 20 chapter 6 of the Wyoming Statutes, the Title IV-D agency may assist in obtaining genetic tests pursuant to article 7 of this chapter; (iii) An attorney acting on behalf of the Title IV-D agency represents the state of Wyoming in any action under this section. The Title IV-D agency's attorney is not the legal representative of the mother, the adjudicated father or the child in any action brought under this section. (o) The costs of genetic testing, the fee of any guardian ad litem and all court costs shall be paid by the person bringing the action to overcome paternity unless otherwise provided by law. (p) A man presumed to be the father of a child without adjudication of paternity may bring a proceeding to adjudicate paternity pursuant to W.S. 14-2-807. ARTICLE 9 - CHILD OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION 14-2-901. Scope of article. This article does not apply to the birth of a child conceived by means of sexual intercourse or to the birth of a child under a gestational agreement as defined by W.S. 35-1-401(a)(xiv). 14-2-902. Parental status of donor. A donor is not a parent of a child conceived by means of assisted reproduction. 14-2-903. Paternity of child of assisted reproduction. A man who provides sperm for, or consents to, assisted reproduction by a woman as provided in W.S. 14-2-904, with the intent to be the parent of her child, is the parent of the resulting child. 14-2-904. Consent to assisted reproduction. (a) Consent by a woman and a man who intends to be the parent of a child born to the woman by assisted reproduction shall be in a record signed by the woman and the man. This requirement shall not apply to a donor. (b) Failure to sign a consent required by subsection (a) of this section, before or after birth of the child, does not preclude a finding of paternity if the woman and the man, during the first two (2) years of the child's life resided together in the same household with the child and openly held out the child as their own. 14-2-905. Limitation on husband's dispute of paternity. (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, the husband of a wife who gives birth to a child by means of assisted reproduction may not challenge his paternity of the child unless: (i) Within two (2) years after learning of the birth of the child he commences a proceeding to adjudicate his paternity; and (ii) The court finds that he did not consent to the assisted reproduction, before or after birth of the child. (b) A proceeding to adjudicate paternity may be maintained at any time if the court determines that: (i) The husband did not provide sperm for, or before or after the birth of the child consent to, assisted reproduction by his wife; (ii) The husband and the mother of the child have not cohabited since the probable time of assisted reproduction; and (iii) The husband never openly held out the child as his own. (c) The limitation provided in this section applies to a marriage declared invalid after assisted reproduction. 14-2-906. Effect of dissolution of marriage or withdrawal of consent. (a) If a marriage is dissolved before placement of eggs, sperm or embryos, the former spouse is not a parent of the resulting child unless the former spouse consented in a record that if assisted reproduction were to occur after a divorce, the former spouse would be a parent of the child. (b) The consent of a woman or a man to assisted reproduction may be withdrawn by that individual in a record at any time before placement of eggs, sperm or embryos. An individual who withdraws consent under this section is not a parent of the resulting child. 14-2-907. Parental status of deceased individual. If an individual who consented in a record to be a parent by assisted reproduction dies before placement of eggs, sperm or embryos, the deceased individual is not a parent of the resulting child unless the deceased individual consented in a record that if assisted reproduction were to occur after death, the deceased individual would be a parent of the child. ARTICLE 10 - MEDICAID FAIRNESS ACT 14-2-1001. Short title. This article may be cited as the "Medicaid Fairness Act." 14-2-1002. Definitions. (a) As used in this article: (i) "Birth cost" means all expenses relating to prenatal care, delivery of a child and any other costs which are directly connected to a pregnancy and paid by medical assistance; (ii) "Department" means the department of family services created pursuant to W.S. 9-2-2101; (iii) "Federal poverty level" means the federal poverty guideline updated annually in the federal register by the United States department of health and human services; (iv) "Medical assistance" means as defined in W.S. 42-4-102(a)(ii). 14-2-1003. Birth cost recovery-medical assistance. (a) Not more than sixty (60) days after an unmarried recipient of medical assistance gives birth to a child, the department of health shall notify the department of family services of the actual amount of birth costs paid by medical assistance. (b) Upon receiving notice pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the department shall determine whether the paternity of the child has been established. (c) Consistent with W.S. 42-4-106(b), if paternity has been established based on an acknowledgment made pursuant to W.S. 14-2-601, the department shall, in writing, request the father to pay the amount of birth costs established pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1004. (d) Within ninety (90) days of a request made pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, if the father has not made full payment or has not made arrangements for full payment to the satisfaction of the department, the department shall commence a civil action in accordance with W.S. 14-2-204 to recover the amount of birth costs established pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1004. (e) If paternity has not been established, the department, in cooperation with the mother of the child, shall use any means authorized by law to determine the paternity of the child, subject to W.S. 42-4-122(b)(ii). (f) Consistent with W.S. 42-4-106(b), if the father of the child is identified by the department pursuant to subsection (e) of this section, the department shall bring a civil action to adjudicate paternity and recover the amount of birth costs established pursuant to W.S. 42-4-1004 from the father, in the manner set forth in W.S. 14-2-822. (g) The department shall not take any of the actions set forth in this section on or after the fifth birthday of the child. 14-2-1004. Birth cost recovery calculation-medical assistance. (a) Before requiring the payment of any amount of birth costs under W.S. 14-2-1003, the department shall require the father to provide satisfactory proof of income. If the father does not provide satisfactory proof of income, or if the department is unable to determine the father's income using any means authorized by law, a rebuttable presumption shall exist that the father's income is greater than four hundred percent (400%) of the federal poverty level. (b) After notification of birth costs pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1003(a), the department shall calculate the amount of birth costs that are recoverable from the father in the following manner, subject to subsection (d) of this section: (i) For a father earning less than two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level, zero percent (0%) of the birth costs; (ii) For a father earning two hundred percent (200%) or greater, but less than two hundred fifty percent (250%) of the federal poverty level, ten percent (10%) of the birth costs; (iii) For a father earning two hundred fifty percent (250%) or greater, but less than three hundred percent (300%) of the federal poverty level, twenty percent (20%) of the birth costs; (iv) For a father earning three hundred percent (300%) or greater, but less than three hundred fifty percent (350%) of the federal poverty level, thirty percent (30%) of the birth costs; (v) For a father earning three hundred fifty percent (350%) or greater, but less than four hundred percent (400%) of the federal poverty level, forty percent (40%) of the birth costs; (vi) For a father earning four hundred percent (400%) of the federal poverty level or greater, fifty percent (50%) of the birth costs. (c) The department may assess a fee, in addition to any recoverable birth costs under subsection (b) of this section, which equals the average expenses incurred by the department on a per case basis for the administration of this article and W.S. 42-4-122, plus any attorney's fees, if applicable. No fee or attorney's fees shall be assessed against a father who meets the criteria of paragraph (b)(i) of this section. (d) The total amount recoverable by the department under this section, including any fee or attorney's fees assessed pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, shall not exceed the average birth cost paid by medical assistance in this state, as established by rule promulgated pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1008. 14-2-1005. Birth cost recovery allocation-medical assistance. (a) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, any amount recovered by the department pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1003(c), (d) or (f) shall be remitted to the department of health. (b) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, any amount recovered by the department pursuant to W.S. 20-2-401(f) shall be: (i) Recovered in the manner set forth in W.S. 20-6-101 through 20-6-222; and (ii) Remitted by the department to the department of health. (c) The department of health shall remit to the federal government any amount collected under this article and required to be reimbursed pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 1396k(b). (d) The department may, on a quarterly basis, remit: (i) Forty percent (40%) of the total amount of birth costs recovered pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1003(c), (d) and (f) and 20-2-401(f), less any reimbursements made to the federal government pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, to the birth cost recovery incentive account created pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1006(a). (ii) Any fee or attorney's fee assessed by the department pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1004(c) to the birth cost recovery administration account created pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1006(b). 14-2-1006. Birth cost recovery accounts. (a) There is created the birth cost recovery incentive account. Funds remitted to the account pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1005(d)(i) shall be used by the department for any services or programs relating to infants or mothers. The account may be divided into subaccounts for purposes of administrative management. Funds in the account are continuously appropriated and shall not lapse at the end of any fiscal period. (b) There is created the birth cost recovery administration account. Funds remitted to the account pursuant to W.S. 14-2-1005(d)(ii) shall be used by the department to offset the costs of the administration of this article and W.S. 42-4-122. The account may be divided into subaccounts for purposes of administrative management. Funds in the account are continuously appropriated and shall not lapse at the end of any fiscal period. 14-2-1007. Best interests of a child. The department shall not take any action authorized by this article and W.S. 42-4-122 if the department determines that the action would not be in the best interests of a child. 14-2-1008. Adoption of rules. The department of family services and the department of health, in consultation with each other, shall each promulgate rules to carry out the provisions of this article and W.S. 42-4-122. CHAPTER 3 - PROTECTION ARTICLE 1 - PROHIBITED ACTS 14-3-101. Repealed by Laws 1982, ch. 75, § 5; 1983, ch. 171, § 3. 14-3-102. Repealed by Laws 1982, ch. 75, § 5; 1983, ch. 171, § 3. 14-3-103. Repealed by Laws 1982, ch. 75, § 5; 1983, ch. 171, § 3. 14-3-104. Repealed By Laws 2007, Ch. 159, § 3. 14-3-105. Repealed By Laws 2007, Ch. 159, § 3. 14-3-106. Repealed By Laws 2007, Ch. 159, § 3. 14-3-107. Performing body-art on persons who have not reached the age of majority; penalties; definition. (a) No person shall knowingly perform body-art upon or under the skin of a person who has not reached the age of majority, except with the consent of the person's parent or legal guardian who is present at the time the body-art procedure is performed upon the person. The person performing the body-art procedure shall demand proof of age prior to administering the body-art procedure upon the person. A motor vehicle driver's license, a registration card issued under the federal Selective Service Act, an identification card issued to a member of the armed forces, a valid United States passport, a tribal identification card issued by the governing body of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe or the Northern Arapaho Tribe or an identification card issued by the department of transportation is prima facie evidence of the age and identity of the person. Proof that the person performing the body-art procedure demanded, was shown and acted in reasonable reliance upon the information contained in any one (1) of the above documents as identification and proof of age is a defense to any criminal prosecution under this section. (b) Any person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, a fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), or both. (c) As used in this section: (i) "Body-art" means the practice of physical body adornment utilizing body piercing, branding, scarification, sculpting or tattooing. This definition does not include practices conducted under the supervision of a physician licensed to practice medicine under Wyoming law nor does this definition include piercing of the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear by means of sterilized stud-and-clasp ear piercing systems; (ii) "Body piercing" means any puncturing or penetration of the skin or mucosa of a person and the insertion of jewelry or other adornment in the opening; (iii) "Branding" means any invasive procedure in which a permanent mark is burned into or onto the skin using either temperature, mechanical or chemical means; (iv) "Scarification" means any invasive procedure in which the intended result is the production of scar tissue on the surface of the skin; (v) "Sculpting" means any modification of the skin, mucosa, cartilage or tissue of the body for nonmedical purposes; (vi) "Tattoo" means any indelible design, letter, scroll, figure, symbol or any other mark placed upon or under the skin with ink or colors, by the aid of needles or other instruments. 14-3-108. Use of ultraviolet tanning devices by persons who have not reached the age of majority; presence required; consent required; penalty. (a) No person other than the minor's parent or legal guardian shall knowingly allow a minor who has not reached fifteen (15) years of age to use an ultraviolet tanning device, unless the minor's parent or legal guardian consents in writing to the use and is present the entire time of use. No person shall knowingly allow a minor age fifteen (15) years to the age of majority to use an ultraviolet tanning device, except with written consent obtained from the minor's parent or legal guardian. Any person other than the minor's parent or legal guardian allowing the use of an ultraviolet tanning device by a minor shall demand proof of age prior to allowing the use of an ultraviolet tanning device. A motor vehicle driver's license, a registration card issued under the federal Selective Service Act, an identification card issued to a member of the armed forces, a valid United States passport, a tribal identification card issued by the governing body of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe or the Northern Arapaho Tribe or an identification card issued by the department of transportation is prima facie evidence of the age and identity under this section. Proof that the person allowing the use of the ultraviolet tanning device demanded, was shown and acted in reasonable reliance upon the information contained in any one (1) of the above documents as identification and proof of age is a defense to any criminal prosecution under this section. (b) Any person violating this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). (c) As used in this section: (i) "Consent" means that the parent or legal guardian appears at the first time the minor uses the ultraviolet tanning device and signs a written consent form in the presence of the owner or an employee of the facility. The minor's parent or legal guardian may withdraw this consent at any time. Unless so withdrawn, this consent shall be valid for twelve (12) months from the date the written consent form is signed. The parent or legal guardian must repeat the written consent process annually until the minor reaches the age of majority; (ii) "Present" means being physically present at the facility at which the tanning device is being used, but does not require the presence in the tanning room or booth being used; (iii) "Ultraviolet tanning device" means equipment that emits electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths in the air between two hundred (200) and four hundred (400) nanometers used for tanning of the skin, including, but not limited to, a sunlamp, tanning booth or tanning bed, but does not include equipment that emits ultraviolet radiation used by a health care professional in the treatment of disease or used pursuant to a prescription. ARTICLE 2 - CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES 14-3-201. Purpose. (a) The purpose of W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-216 is to delineate the responsibilities of the state agency, other governmental agencies or officials, professionals and citizens to intervene on behalf of a child suspected of being abused or neglected, to protect the best interest of the child, to further offer protective services when necessary in order to prevent any harm to the child or any other children living in the home, to protect children from abuse or neglect which jeopardize their health or welfare, to stabilize the home environment, to preserve family life whenever possible and to provide permanency for the child in appropriate circumstances. The child's health, safety and welfare shall be of paramount concern in implementing and enforcing this article. (b) If a child suspected of being abused or neglected is an Indian child as defined by W.S. 14-6-702(a)(iv), the state agency and other governmental agencies or officials charged with implementing and enforcing this article shall comply with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act. If any provision of this article conflicts with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act for addressing an allegation of abuse or neglect of an Indian child, the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act shall control. 14-3-202. Definitions. (a) As used in W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-216: (i) "A person responsible for a child's welfare" includes the child's parent, noncustodial parent, guardian, custodian, stepparent, foster parent or other person, institution or agency having the physical custody or control of the child; (ii) "Abuse" means inflicting or causing physical or mental injury, harm or imminent danger to the physical or mental health or welfare of a child other than by accidental means, including abandonment, unless the abandonment is a relinquishment substantially in accordance with W.S. 14-11-101 through 14-11-109, excessive or unreasonable corporal punishment, malnutrition or substantial risk thereof by reason of intentional or unintentional neglect, and the commission or allowing the commission of a sexual offense against a child as defined by law: (A) "Mental injury" means an injury to the psychological capacity or emotional stability of a child as evidenced by an observable or substantial impairment in his ability to function within a normal range of performance and behavior with due regard to his culture; (B) "Physical injury" means any harm to a child including but not limited to disfigurement, impairment of any bodily organ, skin bruising if greater in magnitude than minor bruising associated with reasonable corporal punishment, bleeding, burns, fracture of any bone, subdural hematoma or substantial malnutrition; (C) "Substantial risk" means a strong possibility as contrasted with a remote or insignificant possibility; (D) "Imminent danger" includes threatened harm and means a statement, overt act, condition or status which represents an immediate and substantial risk of sexual abuse or physical or mental injury. "Imminent danger" includes violation of W.S. 31-5-233(m). (iii) "Child" means any person under the age of eighteen (18); (iv) "Child protective agency" means the field or regional offices of the department of family services; (v) "Court proceedings" means child protective proceedings which have as their purpose the protection of a child through an adjudication of whether the child is abused or neglected, and the making of an appropriate order of disposition; (vi) "Institutional child abuse and neglect" means situations of child abuse or neglect where a foster home or other public or private residential home, institution or agency is responsible for the child's welfare; (vii) "Neglect" means a failure or refusal by those responsible for the child's welfare to provide adequate care, maintenance, supervision, education or medical, surgical or any other care necessary for the child's well being. "Neglect" for purposes of "education" as used in this paragraph includes willful absenteeism as defined in W.S. 21-4-101(a)(vii). Treatment given in good faith by spiritual means alone, through prayer, by a duly accredited practitioner in accordance with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination is not child neglect for that reason alone; (viii) "State agency" means the state department of family services; (ix) "Subject of the report" means any child reported under W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-216 or the child's parent, guardian or other person responsible for the child's welfare; (x) "Unsubstantiated report" means any report made pursuant to W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-216 that, upon investigation, is not supported by a preponderance of the evidence; (xi) "Substantiated report" means any report of child abuse or neglect made pursuant to W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-216 that, upon investigation, is supported by a preponderance of the evidence; (xii) Repealed by Laws 2002, Ch. 86, § 3. (xiii) Repealed By Laws 2002, Ch. 86, § 3. (xiv) Repealed By Laws 2002, Ch. 86, § 3. (xv) "Collaborative" means the interagency children's collaborative created by W.S. 14-3-215; (xvi) "Department" means the state department of family services and its local offices; (xvii) "Transportation" means the provision of a means to convey the child from one place to another by the custodian or someone acting on his behalf in the performance of required duties, but does not require the state to provide incidental travel or to purchase a motor vehicle for the child's own use to travel. 14-3-203. Duties of state agency; on-call services. (a) The state agency shall: (i) Administer W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-215; (ii) Be responsible for strengthening and improving state and community efforts toward the prevention, identification and treatment of child abuse and neglect in the state; and (iii) Refer any person or family seeking assistance in meeting child care responsibilities, whether or not the problem presented by the person or family is child abuse or neglect, to appropriate community resources, agencies, services or facilities. (iv) Repealed By Laws 2005, ch. 236, § 4. (b) The state agency may contract for assistance in providing on-call services. The assistance may include screening protection calls, making appropriate referrals to law enforcement and the agency, and maintaining a record of calls and referrals. Contractors shall have training in child protection services. (c) The state agency shall ensure that all child protective service workers are trained: (i) In the principles of family centered practice that focus on providing services to the entire family to achieve the goals of safety and permanency for children, including balancing the best interests of children with the rights of parents; (ii) In the duty of the workers to inform the individual subject to a child abuse or neglect allegation, at the earliest opportunity during the initial contact, of the specific complaints or allegations made against the individual; (iii) Concerning constitutional and statutory rights of children and families from and after the initial time of contact and the worker's legal duty not to violate the constitutional and statutory rights of children and families from and after the initial time of contact; (iv) To know the state's legal definitions of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, dependency and endangerment; (v) To know the provisions of federal and state laws governing child welfare practice, including but not limited to the Adoption and Safe Families Act, Indian Child Welfare Act, the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act, Multi-Ethnic Placement Act, the Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Act and the Family First Prevention Services Act, as amended; (vi) To make reasonable efforts to determine if the person responsible for the welfare of a child in a suspected case of child abuse or neglect is a member of the armed forces or if the child is enrolled in the defense enrollment eligibility reporting system of the United States department of defense. 14-3-204. Duties of local child protective agency. (a) The local child protective agency shall: (i) Repealed by Laws 2017, ch. 179, § 2. (ii) Receive, assess, investigate or arrange for investigation and coordinate investigation or assessment of all reports of known or suspected child abuse or neglect; (iii) Within twenty-four (24) hours after notification of a suspected case of child abuse or neglect, initiate an investigation or assessment to verify every report. The representative of the child protective agency shall, at the initial time of contact with the individual subject to a child abuse and neglect investigation or assessment, advise the individual of the specific complaints or allegations made against the individual. A thorough investigation or assessment and report of child abuse or neglect shall be made in the manner and time prescribed by the state agency pursuant to rules and regulations adopted in accordance with the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act. If the child protective agency is denied reasonable access to a child by a parent or other persons and the agency deems that the best interest of the child so requires, it shall seek an appropriate court order by ex parte proceedings or other appropriate proceedings to see the child. The child protective agency shall assign a report: (A) For investigation when allegations contained in the report indicate: (I) That criminal charges could be filed, the child appears to be in imminent danger and it is likely the child will need to be removed from the home; or (II) A child fatality, major injury or sexual abuse has occurred. (B) For assessment when the report does not meet the criteria of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph. (iv) If the investigation or assessment discloses that abuse or neglect is present, initiate services with the family of the abused or neglected child to assist in resolving problems that lead to or caused the child abuse or neglect; (v) If the child protective agency is able through investigation to substantiate a case of abuse or neglect, it shall notify the person suspected of causing the abuse or neglect by first class mail to his last known address of his right to request a hearing on the agency's determination for a final determination before the office of administrative hearings pursuant to the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act; (vi) Make reasonable efforts to contact the noncustodial parent of the child and inform the parent of substantiated abuse or neglect in high risk or moderate risk cases as determined pursuant to rules and regulations of the state agency and inform the parent of any proposed action to be taken; (vii) Cooperate, coordinate and assist with the prosecution and law enforcement agencies; (viii) When the best interest of the child requires court action, contact the county and prosecuting attorney to initiate legal proceedings and assist the county and prosecuting attorney during the proceedings. If the county attorney elects not to bring court action the local child protective agency may petition the court for appointment of a guardian ad litem who shall act in the best interest of the child and who may petition the court to direct the county attorney to show cause why an action should not be commenced under W.S. 14-3-401 through 14-3-439; (ix) Refer a child receiving department services who is under the age of six (6) years to the department of health, division of developmental disabilities preschool program for educational and developmental screening and assessment; and (x) Make reasonable efforts to determine if the person responsible for the welfare of a child in a suspected case of child abuse or neglect is a member of the armed forces or if the child is enrolled in the defense enrollment eligibility reporting system of the United States department of defense. (b) The local child protective agency may appeal an adverse determination of the office of administrative hearings. 14-3-205. Child abuse or neglect; persons required to report. (a) Any person who knows or has reasonable cause to believe or suspect that a child has been abused or neglected or who observes any child being subjected to conditions or circumstances that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, shall immediately report it to the child protective agency or local law enforcement agency or cause a report to be made. The fact a child, who is at least sixteen (16) years of age, is homeless as defined in W.S. 14-1-102(d) shall not, in and of itself, constitute a sufficient basis for reporting neglect. Female genital mutilation under W.S. 6-2-502(a)(v) when the victim is a minor shall be considered child abuse for mandatory reporting under this section. (b) If a person reporting child abuse or neglect is a member of the staff of a medical or other public or private institution, school, facility or agency, he shall notify the person in charge or his designated agent as soon as possible, who is thereupon also responsible to make the report or cause the report to be made. Nothing in this subsection is intended to relieve individuals of their obligation to report on their own behalf unless a report has already been made or will be made. (c) Any employer, public or private, who discharges, suspends, disciplines or penalizes an employee solely for making a report of neglect or abuse under W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-215 is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, a fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), or both. (d) Any person who knowingly and intentionally makes a false report of child abuse or neglect, or who encourages or coerces another person to make a false report of child abuse or neglect, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, a fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), or both. 14-3-206. Child abuse or neglect; written report; statewide reporting center; documentation and examination; costs and admissibility thereof. (a) Reports of child abuse or neglect or of suspected child abuse or neglect made to the local child protective agency or local law enforcement agency shall be: (i) Conveyed immediately by the agency receiving the report to the appropriate local child protective agency or local law enforcement agency and, if the person responsible for the welfare of a child is a member of the armed forces or if the child is enrolled in the defense enrollment eligibility reporting system of the United States department of defense, to the state judge advocate for the Wyoming military department. The agencies shall continue cooperating and coordinating with each other during the assessment or investigation; and (ii) Followed by a written report by the receiving agency confirming or not confirming the facts reported. The report shall provide to law enforcement, the local child protective agency and the state judge advocate for the Wyoming military department when appropriate, the following, to the extent available: (A) The name, age and address of the child; (B) The name and address of any person responsible for the child's care; (C) The nature and extent of the child's condition; (D) The basis of the reporter's knowledge; (E) The names and conditions of any other children relevant to the report; (F) Any evidence of previous injuries to the child; (G) Photographs, videos and x-rays with the identification of the person who created the evidence and the date the evidence was created; and (H) Any other relevant information. (b) The state agency may establish and maintain a statewide reporting center to receive reports of child abuse or neglect on a twenty-four (24) hour, seven (7) day week, toll free telephone number. Upon establishment of the service, all reports of child abuse or neglect may be made to the center which shall transfer the reports to the appropriate local child protective agency. (c) Any person investigating, examining or treating suspected child abuse or neglect may document evidence of child abuse or neglect to the extent allowed by law by having photographs taken or causing x-rays to be made of the areas of trauma visible on a child who is the subject of the report or who is subject to a report. The reasonable cost of the photographs or x-rays shall be reimbursed by the appropriate local child protective agency. All photographs, x-rays or copies thereof shall be sent to the local child protective agency, admissible as evidence in any civil proceeding relating to child abuse or neglect, and shall state: (i) The name of the subject; (ii) The name, address and telephone number of the person taking the photographs or x-rays; and (iii) The date and place they were taken. (d) Any physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner examining a child and finding reasonable cause to believe the child is a victim of child abuse or neglect and having reasonable cause to believe that other children residing in the same home may also be a victim of child abuse or neglect shall report to law enforcement the results of the examination and facts supporting reasonable cause with respect to the other child or children. Law enforcement may then bring any other child residing in the same home to a physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner for examination. The examination shall take place within twenty-four (24) hours. Any physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner or law enforcement officer denied access to a child for the purposes of examination under this subsection may seek an appropriate court order by ex parte proceedings or other appropriate proceedings to provide for the examination. After receiving the timely results of the examination, the examining physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner or law enforcement officer shall consider whether temporary protective custody is necessary under W.S. 14-3-405. 14-3-207. Abuse or neglect as suspected cause of death; coroner's investigation. Any person who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has died as a result of child abuse or neglect shall report to the appropriate coroner. The coroner shall investigate the report and submit his findings in writing to the law enforcement agency, the appropriate district attorney and the local child protective agency. 14-3-208. Temporary protective custody; order; time limitation; remedial health care. (a) When a child is taken into temporary protective custody pursuant to W.S. 14-3-405(a) and (b), the person taking custody shall immediately notify the local department of family services office and place or transfer temporary protective custody to the local department of family services office as soon as practicable. The local department of family services office shall: (i) Accept physical custody of the child; (ii) Make reasonable efforts to inform the parent, noncustodial parent or other person responsible for the child's welfare that the child has been taken into temporary protective custody, unless otherwise ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction; (iii) Arrange for care and supervision of the child in the most appropriate and least restrictive setting necessary to meet the child's needs, including foster homes or other child care facilities certified by the department or approved by the court. When it is in the best interest of the child, the department shall place the child with the child's noncustodial birth parent or with the child's extended family, including adult siblings, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts or uncles. Prior to approving placement with the child's noncustodial birth parent or extended family, the department shall determine whether anyone living in the home has been convicted of a crime involving serious harm to children or has a substantiated case listed on the central registry established pursuant to W.S. 14-3-213. The department may leave the child in the care of a physician or hospital when necessary to ensure the child receives proper care. A neglected child shall not be placed in a jail or detention facility other than for a delinquent act; (iv) Initiate an investigation of the allegations; and (v) Assess the child's mental and physical needs, provide for the child's ordinary and emergency medical care and seek emergency court authorization for any extraordinary medical care that is needed prior to the shelter care hearing. (b) The law enforcement or medical provider shall promptly notify the court and the district attorney of any child taken into temporary protective custody and placed in its care pursuant to W.S. 14-3-405 without a court order. (c) Temporary protective custody shall not exceed forty- eight (48) hours, excluding weekends and legal holidays. (d) When the court orders the child into the legal custody of the department pursuant to W.S. 14-3-409(d) or 14-3-429, the department shall: (i) Accept legal custody of the child; (ii) Continue or arrange for, care, transportation and supervision of the child as provided in paragraph (a)(iii) of this section; (iii) Assess the child's mental and physical health needs and provide for the child's ordinary and emergency medical care; (iv) Arrange for the provision of the education of the child, including participation in individualized education or developmental services; (v) Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to develop treatment recommendations for the child; (vi) Perform any other duties ordered by the court relating to the care or custody of the child. 14-3-209. Immunity from liability. Any person, official, institution or agency participating in good faith in any act required or permitted by W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-215 is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result by reason of the action. For the purpose of any civil or criminal proceeding, the good faith of any person, official or institution participating in any act permitted or required by W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-215 shall be presumed. 14-3-210. Admissibility of evidence constituting privileged communications. (a) Evidence regarding a child in any judicial proceeding resulting from a report made pursuant to W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-215 shall not be excluded on the ground it constitutes a privileged communication: (i) Between husband and wife; (ii) Claimed under any provision of law other than W.S. 1-12-101(a)(i) and (ii); or (iii) Claimed pursuant to W.S. 1-12-116. 14-3-211. Appointment of counsel for child and other parties. (a) The court shall appoint counsel to represent any child in a court proceeding in which the child is alleged to be abused or neglected. Any attorney representing a child under this section shall also serve as the child's guardian ad litem unless a guardian ad litem has been appointed by the court. The attorney or guardian ad litem shall be charged with representation of the child's best interest. (b) The court may appoint counsel for any party when necessary in the interest of justice. 14-3-212. Child protection teams; creation; composition; duties; records confidential. (a) The state agency and the local child protective agency shall encourage and assist in the creation of child protection teams within the communities in the state. The purposes of the child protection teams shall be to identify or develop community resources to serve abused and neglected children within the community, to advocate for improved services or procedures for such children and to provide information and assistance to the state agency, local child protection agency and multidisciplinary teams, if a multidisciplinary team has been appointed. The department may promulgate reasonable rules and regulations in accordance with the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act to define the roles and procedures of child protection teams. (b) The local child protection team shall be composed of: (i) A member of the district attorney's office; (ii) A designated representative from the school district or districts within the area served by the team; (iii) A representative from the local field office of the department of family services; (iv) A representative from the county government; (v) A representative from each city and town in the county; (vi) Representatives from other relevant professions; and (vii) Temporary members selected for the needs of a particular case as determined by the team. (c) The local child protection team may: (i) Assist and coordinate with the state agency, the local child protective agency and all available agencies and organizations dealing with children; (ii) Repealed By Laws 2005, ch. 236, § 4. (iii) Coordinate the provision of appropriate services for abused and neglected children and their families; (iv) Identify or develop community resources to serve abused and neglected children and advocate for improved services and procedures for such children; (v) Identify training needs, sponsor training and raise community awareness of child protection issues; and (vi) Assist and make recommendations of appropriate services in individual cases brought to it by the state agency or the local child protection agency. (d) The local child protection team shall not act as a multidisciplinary team, but members of the child protection team may serve on a multidisciplinary team if appointed pursuant to W.S. 14-3-427. (e) All records and proceedings of the child protection teams are subject to W.S. 14-3-214. 14-3-213. Central registry of child protection cases; establishment; operation; amendment, expungement or removal of records; classification and expungement of reports; statement of person accused. (a) The state agency shall establish and maintain a record of all child protection reports and a central registry of "under investigation" or "substantiated" child protection reports in accordance with W.S. 42-2-111. (b) Through the recording of reports, the state agency's recordkeeping system shall be operated to enable the state agency to: (i) Immediately identify and locate prior reports of cases of child abuse or neglect to assist in the diagnosis of suspicious circumstances and the assessment of the needs of the child and his family; (ii) Continuously monitor the current status of all pending child protection cases; (iii) Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of existing laws and programs through the development and analysis of statistical and other information; and (iv) Maintain a central registry of "under investigation" reports and "substantiated" reports of child abuse or neglect for provision of information to qualifying applicants pursuant to W.S. 14-3-214(f). (c) Upon good cause shown and upon notice to the subject of an "under investigation" or "substantiated" report, the state agency may list, amend, expunge or remove any record from the central registry in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the state agency. (d) All reports of child abuse or neglect contained within the central registry shall be classified in one (1) of the following categories: (i) "Under investigation"; or (ii) "Substantiated". (iii) Repealed By Laws 2005, ch. 23, § 2. (e) Within six (6) months all reports classified as "under investigation" shall be reclassified as "substantiated" or expunged from the central registry, unless the state agency is notified of an open criminal investigation or criminal prosecution. Unsubstantiated reports shall not be contained within the central registry. (f) Any person named as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect in any report maintained in the central registry which is classified as a substantiated report as defined in W.S. 14-3-202(a)(xi) shall have the right to have included in the report his statement concerning the incident giving rise to the report. Any person seeking to include a statement pursuant to this subsection shall provide the state agency with the statement. The state agency shall provide notice to any person identified as a perpetrator of his right to submit his statement in any report maintained in the central registry. (g) Conviction of a person under W.S. 6-2-502(a)(v) when the victim is a minor shall be included as a substantiated report of child abuse in the central registry under this section. 14-3-214. Confidentiality of records; penalties; access to information; attendance of school officials at interviews; access to central registry records pertaining to child protection cases. (a) All records concerning reports and investigations of child abuse or neglect are confidential except as provided by W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-215. Any person who willfully violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned in the county jail not more than six (6) months, or both. (b) Except as provided in subsection (h) of this section, applications for access to records concerning child abuse or neglect contained in the state agency or local child protective agency shall be made in the manner and form prescribed by the state agency. Upon appropriate application, the state agency shall give access to any of the following persons or agencies for purposes directly related with the administration of W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-216: (i) A local child protective agency; (ii) A law enforcement agency, guardian ad litem, child protection team or the attorney representing the subject of the report; (iii) A physician or surgeon who is treating an abused or neglected child, the child's family or a child he reasonably suspects may have been abused or neglected; (iv) A person legally authorized to place a child in protective temporary custody when information in the report or record is required to determine whether to place the child in temporary protective custody; (v) A person responsible for the welfare of the child; (vi) A court or grand jury upon a showing that access to the records is necessary for the determination of an issue, in which case access shall be limited to in camera inspection unless the court finds public disclosure is necessary; (vii) Court personnel who are investigating reported incidents of child abuse or neglect; (viii) An education or mental health professional serving the child, if the state agency determines the information is necessary to provide appropriate educational or therapeutic interventions. (c) A physician or person in charge of an institution, school, facility or agency making the report shall receive, upon written application to the state agency, a summary of the records concerning the subject of the report. (d) Any person, agency or institution given access to information concerning the subject of the report shall not divulge or make public any information except as required for court proceedings. (e) Nothing in W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-215 prohibits the attendance of any one (1) of the following at an interview conducted on school property by law enforcement or child protective agency personnel of a child suspected to be abused or neglected provided the person is not a subject of the allegation: (i) The principal of the child's school or his designee; or (ii) A child's teacher or, counselor, or specialist employed by the school or school district and assigned the duties of monitoring, reviewing or assisting in the child's welfare in cases of suspected child abuse or neglect. (f) Upon appropriate application, the state agency shall provide to any employer or entity whose employees or volunteers may have unsupervised access to children in the course of their employment or volunteer service, for employee or volunteer screening purposes, a summary of central registry records maintained under state agency rules since December 31, 1986, for purposes of screening employees or volunteers. The state agency shall provide the results of the records check to the applicant by certified mail if the records check confirms the existence of a report "under investigation" or a "substantiated" finding of abuse or neglect. Otherwise, the state agency shall provide the results of the records check to the applicant in accordance with agency rules and by United States mail. The written results shall confirm that there is a report "under investigation", a "substantiated" finding of abuse or neglect on the central registry naming the individual or confirm that no record exists. When the individual is identified on the registry as a "substantiated" perpetrator of abuse or neglect, the report to the applicant shall contain information with respect to the date of the finding, specific type of abuse or neglect, a copy of the perpetrator's voluntary statement and whether an appeal is pending. The applicant, or an agent on behalf of the applicant, shall submit a fee in an amount determined by rule of the state agency and proof satisfactory to the state agency that the prospective or current employee or volunteer whose records are being checked consents to the release of the information to the applicant. The applicant shall use the information received only for purposes of screening prospective or current employees and volunteers who may, through their employment or volunteer services, have unsupervised access to minors. Applicants, their employees or other agents shall not otherwise divulge or make public any information received under this section. The state agency shall notify any applicant receiving information under this subsection of any subsequent reclassification of the information pursuant to W.S. 14-3-213(e). The state agency shall screen all prospective agency employees in conformity with the procedure provided under this subsection. (g) There is created a program administration account to be known as the "child and vulnerable adult abuse registry account". All fees collected under subsection (f) of this section shall be credited to this account. (h) No information, including recorded interviews of the child, shall be disclosed to any person in any civil proceeding not related to an abuse or neglect case brought under this article except upon order of the court which shall determine if good cause exists to disclose the information. Any protective order granting disclosure shall include appropriate protections against further dissemination in any form. The court may conduct an in camera review of a recorded interview prior to issuing a protective order and may impose such conditions as may be appropriate under the circumstances of the proceeding to prevent further dissemination of the recorded interview. (j) Any person may request a central registry screen and summary report on themselves as provided by subsection (f) of this section upon payment of the fee required by subsection (f) of this section. 14-3-215. Interagency children's collaborative. (a) There is created an interagency children's collaborative. The collaborative shall be composed of: (i) The director of the department of family services, or his designee; (ii) The director of the department of health, or his designee; (iii) The superintendent of public instruction, or his designee; (iv) The director of the department of workforce services, or his designee; and (v) The governor's appointee who shall represent families receiving services from the state agencies represented in paragraphs (i) through (iv) of this subsection. (b) The department of family services shall adopt rules by July 1, 2005, to establish guidelines for review of case files of children in state custody as a result of any action commenced under this title. The rules shall be adopted by the department of family services with the advice of the departments of education, health and workforce services. In addition to providing for the review of cases and the progress made towards returning children in state custody to their homes, communities or other permanent placements, the guidelines shall provide specific processes for: (i) Local multidisciplinary teams to voluntarily present case files to the collaborative for review; (ii) The review of cases in which more than one (1) state agency provides services to the child and his family; and (iii) The review of statewide availability and utilization of resources for children in state custody. 14-3-216. Other laws not superseded. No laws of this state are superseded by the provisions of W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-216. ARTICLE 3 - SALE OF NICOTINE AND THC PRODUCTS 14-3-301. Definitions. (a) As used in this article: (i) "Tobacco products" means any substance containing tobacco leaf or any product made or derived from tobacco that contains nicotine including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco or dipping tobacco; (ii) "Vending machine" means any mechanical, electric or electronic self-service device which, upon insertion of money, tokens, or any other form of payment, dispenses nicotine products; (iii) "Retailer" means a business of any kind at a specific location that sells nicotine products to a user or consumer; (iv) "Self service display" means any display of nicotine products that is located in an area where customers are permitted and where the nicotine products are readily accessible to a customer without the assistance of a salesperson; (v) "Electronic cigarette" means any device that can be used to deliver aerosolized or vaporized nicotine or synthetic nicotine material to the person using the device and includes any component, part and accessory of the device and any vapor material intended to be aerosolized or vaporized during the use of the device. "Electronic cigarette" includes, without limitation, any electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe, electronic hooka, vapor pen and any similar product or device. "Electronic cigarette" does not include a battery or battery charger if sold separately from the electronic cigarette and does not include any product regulated as a drug or device by the United States food and drug administration under subchapter V of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act; (vi) "Nicotine products" means tobacco products and electronic cigarettes; (vii) "Vapor material" means any liquid solution or other material containing nicotine or synthetic nicotine that is depleted as an electronic cigarette is used. "Vapor material" includes liquid solution or other material containing nicotine or synthetic nicotine that is sold with or inside an electronic cigarette; (viii) "Edible products" means any product intended for consumption, including but not limited to baked goods, candies, gummies and liquids, that contains tetrahydrocannabinol, a controlled substance listed under W.S. 35-7-1014(d)(xiii) or (xxi) or their analogs; (ix) "Tetrahydrocannabinol" means: (A) The psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, with the scientific name trans-delta 9- tetrahydrocannabinol; (B) Psychoactive synthetic analogs of tetrahydrocannabinol; or (C) Any psychoactive structural, optical or geometric isomers of tetrahydrocannabinol. (x) "Vaping products" mean any device containing tetrahydrocannabinol that is being or has been used to deliver aerosolized or vaporized tetrahydrocannabinol to the person using the device and includes any component, part and accessory of the device and any vapor material intended to be aerosolized or vaporized during the use of the device. "Vaping products" include, without limitation, any electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe, electronic hooka, vapor pen and any similar product or device that uses or contains tetrahydrocannabinol. "Vaping products" do not include a battery or battery charger if sold separately from the vaping product and do not include any product regulated as a drug or device by the United States food and drug administration under subchapter V of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. (xi) "Analog" means a substance: (A) Whose chemical structure is substantially similar to the chemical structure of a controlled substance listed under W.S. 35-7-1014(d)(xiii) or (xxi); or (B) That has a stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system that is substantially similar to or greater than the stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system of a controlled substance listed under W.S. 35-7- 1014(d)(xiii) or (xxi). 14-3-302. Prohibited sales or delivery. (a) No individual shall sell, offer for sale, give away or deliver nicotine products to any person under the age of twenty- one (21) years. (b) Any individual violating W.S. 14-3-309 or subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than: (i) Two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for a first violation committed within a twenty-four (24) month period. The court may allow the defendant to perform community service or attend a tobacco or nicotine cessation program and be granted credit against his fine and court costs at the rate of ten dollars ($10.00) for each hour of work performed or each hour of tobacco or nicotine cessation program attended; (ii) Five hundred dollars ($500.00) for a second violation committed within a twenty-four (24) month period, regardless of the locations where the violations occurred. The court may allow the defendant to perform community service or attend a tobacco or nicotine cessation program and be granted credit against his fine and court costs at the rate of ten dollars ($10.00) for each hour of work performed or each hour of tobacco or nicotine cessation program attended; (iii) Seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) for a third or subsequent violation committed within a twenty-four (24) month period, regardless of the locations where the violations occurred. The court may allow the defendant to perform community service and be granted credit against his fine and court costs at the rate of five dollars ($5.00) for each hour of work performed. (c) No retailer shall sell, permit the sale, offer for sale, give away or deliver nicotine products to any person under the age of twenty-one (21) years. (d) Any person violating subsection (c) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than: (i) Two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for a first violation committed within a twenty-four (24) month period; (ii) Five hundred dollars ($500.00) for a second violation committed within a twenty-four (24) month period; (iii) Seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) for a third or subsequent violation committed within a twenty-four (24) month period. (e) In addition to the penalties under paragraph (d)(iii) of this section, any person violating subsection (c) of this section for a third or subsequent time within a two (2) year period may be subject to an injunction. The department of revenue or the district attorney of the county in which the offense occurred, may petition the district court for an injunction to prohibit the sale of nicotine products in the establishment where the violation occurred. If the court finds that the respondent in the action has violated the provisions of subsection (c) of this section for a third or subsequent time within a two (2) year period and may continue to violate such provisions, it may grant an injunction prohibiting the respondent from selling nicotine products in the establishment where the violation occurred for a period of not more than one hundred eighty (180) days. For the purposes of this subsection, multiple violations occurring before the petition for the injunction is filed shall be deemed part of the violation for which the injunction is sought. If the person against whom the injunction is sought operates multiple, geographically separate establishments, the injunction shall apply only to the establishment where the violation occurred. The injunction shall prohibit all sales of nicotine products in the establishment where the violation occurred, regardless of any change in ownership or management of the establishment that is not a bona fide, arms length transaction while the injunction is in effect. (f) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under subsections (a) and (c) of this section that, in the case of a sale, the person who sold the nicotine product was presented with, and reasonably relied upon, an identification card which identified the person buying or receiving the nicotine product as being over twenty-one (21) years of age. (g) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (d) of this section, no fine for a violation of subsection (c) of this section shall be imposed for a first offense in a twenty-four (24) month period if the retailer can show it had: (i) Adopted and enforced a written policy against selling nicotine products to persons under the age of twenty-one (21) years; (ii) Informed its employees of the applicable laws regarding the sale of nicotine products to persons under the age of twenty-one (21) years; (iii) Required employees to verify the age of nicotine product customers by way of photographic identification or by means of electronic transaction scan device; and (iv) Established and imposed disciplinary sanctions for noncompliance. 14-3-303. Posted notice required; location of vending machines. (a) Any person who sells nicotine products shall post signs informing the public of the age restrictions provided by this article at or near every display of nicotine products and on or upon every vending machine which offers nicotine products for sale. Each sign shall be plainly visible and shall contain a statement communicating that the sale of nicotine products to persons under twenty-one (21) years of age is prohibited by law. Any person who owns, operates or manages a business where nicotine products are offered for sale at retail and at which persons under the age of twenty-one (21) are allowed admission with or without an adult, shall maintain all nicotine products within the line of sight of a cashier or other employee or under the control of the cashier or other employee. For purposes of this subsection: (i) "Within the line of sight" means visible to a cashier or other employee while at the sales counter; and (ii) "Under control" means protected by security, surveillance or detection methods. (b) No person shall sell or offer nicotine products: (i) Through a vending machine unless the vending machine is located in: (A) Businesses, factories, offices or other places not open to the general public; (B) Places to which persons under the age of twenty-one (21) years of age are not permitted access; or (C) Business premises where alcoholic or malt beverages are sold or dispensed and where entry by persons under twenty-one (21) years of age is prohibited. (ii) Through a self service display except in: (A) A vending machine as permitted in paragraph (i) of this subsection; or (B) A business where entry by persons under twenty-one (21) years of age is prohibited. (c) Any person violating subsection (a) or (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than: (i) Two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for a first violation committed within a twenty-four (24) month period; (ii) Five hundred dollars ($500.00) for a second violation committed within a twenty-four (24) month period; (iii) Seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) for a third or subsequent violation committed within a twenty-four (24) month period. (d) For purposes of subsection (c) of this section, each day of continued violation under subsection (a) or (b) of this section shall be deemed a separate offense. (e) In addition to the penalties under paragraph (c)(iii) of this section, any person violating subsection (a) or (b) of this section for a third or subsequent time within a two (2) year period may be subject to an injunction. The department or the district attorney of the county in which the offense occurred, may petition the district court for an injunction to prohibit the sale of nicotine products from the vending machines or the establishment where the violation occurred. If the court finds that the respondent in the action has violated the provisions of subsection (a) or (b) of this section for a third or subsequent time within a two (2) year period and may continue to violate such provisions, it may grant an injunction prohibiting the respondent from selling nicotine products from vending machines or from the establishment where the violation occurred for a period of not more than one hundred eighty (180) days. For the purposes of this subsection, multiple violations occurring before the petition for the injunction is filed shall be deemed part of the violation for which the injunction is sought. If the person against whom the injunction is sought operates multiple, geographically separate establishments or vending machines, the injunction shall apply only to the establishment where the violation occurred and to the vending machines resulting in the violation. The injunction shall prohibit all sales of nicotine products from the vending machines or the establishment involved in the violation, regardless of any change in ownership or management of the vending machines or the establishment that is not a bona fide, arms length transaction while the injunction is in effect. 14-3-304. Purchase by person under twenty-one years of age prohibited. (a) No person under the age of twenty-one (21) years shall purchase or attempt to purchase nicotine products, or misrepresent his identity or age, or use any false or altered identification for the purpose of purchasing or attempting to purchase nicotine products. A person shall not be arrested for an alleged violation of this subsection but shall be issued a citation as a charging document by a peace officer having probable cause to believe the person violated this subsection. An officer issuing a citation shall deposit one (1) copy of the citation with the court having jurisdiction over the alleged offense. Bond may be posted and forfeited for an offense charged under this section in an amount equal to the fine imposed by subsection (b) of this section. (b) Any person violating subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). (i) Repealed by Laws 2020, ch. 83, § 2. (ii) Repealed by Laws 2020, ch. 83, § 2. (iii) Repealed by Laws 2020, ch. 83, § 2. (c) In lieu of the fine under subsection (b) of this section, the court may allow the defendant to perform community service or attend a tobacco or nicotine cessation program and be granted credit against his fine and court costs at the rate of ten dollars ($10.00) for each hour of work performed or each hour of tobacco or nicotine cessation program attended. (d) No conviction under this section, whether by guilty plea, adjudication of guilt or forfeiture of bond shall be reported by the court to any law enforcement agency. Upon payment of the fine imposed by subsection (b) of this section, a criminal conviction under this section shall be expunged by operation of law from all records of the court six (6) months after the entry of conviction. For any person whose record of conviction was expunged under this subsection, the conviction is deemed not to have occurred and the individual may reply accordingly upon any inquiry in the matter. No expungement under this subsection shall be considered for purposes of any other law providing for expungement. 14-3-305. Possession or use by person under twenty-one years of age prohibited. (a) It is unlawful for any person under the age of twenty- one (21) years to possess or use any nicotine products. A person shall not be arrested for an alleged violation of this subsection but shall be issued a citation as a charging document by a peace officer having probable cause to believe the person violated this subsection. An officer issuing a citation shall deposit one (1) copy of the citation with the court having jurisdiction over the alleged offense. Bond may be posted and forfeited for an offense charged under this section in an amount equal to the fine imposed by subsection (b) of this section. (b) Any person violating subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). (i) Repealed by Laws 2020, ch. 83, § 2. (ii) Repealed by Laws 2020, ch. 83, § 2. (iii) Repealed by Laws 2020, ch. 83, § 2. (c) Repealed By Laws 2000, Ch. 93, § 4. (d) In lieu of the fine under subsection (b) of this section, the court may allow the defendant to perform community service or attend a tobacco or nicotine cessation program and be granted credit against his fine and court costs at the rate of ten dollars ($10.00) for each hour of work performed or each hour of tobacco or nicotine cessation program attended. (e) No conviction under this section, whether by guilty plea, adjudication of guilt or forfeiture of bond shall be reported by the court to any law enforcement agency. Upon payment of the fine imposed by subsection (b) of this section, a criminal conviction under this section shall be expunged by operation of law from all records of the court six (6) months after the entry of conviction. For any person whose record of conviction was expunged under this subsection, the conviction is deemed not to have occurred and the individual may reply accordingly upon any inquiry in the matter. No expungement under this subsection shall be considered for purposes of any other law providing for expungement. 14-3-306. Teen court jurisdiction. The teen court program authorized under W.S. 7-13-1203 may have jurisdiction over any offense committed by a minor under this article. 14-3-307. Compliance inspections. (a) The department of health, working with local law enforcement agencies and other local individuals and organizations at the discretion of the department, shall be the lead agency to ensure compliance with this article. (b) The department of health shall develop strategies to coordinate and support local law enforcement efforts to enforce all state statutes relating to the prohibition of the sale of nicotine products to persons under twenty-one (21) years of age. (c) The department shall have discretion to: (i) Work with each local law enforcement agency; and (ii) Coordinate local enforcement efforts that appropriately reflect the needs of the community. (d) To coordinate the enforcement of state statutes relating to the prohibition of the sale of nicotine products to persons under twenty-one (21) years of age and to comply with applicable federal law, the department of health shall have authority to contract with or provide grants to local law enforcement agencies or other local individuals or entities having the appropriate level of enforcement authority on the local level to conduct random, unannounced inspections at retail locations where nicotine products are sold. The local law enforcement agencies or other local individuals or entities authorized to conduct inspections shall be permitted to use minors and persons under twenty-one (21) years of age subject to the following: (i) Prior to the inspection, the local law enforcement agency or other authorized individual or entity shall obtain the written consent of the person being used in the inspection or if using a minor, the written consent of the minor's parents or guardian shall be obtained prior to the minor participating in an inspection. The written consent required under this paragraph shall include a notification that testimony in a subsequent court proceeding may be required; (ii) Any person under twenty-one (21) years of age participating in an inspection shall, if questioned, state his true age and that he is less than twenty-one (21) years of age; (iii) The appearance of a person under twenty-one (21) years of age shall not be altered to make him appear to be twenty-one (21) years of age or older; (iv) Neither a minor nor his parents or guardians shall be coerced into participating in such inspections; (v) The person conducting the inspection shall photograph the participant immediately before the inspection and any photographs taken of the participant shall be retained by the person conducting the inspection; (vi) Any participant in an inspection under this section shall be granted immunity from prosecution under W.S. 14-3-304 or 14-3-305. (e) The person conducting an inspection under this section shall: (i) Remain within sight or sound of the participant attempting to make the purchase; (ii) Immediately inform in writing a representative or agent of the business establishment that an inspection has been performed and the results of the inspection; (iii) Within two (2) days, prepare a report of the inspection containing: (A) The name of the person who supervised the inspection; (B) The age and date of birth of the participant who assisted in the inspection; (C) The name and position of the person from whom the participant attempted to purchase nicotine products; (D) The name and address of the establishment inspected; (E) The date and time of the inspection; and (F) The results of the inspection, including whether the inspection resulted in the sale or distribution of, or offering for sale, nicotine products to a person under twenty-one (21) years of age. (iv) Immediately upon completion of the report required under this subsection, provide a copy of the report to a representative or agent of the business establishment that was inspected; (v) Request a law enforcement officer to issue a citation for any illegal acts relating to providing nicotine products to persons under twenty-one (21) years of age during the inspection. 14-3-308. Further regulation by local ordinance. (a) Except as specified under subsection (b) of this section, this article shall not be construed to prohibit the imposition by local law or ordinance of further regulation or prohibition upon the sale, use and possession of nicotine products to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age, but the governmental entity shall not permit or authorize the sale, use or possession of nicotine products to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age in violation of this article. (b) No governmental entity shall enact any law or ordinance which changes the standards provided by W.S. 14-3-302(a) and (c), 14-3-303(a), 14-3-304(a) and 14-3-305(a). (c) The governmental entity may require that sellers of nicotine products obtain a license to sell nicotine products and may deny or revoke the license in the case of reported violations of W.S. 14-3-302 or similar local ordinance. 14-3-309. Regulation of mail order and internet purchases and sales; proof of age; penalties. (a) No person shall sell at retail or wholesale any nicotine product through the internet or any other remote sales method to any person in this state, other than a vendor licensed under W.S. 39-15-106, unless the seller performs an age verification on the purchaser through an independent third party age verification service. The age verification service utilized shall compare information available from public records to the personal information entered by the purchaser during the ordering process to establish that the purchaser is twenty-one (21) years of age or older. (b) No person shall sell at retail or wholesale any nicotine product through the internet or any other remote sales method to any person in this state, other than a vendor licensed under W.S. 39-15-106, unless the seller uses a method of mailing or shipping that, upon delivery, requires the signature of a person at least twenty-one (21) years of age before the nicotine product will be released for delivery. (c) The provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall not apply if the seller employs one (1) of the following protections to ensure age verification: (i) The purchaser is required to create an online profile or account with personal information verifying that the purchaser is at least twenty-one (21) years of age including, but not limited to, the purchaser's name, address and a valid phone number, if that personal information is verified by the seller through publicly available records and delivery is made to the same name and address; or (ii) The purchaser is required to upload a copy of the purchaser's government issued identification and a current photograph of the purchaser verifying that the purchaser is at least twenty-one (21) years of age and delivery is made to the same name on the identification provided. (d) Any person violating subsection (a) or (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in W.S. 14-3-302(b). 14-3-310. Prohibited sales or delivery of edible products and vaping products. (a) No person or retailer shall sell, permit the sale, offer for sale, give away or deliver edible products or vaping products to any person under the age of eighteen (18) years. (b) Any person violating subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than: (i) Two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for a first violation committed within a twenty-four (24) month period; (ii) Five hundred dollars ($500.00) for a second violation committed within a twenty-four (24) month period; (iii) Seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) for a third or subsequent violation committed within a twenty-four (24) month period. (c) In lieu of a fine under subsection (b) of this section, the court may allow the defendant to perform community service and be granted credit against his fine and court costs at the rate of ten dollars ($10.00) for each hour of work performed. (d) In addition to the penalties under this section, any person violating subsection (a) of this section for a third or subsequent time within a two (2) year period may be subject to an injunction. The department of revenue or the district attorney of the county in which the offense occurred, may petition the district court for an injunction to prohibit the sale of edible products or vaping products in the establishment where the violation occurred. If the court finds that the respondent in the action has violated the provisions of subsection (a) of this section for a third or subsequent time within a two (2) year period and may continue to violate such provisions, it may grant an injunction prohibiting the respondent from selling edible products or vaping products in the establishment where the violation occurred for a period of not more than one hundred eighty (180) days. For the purposes of this subsection, multiple violations occurring before the petition for the injunction is filed shall be deemed part of the violation for which the injunction is sought. If the person against whom the injunction is sought operates multiple, geographically separate establishments, the injunction shall apply only to the establishment where the violation occurred. The injunction shall prohibit all sales of edible products or vaping products in the establishment where the violation occurred, regardless of any change in ownership or management of the establishment that is not a bona fide, arms-length transaction while the injunction is in effect. (e) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under subsection (a) this section that, in the case of a sale, the person who sold the edible product or vaping product was presented with, and reasonably relied upon, an identification card which identified the person buying or receiving the edible product or vaping product as being over eighteen (18) years of age. (f) The prohibitions in this section shall not be construed to apply to the sale or dispensing of cannabidiol oil that has not more than three-tenths percent (0.3%) of tetrahydrocannabinol to a parent or guardian for use by the parent's or guardian's child who is less than eighteen (18) years of age. ARTICLE 4 - CHILD PROTECTION ACT 14-3-401. Short title; applicability. (a) This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Child Protection Act." (b) If the child suspected to be abused or neglected is an Indian child as defined by W.S. 14-6-702(a)(iv), the court and all parties shall comply with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act. If any provision of this act conflicts with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act for addressing an allegation of abuse or neglect of an Indian child, the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act shall control. 14-3-402. Definitions. (a) As used in this act: (i) "Adjudication" means a finding by the court or the jury, incorporated in a decree, as to the truth of the facts alleged in the petition; (ii) "Adult" means an individual who has attained the age of majority; (iii) "Child" means an individual who is under the age of majority; (iv) "Clerk" means the clerk of a district court acting as the clerk of a juvenile court; (v) "Commissioner" means a district court commissioner; (vi) "Court" means the juvenile court established by W.S. 5-8-101; (vii) "Custodian" means a person, institution or agency responsible for the child's welfare and having legal custody of a child by court order or having actual physical custody and control of a child and acting in loco parentis; (viii) "Deprivation of custody" means transfer of legal custody by the court from a parent or previous legal custodian to another person, agency, organization or institution; (ix) "Judge" means the judge of the juvenile court; (x) "Legal custody" means a legal status created by court order which vests in a custodian the right to have physical custody of a minor, the right and duty to protect, train and discipline a minor, the duty to provide him with food, shelter, clothing, transportation, ordinary medical care, education and in an emergency, the right and duty to authorize surgery or other extraordinary medical care. The rights and duties of legal custody are subject to the rights and duties of the guardian of the person of the minor, and to residual parental rights and duties; (xi) "Minor" means an individual who is under the age of majority; (xii) "Neglected child" means a child: (A) Who has been subjected to neglect as defined in W.S. 14-3-202(a)(vii); (B) Who has been subjected to abuse as defined in W.S. 14-3-202(a)(ii). (I) Repealed By Laws 2005, ch. 236, § 4. (II) Repealed By Laws 2005, ch. 236, § 4. (III) Repealed By Laws 2005, ch. 236, § 4. (IV) Repealed By Laws 2005, ch. 236, § 4. (xiii) "Parent" means either a natural or adoptive parent of the child, a person adjudged the parent of the child in judicial proceedings or a man presumed to be the father under W.S. 14-2-504; (xiv) "Parties" include the child, his parents, guardian or custodian, the state of Wyoming and any other person made a party by an order to appear, or named by the juvenile court; (xv) "Protective supervision" means a legal status created by court order following an adjudication of neglect, whereby the child is permitted to remain in his home subject to supervision by the department of family services, a county or state probation officer or other qualified agency or individual the court may designate; (xvi) "Residual parental rights and duties" means those rights and duties remaining with the parents after legal custody, guardianship of the person or both have been vested in another person, agency or institution. Residual parental rights and duties include but are not limited to: (A) The duty to support and provide necessities of life; (B) The right to consent to adoption; (C) The right to reasonable visitation unless restricted or prohibited by court order; (D) The right to determine the minor's religious affiliation; and (E) The right to petition on behalf of the minor. (xvii) "Shelter care" means the temporary care of a child in physically unrestricting facilities pending court disposition or execution of a court order for placement or commitment; (xviii) "Ordinary medical care" means medical, dental and vision examinations, routine medical, dental and vision treatment and emergency surgical procedures, but does not include nonemergency surgical procedures; (xix) "Temporary protective custody" means a legal status created prior to a shelter care hearing when a court, law enforcement officer, physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner takes a child into protective custody pursuant to W.S. 14-3-405. Temporary protective custody vests in a custodian the duty to protect the child and arrange for the provision of food, shelter, clothing, transportation, ordinary medical care and education. Temporary protective custody shall be transferred from the law enforcement officer, physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner to the local child protection agency as soon as practicable to facilitate such care. Temporary protective custody divests the parent or custodian of his right to the custody and control of the child; (xx) "Transportation" means as defined in W.S. 14-3-202(a)(xvii); (xxi) "Initial hearing" means a hearing held in accordance with W.S. 14-3-426; (xxii) "Shelter care hearing" means a hearing held in accordance with W.S. 14-3-409; (xxiii) "Transfer hearing" means a hearing held in accordance with W.S. 14-6-237; (xxiv) "Another planned permanent living arrangement" means a permanency plan for youth sixteen (16) years of age or older other than reunification, adoption, legal guardianship or placement with a fit and willing relative; (xxv) "Qualified individual" means a person who meets the requirements of 42 U.S.C. § 675a(c)(1)(D); (xxvi) "Qualified residential treatment program" means a program that meets the requirements of 42 U.S.C. § 672(k)(4); (xxvii) "This act" means W.S. 14-3-401 through 14-3- 441. 14-3-403. Juvenile court authority over certain issues. (a) Coincident with proceedings concerning a minor alleged to be neglected and subject to the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act, the court has jurisdiction to: (i) Determine questions concerning the right to legal custody of the minor; (ii) Order any party to the proceedings to perform any acts, duties and responsibilities the court deems necessary; or (iii) Order any party to the proceedings to refrain from any act or conduct the court deems detrimental to the best interest and welfare of the minor or essential to the enforcement of any lawful order of disposition of the minor made by the court. (b) Nothing contained in this act is construed to deprive the district court of jurisdiction to determine questions of custody, parental rights, guardianship or any other questions involving minors, when the questions are the subject of or incidental to suits or actions commenced in or transferred to the district court as provided by law, except: (i) If a petition involving the same child is pending in juvenile court or if continuing jurisdiction has been previously acquired by the juvenile court, the district court may certify the question of custody to the juvenile court; and (ii) The district court at any time may request the juvenile court to make recommendations pertaining to guardianship or legal custody. (c) A party to the proceeding may file a petition for adoption or an appointment of guardianship in the underlying juvenile action in lieu of filing a petition with the district court. 14-3-404. Venue; change of venue or judge. Proceedings under this act may be commenced in the county where the child is living or is present when the proceedings are commenced. Change of venue or change of judge may be had under the circumstances and upon the terms and conditions provided by law in a civil action in the district court. 14-3-405. Taking of child into custody; when permitted. (a) A child, or any other child residing in the same household, may be taken into custody by a law enforcement officer without a warrant or court order and without the consent of the parents, guardians or others exercising temporary or permanent control over the child when: (i) There are reasonable grounds to believe a child is abandoned, lost, suffering from illness or injury or seriously endangered by the child's surroundings and immediate custody appears to be necessary for his protection; (ii) The child's conduct or behavior seriously endangers himself and immediate custody appears necessary; or (iii) The child is as evidenced by an examination being abused or neglected by a parent, guardian or legal custodian, a member of the parent's, guardian's or legal custodian's household or any other person known to the parent, guardian or legal custodian. (b) A child may be taken into temporary protective custody by a physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner without a warrant or court order and without the consent of the parents, guardians or others exercising temporary or permanent control over the child when the physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner treating the child, or a hospital in which the child is being treated, finds that there is reasonable cause to believe an imminent danger to the child's life, health or safety exists unless the child is taken into protective custody, whether or not additional medical treatment is required, and there is not time to apply for a court order. (c) A district attorney may file an emergency petition, or the department of family services, a local law enforcement officer, an administrator of a hospital in which a child reasonably believed to have been abused or neglected is being treated, or any physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner who treated the child may request the court for a protective order. After considering the emergency petition or request, the judge or commissioner, upon finding that there is reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused or neglected and that the child, by continuing in his place of residence or in the care and custody of the person responsible for his health, safety and welfare, would be in imminent danger of his life, health or safety, may: (i) Issue an ex parte order or search warrant. The order shall place the child in the temporary protective custody of the local child protection agency; (ii) Issue an emergency order or search warrant upon application and hearing, authorizing ordinary or emergency care of the child or authorizing a forensic examination to collect evidence. (d) Temporary protective custody shall not exceed forty- eight (48) hours, excluding weekends and legal holidays. (e) When necessary for the best interest or welfare of the child in temporary protective custody, a court may order medical or other necessary health care, including mental health and substance abuse care, notwithstanding the absence of a prior finding of child abuse or neglect. 14-3-406. Child in custody; no shelter care placement without court order; exceptions; notice to parent or guardian; release. (a) A child taken into temporary protective custody shall not be placed in shelter care without a court order unless shelter care is required to: (i) Protect the child's person; (ii) Prevent the child from being removed from the jurisdiction of the court; or (iii) Provide the child having no parent, guardian, custodian or other responsible adult with supervision and care and return him to the court when required. (b) Any person taking a child into temporary protective custody under this act shall as soon as possible notify the child's parent, guardian or custodian. Unless the child's shelter care is authorized by court order or required for one (1) of the reasons in subsection (a) of this section, the child shall be released to the care of his parent, guardian, custodian or other responsible adult upon that person's written promise to present the child before the court upon request. 14-3-407. Shelter care; delivery of child pending hearing; placing children; notice if no court order. (a) If shelter care of a child appears necessary to the person taking custody of the child, the child shall be delivered as soon as possible to the court or to the department of family services pending a hearing. (b) Repealed By Laws 2005, ch. 236, § 4. (c) The department of family services shall promptly notify the court and the district attorney of any child being cared for by the department without a court order and shall deliver the child to the court upon request. (d) The department of family services shall care for the child under this section pursuant to temporary protective custody provisions as specified in W.S. 14-3-208. 14-3-408. Notice of shelter care to be given district attorney; written statement required; duty of district attorney. (a) When a child is taken into temporary protective custody without a court order and is placed in shelter care pursuant to W.S. 14-3-405(a) or (b), the person taking temporary protective custody of the child shall notify the district attorney without delay. Also the person shall as soon as possible file a brief written statement with the district attorney setting forth the facts which led to taking the child into custody and the reason why the child was not released. (b) Upon receiving notice that a child is being held in shelter care, the district attorney shall immediately review the need for shelter care and may order the child released unless he determines shelter care is necessary under the provisions of W.S. 14-3-406(a) or unless ordered by the court. 14-3-409. Taking of child into custody; shelter care hearing where no court order; conditional release; evidence; rehearing. (a) When a child is taken into temporary protective custody without a court order or under an ex parte emergency order, a petition as provided in W.S. 14-3-412 shall be promptly filed and presented to the court. A shelter care hearing shall be held as soon as reasonably possible not later than forty- eight (48) hours, excluding weekends and legal holidays, after the child is taken into temporary protective custody to determine if further shelter care is required pending further court action. Written notice stating the time, place and purpose of the hearing shall be given to the child and to his parents, guardian or custodian. (b) At the commencement of the hearing the judge shall advise the child and his parents, guardian or custodian of: (i) The contents of the petition and the nature of the allegations contained therein; (ii) Their right to counsel as provided in W.S. 14-3-422; (iii) The right to confront and cross-examine witnesses or to present witnesses and evidence in their own behalf and the right to issuance of process by the court to compel the appearance of witnesses and the production of evidence; (iv) The right to a jury trial as provided in W.S. 14-3-423; (v) The right to appeal as provided in W.S. 14-3-432; and (vi) The state's obligation, pursuant to W.S. 14-3-431(d), to file a petition to terminate parental rights when a child has been placed in foster care under the responsibility of the state for fifteen (15) months of the most recent twenty-two (22) months unless the court finds that one (1) of the exceptions listed in W.S. 14-3-431(m) applies. (c) An initial hearing may be held in conjunction with a shelter care hearing, provided the requirements of W.S. 14-3-413, 14-3-414 and 14-3-426 have been met. The court shall set a time not to exceed sixty (60) days for an adjudicatory hearing, unless the court finds good cause to delay or postpone the hearing. In no case shall the court hold the adjudicatory hearing more than ninety (90) days after the date the petition is filed. (d) The court shall determine whether or not the child's full-time shelter care is required to protect the child's welfare pending further proceedings. If the court determines that returning the child to the home is contrary to the welfare of the child, the court shall enter the finding on the record and order the child placed in the legal custody of the department of family services. If the court finds that full-time shelter care is not required, the court shall order the child released and may impose one (1) or more of the following conditions: (i) Place the child in the custody and supervision of his parents, guardian or custodian, under the supervision of the department of family services or under the protective supervision of any individual or organization approved by the court that agrees to supervise the child; or (ii) Impose any other terms and conditions of release deemed reasonably necessary to assure the appearance of the child at subsequent proceedings or necessary to his protection from harm. (e) All relevant and material evidence helpful in determining the need for shelter care may be admitted by the court even though not competent in an adjudicatory hearing on the allegations of the petition. (f) If a child is not released after a shelter care hearing and it appears by sworn statement of the parents, guardian or custodian that they did not receive notice and did not waive notice and appearance at the hearing, the court shall rehear the matter without delay. 14-3-410. Shelter care hearing conducted by commissioner; authority and duty; review by court. (a) In the absence or incapacity of the judge, the shelter care hearing may be conducted by a district court commissioner of the county in which the child is being held in shelter care. (b) The commissioner may make any order concerning the child's release or continued shelter care as authorized to the judge under W.S. 14-3-409. If the child is not released after the hearing, the commissioner shall promptly file with the court a complete written resume of the evidence adduced at the hearing and his reasons for not releasing the child. The commissioner shall conduct the hearing pursuant to W.S. 14-3-409. The hearing shall be conducted in the presence of counsel and guardian ad litem, if so appointed. The commissioner may also appoint counsel, appoint a guardian ad litem, order a predisposition report, appoint a multidisciplinary team, issue subpoenas or search warrants, order physical or medical examinations and authorize emergency medical, surgical or dental treatment all as provided in this act. The commissioner shall not make final orders of adjudication or disposition. (c) The court shall review the reports, orders and actions of the commissioner as soon as reasonably possible and confirm or modify the commissioner's orders and actions as it deems appropriate. 14-3-411. Complaints alleging neglect; investigation and determination by district attorney. Complaints alleging a child is neglected shall be referred to the office of the district attorney. The district attorney shall determine whether the best interest of the child requires that judicial action be taken. The department of family services and the county sheriff shall provide the district attorney with any assistance he may require in making an investigation. The district attorney shall prepare and file a petition with the court if he believes action is necessary to protect the interest of the child. 14-3-412. Commencement of proceedings; contents of petition. (a) Proceedings in juvenile court are commenced by filing a petition with the clerk of the court. The petition and all subsequent pleadings, motions, orders and decrees shall be entitled "State of Wyoming, In the Interest of ...., minor." A petition shall be signed by the district attorney on information and belief of the alleged facts. All petitions must be verified. (b) The petition shall set forth all jurisdictional facts, including but not limited to: (i) The child's name, date of birth and address; (ii) The names and addresses of the child's parents, guardian or custodian and the child's spouse, if any; (iii) Whether the child is being held in shelter care and if so, the name and address of the facility and the time shelter care commenced; (iv) A statement setting forth with particularity the facts which bring the child within the provisions of this act; and (v) Whether the child is an Indian child as defined in the federal Indian Child Welfare Act or as defined by W.S. 14-6-702(a)(iv) and, if so, a statement setting forth with particularity the notice provided to the appropriate tribe and to any other person or entity entitled to notice under the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act. (c) The petition shall state if any of the facts enumerated in subsection (b) of this section are unknown. 14-3-413. Order to appear; contents thereof; when child taken into immediate custody; waiver of service. (a) After a petition is filed, the court shall issue an order to appear. The order shall: (i) State the name of the court, the title of the proceedings and the time and place for the initial hearing; (ii) Direct the persons named therein to appear personally at the hearing and direct the person having actual physical custody or control of the child to present the child before the court at the hearing; (iii) Be directed to the child's parents, guardian, custodian and the child's spouse, if any, and to any other person the court deems necessary; and (iv) Be directed to the child if fourteen (14) years of age or more. (b) If it appears to the court by affidavit by the district attorney based on actual knowledge or on information and belief that the conduct, condition or surroundings of the child seriously endanger the child's health or welfare, that the child may be removed from the jurisdiction of the court or that the child will not be brought before the court notwithstanding service of the order, the court may direct in the order to appear that the person serving the order take the child into immediate custody and bring him before the court. (c) Service of the order may be waived either in writing or by voluntary appearance at the hearing, provided a child may waive service of the order only with the consent of his parents, guardian, custodian, guardian ad litem or counsel. (d) With respect to a child who is alleged to have been abused or neglected, a noncustodial parent or putative father who has not had parental rights to the child removed by a court, and who is not alleged in the petition to have abused or neglected the child, shall be served with notice of the child protective proceeding pursuant to W.S. 14-3-414 and 14-3-415. The notice shall inform the noncustodial parent or putative father of the following: (i) A petition has been filed; (ii) The noncustodial parent or putative father has been named as such in the petition; (iii) A response from the noncustodial parent or putative father is required within sixty (60) days of the date of service; and (iv) Failure to respond to the notice, appear at hearings or participate in the case may result in the termination of his parental rights; (v) The noncustodial parent or putative father may be considered for possible placement of the child. (e) A noncustodial parent or putative father served with notice of the child protective proceeding shall: (i) Respond and appear as required by this section and W.S. 14-3-414 and 14-3-415; (ii) Admit or deny that he is the noncustodial parent or putative father of the child; (iii) Submit to the jurisdiction of the court; (iv) Provide information and abide by any order as required by the court. (f) A parent or putative father who is served pursuant to W.S. 14-3-414 and 14-3-415 and fails to respond as required by this section may not thereafter assert parental rights in contravention of any permanency plan for the child required by W.S. 14-3-431(j) and (k) unless good cause can be shown for failure to respond. 14-3-414. Service of process; order of custody. (a) In proceedings under this act, service of order to appear or other process within the state shall be made by the sheriff of the county where service is made, by his undersheriff or deputy or by any law enforcement officer or responsible adult not a party to the proceeding and appointed by the clerk. (b) Within the state, service of order to appear is made by personally delivering a copy of the order together with a copy of the petition to the person ordered to appear, provided that parents of a child may both be served by personally delivering to either parent two (2) copies of the order and petition, one (1) copy for each parent. A child under the age of fourteen (14) years is served by delivering a copy of the order together with a copy of the petition to the child's parents, guardian, custodian or other adult having the actual physical custody and control of the child or to a guardian ad litem or attorney appointed for the child. (c) If it appears to the court by affidavit that the parents, guardian or custodian of the child cannot be found within the state, the court may order personal service outside the state or service by certified mail with return receipt requested signed by addressee only. The state agency having custody of the child shall also file an affidavit with the court explaining the efforts made to locate the missing parent when the address of the child's parents, guardian or custodian is unknown and cannot with reasonable diligence be ascertained, and the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child and to receive service of process. (d) Service by certified mail is complete on the date the clerk receives the return receipt signed by addressee. Personal service either within or outside the state is complete on the date when copies of the order to appear and petition are delivered to the person to be served. (e) When personal service of order to appear is made within the state, service shall be completed not less than two (2) days before the hearing and when made outside the state, service shall be completed not less than five (5) days before the hearing. However, notwithstanding any provision within this act, the court may order that a child be taken into custody as provided in W.S. 14-3-413 or that a child be held in shelter care pending further proceedings as provided in W.S. 14-3-409, even though service of order to appear on the parents, guardian or custodian of the child is not complete at the time of making the order. (f) If the person's residence is unknown, service may be had by constructive service or by publication as provided in the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure. 14-3-415. Presence of parent, custodian or guardian at hearing; failure to appear; avoidance of service; issuance of bench warrant. (a) The court shall ensure the presence at any hearing of the parents, guardian or custodian of any child subject to the proceedings under this act. (b) Any person served with an order to appear as provided in W.S. 14-3-414 and without reasonable cause fails to appear, is liable for contempt of court and the court may issue a bench warrant to cause the person to be brought before the court. (c) If the child, his parents, guardian or custodian or any other person willfully avoids or refuses service of order to appear, or it appears to the court that service of the order will be ineffectual or that the welfare of the child requires that he be brought immediately into the custody of the court, a bench warrant may be issued by the court for the child or his parents, guardian, custodian or any person having the actual physical custody or control of the child. 14-3-416. Appointment of guardian ad litem. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for a child who is a party to proceedings under this act if the child has no parent, guardian or custodian appearing in his behalf or if the interests of the parents, guardian or custodian are adverse to the best interest of the child. A party to the proceeding or employee or representative thereof shall not be appointed guardian ad litem for the child. 14-3-417. Subpoenas for witnesses and evidence. Upon application of any party to the proceeding, the clerk shall issue and the court on its own motion may issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of records, documents or other tangible evidence at any hearing. 14-3-418. Search warrant; when authorized; affidavit required; contents of affidavit and warrant; service and return. (a) The court or a commissioner may issue a search warrant within the court's jurisdiction if it appears by application supported by affidavit of one (1) or more adults that a child is being neglected, unlawfully detained or physically abused and his health or welfare requires that he be taken immediately into custody, or it appears by application supported by affidavit of one (1) or more adults that evidence of child abuse exists. (b) The affidavit shall be in writing, signed and affirmed by the affiant. The affidavit shall set forth: (i) The name and age of the child sought, provided that if the name or age of the child is unknown the affidavit shall set forth a description of the child sufficient to identify him with reasonable certainty and a statement that the affiant believes the child is of age to come within the provisions of this act; (ii) The affiant's belief that the child sought is being neglected, unlawfully detained or physically abused and his health or welfare requires that he be taken immediately into custody, and a statement of the facts upon which the belief is based; and (iii) The affiant's belief that evidence of child abuse or neglect exists and could be obtained through forensic means, and a statement of the facts upon which the belief is based. (c) The warrant may be directed to any law enforcement officer of the county or municipality in which the place or premises to be searched is located. The warrant shall: (i) Name or describe the child sought; (ii) Name the address or location and describe the place or premises to be searched; (iii) State the grounds for issuance of the warrant; (iv) Name the person or persons whose affidavit has been taken in support of the warrant; and (v) Authorize the officer to whom the warrant is directed to conduct the search and instruct him as to the disposition of the child if found, pending further proceedings by the court. (d) The officer making the search may enter the place or premises described in the warrant at any time with force if necessary, in order to remove the child or to obtain evidence that the child is neglected, unlawfully detained or physically abused. The officer conducting the search shall serve a copy of the warrant upon the person in possession of the place or premises searched and shall return the original warrant to the court showing his actions in the premises. 14-3-419. Physical and mental examinations. Any time after the filing of a petition, on motion of the district attorney or the child's parents, guardian, custodian or attorney or on motion of the court, the court may order the child to be examined by a licensed and qualified physician, surgeon, psychiatrist, psychologist or licensed mental health professional designated by the court to aid in determining the physical and mental condition of the child. The examination shall be conducted on an outpatient basis, but the court may commit the child to a suitable medical facility or institution for examination if deemed necessary. Commitment for examination shall not exceed fifteen (15) days. 14-3-420. Emergency medical, surgical or dental examination or treatment. The court may authorize and consent to emergency medical, surgical or dental examination or treatment of a child taken into custody under the provisions of this act either before or after the filing of a petition, if in the opinion of a licensed and qualified physician or surgeon the child is suffering from a serious physical condition or illness which requires prompt treatment or prompt examination is necessary to preserve evidence of neglect. 14-3-421. Reports of medical or mental examinations; use of results; copies. The results of any medical or mental examination authorized or ordered by the court shall be reported to the court in writing and signed by the person making the examination. The results may not be considered by the court prior to adjudication but may be considered only in making a disposition under this act. Copies of the examination reports shall be made available to the child's parents, guardian, custodian or attorney upon request. 14-3-422. Advising of right to counsel required; appointment of counsel; verification of financial condition. (a) At their first appearance before the court and at their initial hearing the child's parents, guardian or custodian shall be advised by the court of their right to be represented by counsel at every stage of the proceedings including appeal, and to employ counsel of their own choice. (b) The court shall upon request appoint counsel to represent the child's parents, guardian or custodian if the child's parents, guardian or custodian are unable to obtain counsel. If appointment of counsel is requested, the court shall require the child's parents, guardian or custodian to verify their financial condition under oath, either by written affidavit signed and sworn to by the parties or by sworn testimony made a part of the record of the proceedings. The affidavit or sworn testimony shall state they are without sufficient money, property, assets or credit to employ counsel in their own behalf. The court may require further verification of financial condition if it deems necessary. (c) The court may appoint counsel for any party when necessary in the interest of justice. 14-3-423. Rights of parties generally; demand for and conduct of jury trial. (a) A party to any proceeding under this act is entitled to: (i) A copy of all charges made against him; (ii) Confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses; (iii) Introduce evidence, present witnesses and otherwise be heard in his own behalf; and (iv) Issue of process by the court to compel the appearance of witnesses or the production of evidence. (b) A party against whom a petition has been filed or the district attorney may demand a trial by jury at an adjudicatory hearing. The jury shall be composed of jurors selected, qualified and compensated as provided by law for the trial of civil matters in the district court. The jury may also be selected from the prospective jurors on the base jury list residing within five (5) miles of the city or town where the trial is to be held if the court directs. Demand for a jury trial must be made to the court not later than ten (10) days after the party making the demand is advised of his right to a jury trial at the initial hearing. No deposit for jury fees is required. Failure of a party to demand a jury is a waiver of this right. 14-3-424. Conduct of hearings generally; exclusion of general public and child; exceptions; consolidations, continuances or deferrals permitted. (a) Unless a jury trial is demanded, hearings under this act shall be conducted by the court without a jury in an informal but orderly manner and separate from other proceedings not included under this act. The district attorney shall present evidence in support of the petition and otherwise represent the state. If the allegations in the petition are denied, adjudicatory and disposition hearings shall be recorded by the court reporter or by electronic, mechanical or other appropriate means. (b) Except in hearings to declare a person in contempt of court, the general public are excluded from hearings under this act. Only the parties, counsel for the parties, jurors, witnesses, and other persons the court finds having a proper interest in the proceedings or in the work of the court shall be admitted. If the court finds it necessary in the best interest of the child, the child may be temporarily excluded from any hearing. (c) Hearings on two (2) or more petitions may be consolidated for purposes of adjudication when the allegations in the petitions pertain to the same act constituting the alleged neglect. Separate hearings on the petitions may be held thereafter for purposes of disposition. (d) The court may, on the motion of any party or on its own motion, continue or defer any hearing as the work of the court or justice requires. 14-3-425. Burden of proof required; verdict of jury; effect thereof. (a) Allegations of conduct showing a child to be neglected must be proved by a preponderance of the evidence. (b) If trial by jury is demanded, the jury shall decide issues of fact raised by the petition and return its verdict as to the truth of the allegations contained in the petition. A finding by the jury that the allegations are true is a determination that judicial intervention is necessary for the best interest and welfare of the child. 14-3-426. Initial hearing; adjudicatory hearing; entry of decree and disposition; evidentiary matters; continuance of disposition hearing. (a) There shall be an initial hearing. The initial hearing may be held in conjunction with the shelter care hearing provided the requirements of W.S. 14-3-413, 14-3-414 and 14-3-426 have been met. The initial hearing may also be held after a shelter care hearing or a transfer hearing. At the initial hearing, the child and his parents, guardian or custodian shall be advised by the court of their rights under law and as provided in this act. They shall also be advised of the specific allegations in the petition and given an opportunity to admit or deny them. They shall also be advised of the possible liability for costs of treatment or services pursuant to this act. It is not necessary at the initial hearing for the district attorney to establish probable cause to believe the allegations in the petition are true. If the allegations are admitted, the court shall make the appropriate adjudication and may proceed immediately to a disposition of the case, provided the court has the predisposition report and multidisciplinary team recommendations, in accordance with the provisions of W.S. 14-3-429, except that a commissioner acting in the absence or incapacity of the judge may take testimony to establish a factual basis and accept an admission and perform all other requirements of the initial hearing but shall not proceed to disposition. (b) If the allegations of the petition are denied, the court may, with consent of the parties, proceed immediately to hear evidence on the petition or it may set a later time not to exceed sixty (60) days for an adjudicatory hearing, unless the court finds good cause to delay or postpone the hearing. In no case shall the court hold the adjudicatory hearing more than ninety (90) days after the date the petition is filed. Only competent, relevant and material evidence shall be admissible at an adjudicatory hearing to determine the truth of the allegations in the petition. If after an adjudicatory hearing the court finds that the allegations in the petition are not established as required by this act, it shall dismiss the petition and order the child released from any shelter care. (c) If after an adjudicatory hearing or a valid admission or confession the court or jury finds that a child is neglected, it shall enter a decree to that effect stating the jurisdictional facts upon which the decree is based. It may then proceed immediately or at a postponed hearing within sixty (60) days to make proper disposition of the child. (d) In shelter care hearings or disposition hearings, all material and relevant evidence helpful in determining questions may be received by the court and relied upon for probative value. The parties or their counsel may examine and controvert written reports received as evidence and cross-examine persons making the reports. (e) On motion of any party or on its own motion, the court may continue a disposition hearing for a reasonable time not to exceed sixty (60) days to receive reports and other evidence bearing on the disposition to be made. The court shall make an appropriate order for shelter care of the child or for his release from shelter care subject to any terms and conditions the court deems necessary during the period of continuance. (f) At any time prior to disposition under W.S. 14-3-429, the court, on motion of any party or on its own motion, may reconsider its order regarding shelter care or conditions of release made under W.S. 14-3-409 or 14-3-414. (g) In the absence or incapacity of the judge, the initial hearing may be conducted by a district court commissioner. 14-3-427. Predisposition studies and reports. (a) After a petition is filed alleging a child is neglected, the court shall order the department of family services to make a predisposition study and report. The court shall establish a deadline for completion of the report. While preparing the study the department shall consult with the child's school and school district to determine the child's educational needs. The study and report shall also cover: (i) The social history, environment and present condition of the child and his family; (ii) The performance of the child in school, including whether the child receives special education services and how his goals and objectives might be impacted by the court's disposition, provided the school receives authorization to share the information; (iii) The presence of child abuse and neglect or domestic violence histories, past acts of violence, learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities or physical impairments and the necessary services to accommodate the disabilities and impairments; (iv) The presence of any mental health or substance abuse risk factors, including current participation in counseling, therapy or treatment; and (v) Other matters relevant to treatment of the child, including any pertinent family information, or proper disposition of the case, including any information required by W.S. 21-13-315(d). (b) Within ten (10) days after a petition is filed alleging a child is neglected, the court shall appoint a multidisciplinary team. Upon motion by a party, the court may add or dismiss a member of the multidisciplinary team. (c) The multidisciplinary team shall include the following: (i) The child's parent, parents or guardian; (ii) A representative of the school district who has direct knowledge of the child and, if the child receives special education, is a member of the child's individualized education plan team; (iii) A representative of the department of family services; (iv) The child's psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health professional; (v) The district attorney or his designee; (vi) The child's attorney or guardian ad litem, if one is appointed by the court; (vii) The volunteer lay advocate, if one is appointed by the court; and (viii) The foster parent. (d) In addition to the persons listed in subsection (c) of this section, the court may appoint one (1) or more of the following persons to the multidisciplinary team: (i) Repealed By Laws 2005, ch. 236, § 4. (ii) Repealed By Laws 2005, ch. 236, § 4. (iii) The child; (iv) A relative; (v) If the predispositional study indicates a parent or child has special needs, an appropriate representative of the department of health's substance abuse, mental health or developmental disabilities division who has knowledge of the services available in the state's system of care that are pertinent to those identified needs; (vi) Other professionals or persons who have particular knowledge relating to the child or his family, or expertise in children's services and the child's or parent's specific disability or special needs, including linguistic and cultural needs. (e) Before the first multidisciplinary team meeting, the department of family services shall provide each member of the multidisciplinary team with a brief summary of the case detailing the allegations in the petition that have been adjudicated, if any. The multidisciplinary team shall review the child's personal and family history, school records, mental health records and department of family services records and any other pertinent information, for the purpose of making case planning recommendations. To the extent appropriate, the team shall involve the child in the development of the recommendations. (f) At the first multidisciplinary team meeting, the team shall formulate reasonable and attainable recommendations for the court outlining the goals or objectives the parents should be required to meet for the child to be returned to the home or for the case to be closed, or until ordered by the court in termination proceedings. At each subsequent meeting, the multidisciplinary team shall review the progress of the parents and the child, and shall reevaluate the plan ordered by the court. For cause, which shall be set forth with specificity, the multidisciplinary team may adjust its recommendations to the court with respect to the goals or objectives in the plan to effect the return of the child to the home or to close the case. In formulating recommendations, the multidisciplinary team shall give consideration to the best interest of the child, the best interest of the family, the most appropriate and least restrictive case planning options available as well as costs of care. After each multidisciplinary team meeting, the coordinator shall prepare for submission to each member of the team and to the court a summary of the multidisciplinary team meeting specifically describing the recommendations for the court and the goals and objectives which should be met to return the child to the home or to close the case. If the recommendations for the case plan have been changed, the summary shall include a detailed explanation of the change in the recommendations and the reasons for the change. (g) All records, reports and case planning recommendations of the multidisciplinary team are confidential except as provided by this section. Any person who willfully violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). (h) The court shall not consider any report or recommendation under this section prior to adjudication of the allegations in the petition without the consent of the child and the child's parents, guardian or custodian. (j) Any member of a multidisciplinary team who cannot attend team meetings in person or by telephone may submit written reports and recommendations to the other team members and to the court. Individuals who are not members of the multidisciplinary team but have knowledge pertinent to the team's decisions may be asked to provide information to the multidisciplinary team. The individuals shall be bound by the confidentiality provisions of subsection (g) of this section. (k) The department shall develop a case plan for a child when there is a recommendation to place the child outside the home. If a parent chooses not to comply with or participate in the case plan developed by the department, that parent is prohibited from later objecting to or complaining about the services that were provided to the child and family. (m) If the child is placed outside the home, the multidisciplinary team shall meet quarterly to review the child's and the family's progress toward meeting the goals or expectations in the case plan and the multidisciplinary team shall provide a written report with recommendations to the court prior to each review hearing. (n) No later than five (5) business days prior to the dispositional hearing, the multidisciplinary team shall file with the court the multidisciplinary team report which shall include the multidisciplinary team's recommendations and the department case plan in a standard format established by the department. (o) Five (5) business days prior to each review hearing, the multidisciplinary team shall file with the court a report updating the multidisciplinary team report, the multidisciplinary team's recommendations and the department case plan. 14-3-428. Abeyance of proceedings by consent decree; term of decree; reinstatement of proceedings; effect of discharge or completing term. (a) At any time after the filing of a petition alleging a child to be neglected and before adjudication, the court may issue a consent decree ordering further proceedings held in abeyance. The placement of the child is subject to the terms, conditions and stipulations agreed to by the parties affected in accordance with W.S. 14-3-429. The consent decree shall not be entered without the consent of the district attorney, the child's guardian ad litem and the parents. Modifications to an existing consent decree may be allowed. (b) The consent decree shall be in writing and copies given to all parties. The decree shall include the case plan for the family. (c) A consent decree, if the child remains within the home, shall be in force for the period agreed upon by the parties unless sooner terminated by the court. (d) If the child is placed outside the home, a consent decree shall be in force for the period agreed upon by the parties but not longer than six (6) months unless sooner terminated by the court. For good cause the court may grant one (1) extension of the consent decree for no longer than six (6) months. (e) If a consent decree is in effect and the child is in placement, the court shall hold review hearings as provided by W.S. 14-3-431. (f) If prior to discharge by the court or expiration of the consent decree, the parents or guardian of a child alleged to be neglected fail to fulfill the terms and conditions of the decree or a new petition is filed alleging the child to be neglected, the original petition and proceeding may be reinstated upon order of the court after hearing, and the court may proceed as though the consent decree had never been entered. If, as part of the consent decree, the parents or guardian made an admission to any of the allegations contained in the original petition, that admission shall be entered only if the court orders that the original petition and proceeding be reinstated and the admissions, if any, be entered. If the admission is entered, the court may proceed to disposition pursuant to W.S. 14-3-426. (g) Parties discharged by the court under a consent decree without reinstatement of the original petition and proceeding shall not thereafter be proceeded against in any court for the same misconduct alleged in the original petition except concurrent criminal allegations or charges against a person accused to have abused or neglected a child shall not be affected by a consent decree. 14-3-429. Decree where child adjudged neglected; dispositions; terms and conditions; legal custody. (a) In determining the disposition to be made under this act in regard to any child: (i) The court shall review the predisposition report, the recommendations, if any, of the multidisciplinary team, the case plan and other reports or evaluations ordered by the court and indicate on the record what materials were considered in reaching the disposition; (ii) If the court does not place the child in accordance with the recommendations of the predisposition report or multidisciplinary team, the court shall enter on the record specific findings of fact relied upon to support its decision to deviate from the recommended disposition; (iii) When a child is adjudged by the court to be neglected the court shall enter its decree to that effect and make a disposition as provided in this section that places the child in the least restrictive environment consistent with what is best suited to the public interest of preserving families and the physical, mental and moral welfare of the child; (iv) When a child is adjudged to be neglected the court shall ensure that reasonable efforts were made by the department of family services to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from the child's home or to make it possible for the child to return to the child's home. Before placing a child outside of the home, the court shall find by clear and convincing evidence that to return the child to the child's home would not be in the best interest of the child despite efforts that have been made; (v) The court shall not order an out-of-state placement unless: (A) Evidence has been presented to the court regarding the costs of the out-of-state placement being ordered together with evidence of the comparative costs of any suitable alternative in-state treatment program or facility, as determined by the department of family services pursuant to W.S. 21-13-315(d)(vii), whether or not placement in the in-state program or facility is currently available; (B) The court makes an affirmative finding on the record that no placement can be made in a Wyoming institution or in a private residential treatment facility or group home located in Wyoming that can provide adequate treatment or services for the child; and (C) The court states on the record why no in-state placement is available. (b) If the child is found to be neglected the court may: (i) Permit the child to remain in the legal custody of his parents, guardian or custodian without protective supervision, subject to terms and conditions prescribed by the court; (ii) Place the child under protective supervision; (iii) Transfer temporary legal custody to a relative or other suitable adult the court finds qualified to receive and care for the child, with or without supervision, subject to terms and conditions prescribed by the court; (iv) Transfer temporary legal custody to the department of family services or a state or local public agency responsible for the care and placement of neglected children, provided the child shall not be committed to the Wyoming boys' school, the Wyoming girls' school or the Wyoming state hospital. (c) In cases where a child is ordered removed from the child's home: (i) If a child is committed or transferred to an agency or institution under this section, at least every three (3) months the agency or institution shall recommend to the court if the order should be continued; (ii) The court shall order the parents or other legally obligated person to pay a reasonable sum for the support and treatment of the child as required by W.S. 14-3-435, or shall state on the record the reasons why an order for support was not entered; (iii) In cases where the child is placed in custody of the department, support shall be established by the department through a separate civil action; (iv) Any order regarding potential placement at a psychiatric residential treatment facility shall not specify a particular psychiatric residential treatment facility or level of care for the placement of the child; (v) If the child is placed in a qualified residential treatment program: (A) Within thirty (30) days of the placement a qualified individual shall conduct an assessment to determine whether the child's needs can be met through placement with family members or in a foster family home, or if the placement in a qualified residential treatment program provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment consistent with short-term and long-term goals of the child and the child's permanency plan; (B) Within sixty (60) days of the placement the court shall: (I) Consider the assessment completed pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; (II) Determine whether the child's needs can be met through placement in a foster family home or whether the placement in a qualified residential treatment program provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment; (III) Determine whether the placement is consistent with short-term and long-term goals of the child, as specified in the child's permanency plan; (IV) Approve or disapprove the placement. (d) As a part of any order of disposition and the terms and conditions thereof, the court may: (i) Impose any demands, requirements, limitations, restrictions or restraints on the child, and do all things with regard to the child that his parents might reasonably and lawfully do under similar circumstances; (ii) Order the child, or his parents, or both, to undergo evaluation and indicated treatment or another program designed to address problems which contributed to the adjudication. A parent who willfully violates or neglects or refuses to comply with any order of the court may be found in contempt and punished as provided by W.S. 14-3-438; (iii) Require the child's parents or guardian to attend a parenting class or other appropriate education or treatment designed to address problems which contributed to the adjudication and to pay all or part of the cost of the class, education or treatment in accordance with the court's determination of their ability to pay; (iv) Require the child's parents or guardian and the child to participate in a court supervised treatment program qualified under W.S. 5-12-101 through 5-12-118, provided the court supervised treatment program accepts the child's parents or guardian and the child for participation in its program. (e) An institution, organization or agency vested with legal custody of a child by court order shall have the right to determine where and with whom the child shall live, provided that placement of the child does not remove him from the state of Wyoming without court authorization. An individual vested with legal custody of a child by court order shall personally exercise custodial rights and responsibilities unless otherwise authorized by the court. (f) Whenever the court vests legal custody of a child in an institution, organization or agency it shall transmit with the order copies of all clinical reports, social studies and other information pertinent to the care and treatment of the child. The institution, organization or agency receiving legal custody of a child shall provide the court with any information concerning the child that the court may request. (g) In placing a child in the custody of an individual or a private agency or institution, the court shall give primary consideration to the needs and welfare of the child. Where a choice of equivalent services exists, the court shall, whenever practicable, select a person or an agency or institution governed by persons of the same religion as that of the parents of the child. In case of a difference in the religious faith of the parents, then the court shall select the person, agency or institution governed by persons of the religious faith of the child, or if the religious faith of the child is not ascertainable, then of the faith of either parent. (h) Absent a specific provision in the placement order requiring prior court approval for any change in placement, a department of state government vested with temporary legal custody of a child by court order under this section has authority to place the child in a residential facility or other out-of-home placement of similar or less restrictive confinement provided: (i) At least ten (10) days prior to the change in placement written notice of the proposed placement is served upon the child, the child's parents, the child's representative, the current placement provider and the office of the district attorney of original jurisdiction, personally or by certified mail to the recipient's last known address; and (ii) None of the parties within ten (10) days after notice is filed with the juvenile court having jurisdiction, makes a written objection to the proposed change in placement. (j) If a placement order vesting a department of state government with temporary legal custody of a child under this section includes a provision that court approval shall be required prior to any change in placement, the department may proceed to place the child in a residential facility or other out-of-home placement of similar or less restrictive confinement, and the court shall be deemed to have approved such change in placement, if: (i) The conditions of paragraphs (h)(i) and (ii) of this section are met; and (ii) The court on its own motion does not set the matter for hearing within fifteen (15) days after notice of the proposed change in placement is filed with the juvenile court. 14-3-430. Orders of protection; requirements. (a) On application of any party to the proceedings or on its own motion the court may make an order of protection in support of the decree and order of disposition, restraining or otherwise controlling the conduct of the child's parents, guardian or custodian or any party to the proceeding whom the court finds to be encouraging, causing or contributing to the acts or conditions which bring the child within the provisions of this act. (b) The order of protection may require the person against whom it is directed to do or to refrain from doing any acts required or forbidden by law and necessary for the welfare of the child and the enforcement of the order of disposition, including the following requirements to: (i) Perform any legal obligation of support; (ii) Not make contact with the child or his place of abode; (iii) Permit a parent reasonable visitation privileges under specified conditions and terms; or (iv) Give proper attention to care of the home and to refrain from conduct detrimental to the child and the home environment. 14-3-431. Duration of orders of disposition; termination of orders; permanency hearings; petition for termination of parental rights. (a) An order of disposition shall remain in force for an indefinite period until terminated by the court whenever it appears the purpose of the order has been achieved and it is in the child's best interest that he be discharged from further court jurisdiction. (b) Unless sooner terminated by court order, all orders issued under this act shall terminate with respect to a child adjudicated neglected, when he reaches eighteen (18) years of age unless the court has ordered care or services to continue beyond that time. The court shall conduct a review hearing at least six (6) months before the child reaches eighteen (18) years of age to determine whether care or transitional services should continue and for what period of time prior to the individual reaching the age of twenty-one (21) years. (c) The court shall conduct a review hearing six (6) months from the date of the child's removal from the home and every six (6) months thereafter. If the child is placed in a qualified residential treatment program, the department of family services shall present to the court at the six (6) month review hearing the information required under subparagraphs (j)(iii)(A) through (D) of this section. At the six (6) month review hearing the court shall review the case plan to determine: (i) The health and safety of the child; (ii) The continuing necessity for the placement; (iii) The appropriateness of the current placement; (iv) The reasonableness of efforts made to reunify the family and the consistency of those efforts with the case plan; (v) The appropriateness of the case plan and the extent of compliance with the case plan including the permanent placement of the child; (vi) If progress has been made toward alleviating or mitigating the causes necessitating placement outside the home and the extent of that progress; and (vii) The date the child is expected to be returned to the home or placed for adoption or legal guardianship. (d) The court shall conduct a permanency hearing no later than twelve (12) months from the date of the child's removal from the home and not less than once every twelve (12) months thereafter if the child remains in out-of-home placement or more frequently as deemed necessary by the court. (e) If the court determines as provided in W.S. 14-2-309(a)(vi), (b) or (c) that reasonable efforts to preserve and reunify the family are not required, a permanency hearing shall be held for the child within thirty (30) days after the determination. (f) At the permanency hearing, the court shall make determinations of reasonable efforts as outlined in W.S. 14-3-440. (g) A permanency hearing is not required if the case was dismissed, the child was not removed from the home or the child was returned to the child's parent or guardian. (h) The permanency hearing may be combined with a hearing required by other sections of this chapter if the hearing is held within twelve (12) months from the date of the child's removal from the home. If a permanency hearing is combined with another hearing, the requirements of the court related to the disposition of the other hearing shall be met in addition to the requirements of this section. (j) At the permanency hearing, the department of family services shall present to the court: (i) Efforts made to: (A) Effectuate the permanency plan for the child, address the options for the child's permanent placement, examine the reasons for excluding other permanency options and set forth the proposed plan to carry out the placement decision, including specific times for achieving the permanency plan; and (B) Ensure the child be provided, to the greatest extent possible, the opportunity to participate in age appropriate or developmentally appropriate activities and experiences as defined in W.S. 14-13-101(a)(i) to promote healthy child and adolescent development consistent with W.S. 14-13-101 through 14-13-104. (ii) If the permanency plan is classified as another planned permanent living arrangement: (A) A compelling reason for establishing another planned permanent living arrangement; and (B) Documentation of the ongoing and unsuccessful efforts to return the child home, place the child for adoption or with a legal guardian or a fit and willing relative for purposes of guardianship or adoption, including evidence of efforts to use social media or other search technology to find biological family members for the child. (iii) If the child is placed in a qualified residential treatment program: (A) Information to show that ongoing assessment of the child's strengths and needs continues to support the determination that placement in a qualified residential treatment program provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment consistent with the short-term and long-term goals of the child and the child's permanency plan; (B) The specific treatment needs that will be met for the child in the placement; (C) The length of time the child is expected to remain in the placement; (D) The efforts made by the department of family services to prepare the child to return home or be placed for adoption or legal guardianship. (k) At the permanency hearing, the court shall: (i) Determine whether the permanency plan is in the best interest of the child and whether the department of family services has made reasonable efforts to finalize the plan; (ii) Order the department of family services to take any additional steps necessary to effectuate the terms of the permanency plan; (iii) Ask the child about his desired permanency outcome if it is determined that the child should be present at the hearing; (iv) Ask the child's guardian ad litem or other legal representative about the child's desired permanency outcome if it is determined inappropriate for the child to be present at the hearing; (v) If the permanency plan is classified as another planned permanent living arrangement: (A) Make a judicial determination and explain why, as of the date of the hearing, another planned permanent living arrangement is the best permanency plan for the child; and (B) Provide reasons why it continues not to be in the best interest of the child to return home or be placed for adoption or with a legal guardian or a fit and willing relative for purposes of guardianship or adoption. (vi) Require that the child be provided, to the greatest extent possible, the opportunity to participate in age appropriate or developmentally appropriate activities and experiences as defined in W.S. 14-13-101(a)(i) to promote healthy child and adolescent development consistent with W.S. 14-13-101 through 14-13-104. (m) When a child has been placed in foster care under the responsibility of the state for fifteen (15) of the most recent twenty-two (22) months the state shall file a petition to terminate parental rights or seek to be joined as a party to the petition if a petition has been filed by another party, unless: (i) The child is in the care of a relative; (ii) The state agency has documented in the case plan a compelling reason for determining that filing the petition is not in the best interest of the child; or (iii) The state agency has not provided services to the child's family deemed to be necessary for the safe return of the child to the home, if reasonable efforts described in W.S. 14-3-440 are required to be made. (n) Concurrently with the filing of a petition under subsection (m) of this section, the state agency shall identify, recruit, process and approve a qualified family for adoption of the child. (o) A petition to terminate parental rights shall be filed within sixty (60) days of a judicial determination that reasonable efforts to reunify the child and parent are not required pursuant to W.S. 14-2-309(a)(vi), (b) or (c). (p) A termination of parental rights hearing shall be held within ninety (90) days of the filing of the termination petition unless continued by the court for good cause shown. (q) At each of the review hearings, the court shall enter findings on the record pursuant to subsection (c) of this section. 14-3-432. Appeal; right generally; transcript provided; cost thereof. (a) Any party including the state may appeal any final order, judgment or decree of the juvenile court to the supreme court within the time and in the manner provided by the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure. (b) Upon motion of the child's parents, guardian or custodian, supported by affidavit stating they are financially unable to purchase a transcript of the proceeding, a transcript or so much thereof necessary to support the appeal shall be provided at no cost or at a cost the court determines they are able to pay. Any cost of the transcript not charged to the appellant shall be certified by the court to the county treasurer and paid from the funds of the county in which the proceedings were held. 14-3-433. Stay of orders pending appeal; securing of payment; staying transfer of legal custody. (a) If an appeal is taken, an order to pay a fine, costs, support for a child, restitution or any order for the payment of money may be stayed by the juvenile court or by the supreme court pending appeal. The court may require the appellant to deposit with the clerk of court the whole or any part of the payment ordered, to give bond for the payment thereof or any other terms and conditions to secure payment upon final determination of the appeal as the court deems proper. The court may also issue any appropriate order to restrain the appellant from dissipating his assets pending appeal. (b) Either the juvenile court or the supreme court may stay an order transferring legal custody of a child to a person, agency, organization or institution other than his parents, guardian or former custodian, provided that suitable provision is made for the shelter care of the child pending the appeal. 14-3-434. Fees, costs and expenses. (a) There is no fee for filing a petition under this act nor shall any state, county or local law enforcement officer charge a fee for service of process under this act. Witness fees, juror fees and travel expenses in the amounts allowable by law may be paid to persons other than the parties who are subpoenaed or required to appear at any hearing pursuant to this act. (b) The following costs and expenses, when approved and certified by the court to the county treasurer, shall be a charge upon the funds of the county where the proceedings are held and shall be paid by the board of county commissioners of that county: (i) Witness fees and travel expense; (ii) Jury fees, costs and travel expense; (iii) Costs of service of process or notice by certified mail; (iv) Costs of any physical or mental examinations or treatment ordered by the court; (v) Reasonable compensation for services and costs of counsel appointed by the court; (vi) Reasonable compensation for services and costs of a guardian ad litem appointed by the court, unless the county participates in the guardian ad litem program administered by the office of guardian ad litem pursuant to W.S. 14-12-101 through 14-12-104 and the office was appointed to provide the guardian ad litem; and (vii) Any other costs of the proceedings which would be assessable as costs in the district court. (c) In every case in which a guardian ad litem has been appointed to represent the child under this act or in which counsel has been appointed under this act to represent the child's parents, guardian or custodian, the court shall determine whether the child's parents, guardian, custodian or other person responsible for the child's support is able to pay part or all of the costs of representation and shall enter specific findings on the record. If the court determines that any of the parties is able to pay any amount as reimbursement for costs of representation, the court shall order reimbursement or shall state on the record the reasons why reimbursement was not ordered. The court may also in any case order that all or any part of the costs and expenses enumerated in paragraphs (b)(i), (iii), (iv) and (vii) of this section, be reimbursed to the county by the child's parents or any person legally obligated for his support, or any of them jointly and severally, upon terms the court may direct. An order for reimbursement of costs made pursuant to this subsection may be enforced as provided in W.S. 14-3-435. Any reimbursement ordered for guardian ad litem services provided pursuant to W.S. 14-12-101 through 14-12-104 shall be apportioned between the county and the guardian ad litem program in accordance with payments made for those services. 14-3-435. Ordering payment for support and treatment of child; how paid; enforcement. (a) When legal custody of a child, other than temporary guardianship, is vested by court order in an individual, agency, institution or organization other than the child's parents, the court shall in the same or any subsequent proceeding inquire into the financial condition of the child's parents or any other person who may be legally obligated to support the child. After due notice and hearing the court shall order the parents or any other legally obligated person to pay a reasonable sum for the support and treatment of the child during the time that a dispositional order is in force. The requirements of W.S. 20-2-101 through 20-2-406 apply to this section. The amount of support shall be determined in accordance with the presumptive child support established by W.S. 20-2-304. In any case where the court has deviated from the presumptive child support, the reasons therefor shall be specifically set forth in the order. The amount ordered to be paid shall be paid to the clerk of the juvenile court for transmission to the person, institution or agency having legal custody of the child or to whom compensation is due. The clerk of court is authorized to receive periodic payments payable in the name or for the benefit of the child, including but not limited to social security, veteran's administration benefits or insurance annuities, and apply the payments as the court directs. An order for support under this subsection shall include a statement of the addresses and social security numbers if known, of each obligor, the names and addresses of each obligor's employer and the names and birth dates of each child to whom the order relates. The court shall order each obligor to notify the clerk of court in writing within fifteen (15) days of any change in address or employment. If any person who is legally obligated to support the child does not have full time employment, the court may require that person to seek full time employment and may require community service work in lieu of payment until full time employment is obtained. (b) An order for the payment of money entered against a parent or other person legally obligated to support a child under the provisions of W.S. 14-3-434, 20-2-101 through 20-2-406 or this section shall be entered separately from the decree of disposition under W.S. 14-3-429 and shall not be treated as a part of the confidential court record under W.S. 14-3-437. The order may be filed in the district court of any county in the state. From the time of filing, the order shall have the same effect as a judgment or decree of the district court in a civil action and may be enforced by the district attorney, or the department of family services in the same manner and with the same powers as in other child support cases under W.S. 20-2-303, 20-2-304, 20-2-307, 20-2-311, 20-2-401 through 20-2-406 and 20-6-101 through 20-6-222, or in any manner provided by law for enforcement of a civil judgment for money. 14-3-436. Proceedings deemed in equity. All proceedings under this act shall be regarded as proceedings in equity and the court shall have and exercise equitable jurisdiction. 14-3-437. Records and reports confidential; inspection. (a) Throughout proceedings pursuant to this act the court shall safeguard the records from disclosure. Upon completion of the proceedings, whether or not there is an adjudication, the court shall order the entire file, except for child support orders, and record of the proceeding sealed and the court shall not release these records except to the extent necessary to meet the following inquiries: (i) From another court of law; (ii) From an agency preparing a presentence report for another court; (iii) From a party to the proceeding; (iv) From the department of family services for purposes of establishing, modifying or enforcing a support obligation. (b) Upon receipt of inquiries as set out in this section, the court may release a copy of the presentence investigation report together with a cover letter stating the disposition of the proceeding. 14-3-438. Liability for contempt; penalties. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the court upon its own motion or upon the motion of the district or county attorney, or guardian ad litem, may find that the child's parent, parents, or guardian or any other person who willfully violates, or neglects or refuses to obey or perform any order or provision of this act is liable for contempt of court and may be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or incarcerated not more than ninety (90) days, or both. 14-3-439. Separate docket for juvenile cases; availability of records for statistics. The clerk of the court shall maintain a separate docket for cases under this act and record therein the case number, the allegations of the petition, the age of the child involved and the disposition made. The records shall be made available for statistical purposes provided the names of the parties are not revealed. 14-3-440. Reasonable efforts for family reunification; exceptions. (a) Except as provided in W.S. 14-2-309(b) or (c), reasonable efforts shall be made to preserve and reunify the family: (i) Prior to placement of the child outside the home, to prevent or eliminate the need for removing the child from the child's home; and (ii) To make it possible for the child to safely return to the child's home. (b) In determining what reasonable efforts shall be made with respect to a child and in making those reasonable efforts, the child's health and safety shall be the paramount concern. (c) Reasonable efforts to place a child for adoption or with a legal guardian may be made concurrently with the reasonable efforts described in subsection (a) of this section. (d) If continuation of reasonable efforts described in subsection (a) of this section is determined to be inconsistent with the permanency plan for the child, reasonable efforts shall be made for placement of the child in a timely manner in accordance with the permanency plan, and to complete the steps necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child. (e) Reasonable efforts determinations shall include whether or not services to the family have been accessible, available and appropriate. (f) The court shall make the reasonable efforts determinations required under this section at every court hearing. The reasonable efforts determinations shall be documented in the court's orders. (g) If the court determines as provided in W.S. 14-2-309(a)(vi), (b) or (c) that reasonable efforts to preserve and reunify the family are not required: (i) A permanency hearing as provided in W.S. 14-3-431(e) shall be held for the child within thirty (30) days after the determination; and (ii) Reasonable efforts shall be made to place the child in a timely manner in accordance with the permanency plan, and to complete whatever steps are necessary to finalize the permanent placement of the child. (h) Repealed by Laws 2005, ch. 201, § 2. 14-3-441. Confidentiality in court proceedings. In the event a confidentiality order has been entered pursuant to W.S. 35-21-112 or any other court order allowing a party to maintain confidentiality of addresses or other information identifying the residence of the victim of domestic abuse, the address and city or state of residence and other information identifying the residence of the victim of domestic abuse and any child residing with the victim of domestic abuse shall remain confidential in any court proceedings under this title. ARTICLE 5 - AGE VERIFICATION FOR WEBSITES WITH OBSCENE MATERIAL 14-3-501. Definitions. (a) As used in this article: (i) "Access software provider" means a provider of software, including client or server software, or enabling tools that do any one (1) or more of the following: (A) Filter, screen, allow or disallow content; (B) Pick, choose, analyze or digest content; (C) Transmit, receive, display, forward, cache, search, subset, organize, reorganize or translate content. (ii) "Child pornography" means as defined by W.S. 6- 4-303(a)(ii); (iii) "Covered platform" means an entity that operates a website that, in the regular course of business, creates, hosts or makes available content that is material harmful to minors that is provided by the entity, a user or other information content provider for purposes of making a profit. "Covered platform" includes an entity described in this paragraph regardless of whether the entity: (A) Earns a profit on the activities described in this paragraph; or (B) Creates, hosts, or makes available content that is material harmful to minors as the sole source of income or principal business of the entity. (iv) "Interactive computer service" means any information service, system or access software provider that provides or enables computer access by multiple users to a computer server, including specifically a service or system that provides access to the internet and systems operated or services offered by libraries or educational institutions; (v) "Information content provider" means any person that is responsible, in whole or in part, for the creation or development of information provided through the internet or any other interactive computer service; (vi) "Material harmful to minors" means any picture, image, graphic image file, film, videotape or other visual depiction that is obscene or is child pornography; (vii) "Minor" means a person who has not attained the age of eighteen (18) years; (viii) "Obscene" means as defined by W.S. 6-4- 301(a)(iii); (ix) "Reasonable age verification measures" include: (A) A Wyoming driver's license as defined by W.S. 31-7-102(a)(xxv); (B) A Wyoming identification card issued under W.S. 31-8-101; (C) A valid United States passport; (D) A United States military card; (E) A tribal identification card; (F) A driver's license or identification card issued by any state or outlying possession of the United States; (G) A credit card, except for cards that do not require the person in ownership of the credit card account to be eighteen (18) years of age or older; (H) A debit card, except for cards that do not require the person in ownership of the debit card account to be eighteen (18) years of age or older; (J) Any other means or method that reliably and accurately can determine whether a user of a covered platform is a minor. 14-3-502. Covered platforms with material harmful to minors; age verification; exceptions. (a) Except as otherwise provided in W.S. 14-3-504, any covered platform shall perform reasonable age verification methods to verify the age of all persons accessing or attempting to access the material and shall prevent access by minors to the material. (b) Any covered platform or third party that performs the required age verification shall not retain any identifying information of the person after access has been granted to the material. 14-3-503. Covered platforms; age verification; liability; limitations. (a) Any parent or guardian of a minor who is aggrieved by a violation of W.S. 14-3-502 shall have a cause of action on the minor's behalf against the covered platform that violated W.S. 14-3-502. (b) Any person may bring a civil action against a covered platform for knowingly retaining identifying information of the person after access to the material harmful to minors has been granted to the person in violation of W.S. 14-3-502. (c) Any covered platform that violates W.S. 14-3-502 shall be liable to a person for damages, including those defined in this section, court costs and reasonable attorney fees. (d) A covered platform that is found to have knowingly retained identifying information of a person in violation of W.S. 14-3-502(b) after access to the covered platform has been granted to the person shall be liable to the person for damages for retaining the identifying information, including court costs and reasonable attorney fees. (e) A plaintiff who brings a successful cause of action under subsection (a) of this section shall, in addition to the damages specified in subsection (c) of this section, receive damages in an amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for each instance that the covered platform failed to perform reasonable age verification methods to restrict a minor's access to material harmful to minors. For purposes of this subsection, each failure to perform age verification shall constitute a separate violation. (f) A person may bring an action under this section regardless of whether another court has declared any provision of this article unconstitutional unless that court decision is binding on the court in which the action is brought. (g) No covered platform or information content provider shall be entitled to assert that the outcome of any previous litigation involving other parties, wherever that litigation may have occurred, is a bar to any cause of action authorized by this section. (h) Notwithstanding any other provision of law: (i) Violations of W.S. 14-3-502 shall be enforced exclusively through the civil actions provided in this section; (ii) No direct or indirect enforcement of this article shall be taken or threatened by the state or any other political subdivision of the state against any person in any manner whatsoever except as provided in this section. (j) Except as provided in subsection (k) of this section, any waiver, purported waiver or estoppel of a person's right to bring an action as provided under this section shall be void as unlawful and against public policy. No court or arbitrator shall enforce or give effect to a waiver or estoppel, notwithstanding any choice-of-law provision or other provision in any contract or other agreement. (k) The prohibition in subsection (j) of this section shall not apply to contractual waivers to the extent that the application of the prohibition in subsection (j) of this section would impair a contract or contract obligation in violation of the constitutions of the United States or Wyoming. 14-3-504. Covered platforms; age verification; applicability and exceptions. (a) This article shall apply only to minors who: (i) Are permanent residents of Wyoming; (ii) Have resided in Wyoming for more than one (1) year; or (iii) Have been sojourning or present in Wyoming for not less than thirty-one (31) consecutive days. (b) This article shall not: (i) Apply to any internet service provider, any affiliate or subsidiary of an internet service provider, any general purpose search engine or cloud service provider; (ii) Subject a covered platform to any cause of action or liability to the extent the covered platform is protected from liability or causes of action under federal law; (iii) Excuse any person from any other legal duties arising from compliance with this article or relieve any person from any other available legal remedies; (iv) Apply in cases to the extent the article would violate the commerce clause of the United States Constitution. (c) Any contract, agreement or other arrangement made or entered in violation of this article shall be contrary to law and public policy and shall be void and unenforceable. CHAPTER 4 - CHILD CARE FACILITIES ARTICLE 1 - CHILD CARE FACILITIES CERTIFICATION 14-4-101. Definitions. (a) As used in W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-115: (i) "Applicant" means any person making formal application to the certifying authority for certification to operate a child caring agency in the state of Wyoming; (ii) "Board" means the certification board; (iii) "Board of review" means the "certification board" sitting as a board of review; (iv) "Certified agency" means any person certified to do business under the provisions of W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111; (v) "Certifying authority" means the department of family services operating as the agency which issues certificates, makes inspections, enforces standards and handles all administrative details relating to enforcement of W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111; (vi) "Child caring facility" means any person who operates a business to keep or care for any minor at the request of the parents, legal guardians or an agency which is responsible for the child and includes any of the following privately operated facilities: (A) Children's institutions; (B) Child placing agencies whether for permanent or temporary placement; (C) Foster homes not supervised by the state, any local government, school district or agency or political subdivision thereof; (D) Group day care agencies; (E) Detention homes; (F) Public or private receiving homes; (G) Correctional schools; (H) Repealed By Laws 2013, Ch. 193, § 2. (J) Ranches for children whether for summer operation only or otherwise; (K) Day or hourly nurseries, nursery schools, kindergartens or any other preschool establishment not accredited by the state board of education; (M) Boarding homes not supervised by the state, any local government, school district or agency or political subdivision thereof; (N) Boards of cooperative educational services established under W.S. 21-20-104 and providing services to children with disabilities of any school district; and (O) Except as provided under subparagraph (a)(vi)(N) of this section, any other person not legally related to a minor, having legal or physical care, custody or control of the child, receiving payment therefor and not supervised by the state, any local government, school district or agency or political subdivision thereof. (vii) "Person" shall mean any individual, partnership, association or corporation. 14-4-102. Certification required; exceptions. (a) All child caring facilities except those excluded in subsection (b) of this section, are required to be certified by the certifying authority before exercising care, custody or control of any minor. (b) W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111 do not apply to: (i) A legal parent's or legal relative's care of a minor; (ii) Occasional care of a neighbor's or friend's child if the caretaking person does not regularly engage in this activity; (iii) Parents exchanging child care on a mutually cooperative basis; (iv) Child care by a person employed to come to the home of the child's parent or guardian; (v) Day-care agencies providing care for less than three (3) minors; (vi) Foster homes supervised by the state, any local government, school district or agency or political subdivision thereof; (vii) Ranches or farms not offering services to children who are homeless, delinquent or have an intellectual disability; (viii) Summer camps operated by nonprofit organizations; (ix) Day-care facilities providing care to the children of only one (1) immediate family unit; (x) After school programs that: (A) Operate primarily when school is not in session including before and after school and during summer months; (B) Exclusively serve children required to attend school under W.S. 21-4-102; (C) Are organized to promote childhood learning, child and youth development, educational, enrichment, recreational or character-building activities; and (D) Adhere to all local applicable health, safety and fire codes or regulations. (xi) Part-time day-care facilities enrolling fewer than eight (8) minors who are all over thirty-six (36) months old or fewer than ten (10) minors who are all over forty-eight (48) months old if the facility: (A) Does not administer medications to the minors; (B) Does not prepare food for the minors; (C) Requires the minors to be trained and able to use a toilet and not wear diapers; (D) Limits the minors to no more than ten (10) hours of day-care attendance each week; (E) Adheres to all applicable local health, safety and fire codes or regulations; (F) Requires all employees, including the day- care director or owner, to complete the following: (I) A central registry of abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults screening through the department of family services; (II) A national sex offender registry screening and a Wyoming state sex offender registry screening; (III) First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training and certification. The employees and director or owner shall maintain current certification under this subdivision. (G) Upon enrollment of a child, discloses to the parents or guardians that the facility is not licensed and does not adhere to the regulations of the Wyoming department of family services pursuant to W.S. 14-4-104. (xii) Child care by a person employed to care for not more than four (4) children from multiple families, with not more than two (2) children under the age of two (2) years and at the home of one (1) of the children's parents or guardians. 14-4-103. Certification board; establishment; composition; appointment of lay members; duties. (a) A certification board of not more than fifteen (15) members reflecting statewide representation is established and shall be composed of: (i) One (1) representative from the department of family services; (ii) One (1) representative from the state department of education; (iii) Repealed by Laws 1991, ch. 161, 4. (iv) The state fire marshal or his designee; (v) Six (6) lay members who are residents of the state and operators of child caring facilities or parents; (vi) Not more than four (4) additional lay members with an interest in child care; (vii) One (1) representative from the state department of agriculture or other state or local agency which may be responsible for sanitation inspections of child care facilities; and (viii) One (1) representative from the state department of health. (b) The lay members shall be appointed by the governor for terms of two (2) years and may be removed by the governor as provided in W.S. 9-1-202. Any vacancies among the lay members shall be filled by gubernatorial appointment. (c) The board shall: (i) Designate investigators to investigate any child caring facility within the provisions of W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111; (ii) Act as the board of review; and (iii) Act as an advisor to the state in all matters pertaining to child care programs and child care facility licensing. (d) When the board is acting as a board of review pursuant to paragraph (c)(ii) of this section, the chairman of the board may designate, on a case by case basis, a committee of the board made up of at least three (3) disinterested members of the board to hear the case and recommend a decision on behalf of the board. 14-4-104. Certification; application; standards; notification to certify or refuse; term. (a) Application for certification of a child caring facility within W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111 shall be made to the certifying authority. (b) A certificate shall be issued upon compliance with the following standards: (i) Good moral character of the applicant, his employees and any other person having direct contact with a child under the care, custody or control of the applicant; (ii) Practical experience, education or training of the applicant in child care and treatment; (iii) Uncrowded, safe, sanitary and well repaired facilities; and (iv) Wholesome food prepared in a clean and healthy environment. (c) The certifying authority shall notify the applicant of its decision to certify or refuse certification of the applicant within thirty (30) days after the application has been filed. (d) All full certificates are nontransferable. Duration of the certificate shall be determined pursuant to rules and regulations of the department, subject to an annual continuation fee. (e) The department is authorized to establish pursuant to rules and regulations full and provisional certificate fees and fees for continuation of a full certificate. Fees for continuation of a full certificate shall be due on the anniversary date of the original certificate. Fees collected by the department under this section shall be deposited in the general fund to offset the cost of administration of the board. 14-4-105. Provisional certificate. The certifying authority may issue a provisional certificate if a substandard child caring agency is attempting to meet the standards or to comply with the rules and regulations pursuant to W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111. A provisional certificate is effective for a period of not more than six (6) months and is nonrenewable. 14-4-106. Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 179, § 2. 14-4-107. Inspection by certifying board; right of entrance. (a) The certifying board shall periodically and at reasonable times inspect, investigate and examine all certified agencies and applicants for certification. (b) Any certified agency or applicant for certification shall give right of entrance and inspection of the facility to inspectors authorized by the certifying board. Any certified agency or applicant who denies admission to any authorized inspector shall have the certificate revoked or application denied. 14-4-108. Suspension, revocation or nonrenewal of certificate; grounds; approval. (a) Any certificate made or issued pursuant to W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111 may be suspended, nonrenewed or revoked by the certifying authority upon proof of violation of any provision within W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111. (b) Thirty (30) days prior to initiating suspension, revocation or nonrenewal of any certificate made or issued pursuant to W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111, the certifying authority shall give written notice to the certified agency of the alleged facts warranting the intended action and provide the certified agency an opportunity to request a hearing with the board of review within ten (10) days of the receipt of notice. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act. (c) Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, if the certifying authority finds the life, health or safety of a child is in imminent danger, the certifying authority may immediately temporarily suspend certification of the agency pending hearing. (d) The certified agency may appeal to the district court for review of any adverse decision of the board of review as provided by the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act. 14-4-109. Denial of certification; notice and hearing; appeal. (a) Upon receiving a notice of denial of certification, any applicant may request a hearing with the board of review by serving proper notice to the certifying authority. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act. (b) Any applicant may appeal to the district court for review of the decision of the board of review as provided by the Wyoming Administrative Procedure Act. 14-4-110. Enjoining operations in violation. Any person may be enjoined from operating a child caring facility for violating any provision within W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111. 14-4-111. Penalty for uncertified operation. Any child caring facility operating without certification under W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111 is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200.00) for each offense. Each day of operation without certification is a separate offense. 14-4-112. Contracts by department of family services. The department of family services is authorized to contract with any lawful authority of any child caring facility for the care and custody of Wyoming children which have been placed therein by court order under the Juvenile Justice Act or otherwise. The department shall select those child caring facilities requiring the least expense to the state for the care and custody of children. 14-4-113. Commitment of uncontrollable child; refusal to receive. (a) If a child is committed to a child caring facility by a court under the Juvenile Justice Act or otherwise and the child caring facility cannot exercise proper control over the child, the child caring facility may report the facts to the court with jurisdiction for a reconsideration or rehearing on the order. If the facts warrant, the child shall then be committed to the Wyoming boys' school, the Wyoming girls' school, or such other privately or publicly operated facility as the court deems appropriate. (b) If a child caring facility refuses to receive a child under court order, then the court of competent jurisdiction shall provide for placement under other provisions of law. 14-4-114. Repealed By Laws 2013, Ch. 193, § 2. 14-4-115. Authority of counties and municipalities to have detention homes. The board of county commissioners of any county or the governing body of any municipal corporation may acquire and maintain a detention home for care of delinquent minors, provided the detention home is not used for any other purpose. 14-4-116. Mandatory immunizations for children attending child caring facilities. (a) As used in this section "child caring facility" means a facility required to be certified under W.S. 14-4-102. (b) All persons over eighteen (18) months old attending or transferring into a child caring facility are required to be completely immunized in a similar manner to W.S. 21-4-309. (c) The operator of the child caring facility shall be responsible for an audit of the immunization status of any child attending the child caring facility in a similar manner to W.S. 21-4-309. 14-4-117. Juvenile detention facilities standards; definitions; report. (a) Sheriffs, in consultation with other operators of juvenile detention facilities, shall develop and implement uniform standards after consideration of nationally recognized criteria for the operation of all hardware secure and staff secure juvenile detention facilities. (b) No minor shall be detained in a hardware secure or staff secure juvenile detention facility unless the facility has adopted the standards specified under subsection (a) of this section. (c) The sheriffs shall report to the joint judiciary interim committee by November 15, 2012 with respect to their progress in developing and implementing the standards specified under subsection (a) of this section. (d) As used in this section: (i) "Hardware secure juvenile detention facility" means a facility used for the detention of minors that is characterized by locks on the doors and other restrictive hardware designed to restrict the movement of the minors and protect public safety; (ii) "Staff secure juvenile detention facility" means a facility used for the detention of minors that is characterized by a trained staff to supervise the movement and activities of detained minors at the facility, without the additional use of hardware secure equipment. (e) Nothing in this section shall apply to the Wyoming boys' school or the Wyoming girls' school. ARTICLE 2 - QUALITY CHILD CARE 14-4-201. Quality child care system established. (a) A quality child care system is created for the purpose of assisting the working families of the state by encouraging the availability of high quality care for children in licensed child caring facilities. The system may consist of: (i) A quality rating system; (ii) Incentive payments for higher levels of quality care; (iii) Grants for professional educational development; (iv) Technical assistance, business management services and family strengthening programs. (b) The quality child care system shall also provide for a parental education and public awareness program. (c) The department of workforce services is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the purpose of implementing all or any portion of this article. All rules and regulations shall be promulgated in consultation with the department of education, the department of family services, the department of health, University of Wyoming and early childhood specialists from the private sector. (d) The state's responsibility for payments under this article shall be limited to the amount of funding provided for the quality child care system by the legislature. The department may receive donations from foundations or other private sources. Any such funds received shall be deposited into a separate account and are continuously appropriated to the department, which may distribute those funds in accordance with the provisions of this article. Services eligible to be paid for by another public program shall not be reimbursed under this article. (e) Infants and preschool children served under this article who qualify for disability services shall receive those services through a regional developmental preschool that is supported by state funding for this purpose, provided the parents or caretakers agree to those services. The cost of these services shall not be reimbursed by payments made to providers under this article. (f) In the delivery of services, facilities that receive funds under this article shall not discriminate against any individual on the basis of sex, color, race, religion, national origin, disability or age other than the age of the qualifying child. Notwithstanding this subsection, facilities shall retain the ability to refer children with developmental disabilities to appropriate services. (g) Upon approval of the application for funds as provided in this article, the facility shall enter into a contract with the state, wherein the facility shall agree: (i) To provide child care services in this state for a minimum of one (1) year; (ii) To serve children from families eligible for support for child care under programs, other than the program created by this article, managed by the department of family services; (iii) To submit the reports required by W.S. 14-4-203(d) and to submit information as required in the department's rules and regulations; and (iv) To immediately repay all funds provided to the facility pursuant to this article, attorney fees and costs incurred in collection, if the facility breaches the contract during the one (1) year period. (h) The department of workforce services shall structure its contracts with facilities to ensure necessary data is reported uniformly. The contracts shall specify what services will be provided under the contract and the outcome measures to be achieved to allow the department to determine compliance with contract provisions, the services provided, the outcomes achieved and to determine the extent of statewide needs based on the reports received. (j) Repealed By Laws 2007, Ch. 156, § 3. (k) The department, in rating facilities for quality and making payments to facilities pursuant to this article, shall not discriminate against any facility due to religious orientation, affiliation or instruction or the lack thereof. No state funds shall be used for materials for religious instruction, salaries and benefits for staff primarily engaged in religious instruction, or for any other incremental cost of religious instruction or observances. Any facility receiving state funds shall be prepared to demonstrate, if audited, that sufficient nongovernmental funds were available to cover all expenses of religious instruction or observance. (m) For purposes of this article: (i) "Department" means the department of workforce services; (ii) "Facility" means child caring facility as defined in W.S. 14-4-101(a)(vi)(D) and (K); (iii) Repealed By Laws 2007, Ch. 156, § 3. 14-4-202. Repealed By Laws 2007, Ch. 156, § 3. 14-4-203. Repealed By Laws 2007, Ch. 156, § 3. 14-4-204. Educational development scholarships and continuing education grants. (a) The department by rule and regulation shall provide educational development scholarships to assist the owners or staff of child caring facilities to attain certificates or degrees in early childhood development or a related field. Payments under this subsection shall be conditioned upon the recipient of the educational development scholarship entering into a contract to work for a child caring facility in this state for a period as provided in subsection (d) of this section after receiving the certificate or degree. (i) Repealed By Laws 2007, Ch. 156, § 3. (ii) Repealed By Laws 2007, Ch. 156, § 3. (b) A recipient of an educational development scholarship pursuant to this section who breaches the contract required by subsection (a) of this section shall repay that portion of funds provided to the recipient pursuant to this article that is for educational developmental expenses accruing during or after the semester in which the recipient breached the contract, together with attorney fees and costs incurred in collection. (c) The department by rule and regulation shall provide continuing education grants to child caring facilities to assist the owners or staff of those facilities to obtain continuing education training in early childhood development or related topics. Payments under this subsection shall be conditioned on the following: (i) The recipient of the continuing education training provided through the grant entering into a contract to work for a child caring facility in this state for a period as provided in subsection (d) of this section after receiving the training; and (ii) An in-cash cost sharing contribution of at least ten percent (10%) from the facility employing the staff member at the time of continuing education training. (d) The department shall set a formula for duration of contractual commitments under this section through rule and regulation. Commitment duration shall be based on the value of the educational opportunity and shall be commensurate with the magnitude of the grant. (e) A recipient of a continuing education grant pursuant to this section shall repay all funds provided to the recipient pursuant to the grant, together with attorney fees and costs incurred in collection, if the recipient breaches the contract required by subsection (c) of this section. 14-4-205. Technical assistance and business management assistance; quality support; family strengthening program. (a) Quality support payments may be made available to facilities through a competitive process to provide quality care for infants or other children whose care may otherwise be difficult to obtain in the community. Grants shall be awarded as follows: (i) Repayment shall be required if the facility closes the business within one (1) year after receiving the grant or if the facility fails to comply with any provision of the grant; (ii) Grant requests for increasing capacity shall only be awarded to existing licensed facilities that are at a quality level of three (3) or higher in the quality rating system; (iii) Quality support grants shall not be used for capital construction or purchase of land or buildings; (iv) Grants to any one (1) facility shall not exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) per child. (b) The department shall provide technical assistance to facilities on best practices for quality operational improvements and business management services of child caring facilities. (c) The department of health shall contract for delivery of voluntary family strengthening educational programs to promote family involvement in children's development. 14-4-206. Parental education and public awareness. (a) The department shall develop and distribute materials to: (i) Promote knowledge of the quality child care system; (ii) Promote an understanding of the benefits that accrue to children, families and communities from quality child care programs, as based upon the latest findings in research reports and studies; (iii) Promote the advantages of parents personally providing care for their own children whenever possible; (iv) Promote parent involvement in their child's development and provide information and activities to parents or caretakers to promote early childhood learning and development at home; (v) Emphasize the importance of parental responsibility and the involvement of the family in quality early childhood development; and (vi) Inform parents about choices available in childcare programs and how to choose an appropriate child caring facility. 14-4-207. Reporting requirements. (a) The department of workforce services shall report annually to the joint education interim committee and the joint labor, health and social services interim committee by October 1. The report shall include: (i) The department's progress in establishing the system under this article; (ii) The participating child caring facilities; (iii) Information that demonstrates the impacts of the services provided by the system on children, families and communities and how the department plans to measure these impacts; (iv) Public awareness activities; (v) The collaborative efforts of the departments of education, family services, health, workforce services and others to provide comprehensive early childhood development experiences for children while meeting the needs of Wyoming's workforce and economic development; (vi) System expenditures of public and private funds; and (vii) Recommendations for changes in the system's operation. CHAPTER 5 - INTERSTATE COMPACT ON PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN 14-5-101. Compact provisions generally. The Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children is enacted into law and entered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining therein in form substantially as follows: ARTICLE I Definitions As used in this compact: (a) "Child" means a person who, by reason of minority, is legally subject to parental, guardianship or similar control. (b) "Sending agency" means a party state, or officer or employee thereof; a subdivision of a party state, or officer or employee thereof; a court of a party state; a person, corporation, association, charitable agency or other entity which sends, brings, or causes to be sent or brought any child to another party state. (c) "Receiving state" means the state to which a child is sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought, whether by public authorities or private persons or agencies, and whether for placement with state or local public authorities or for placement with private agencies or persons. (d) "Placement" means the arrangement for the care of a child in a family free or boarding home or in a child-caring agency or institution but does not include any institution caring for the mentally ill, mentally defective or epileptic or any institution primarily educational in character, or a hospital or other medical facility. ARTICLE II Conditions for Placement (a) No sending state shall send, bring, or cause to be sent or brought into any other party state any child for placement in foster care or as a preliminary to a possible adoption unless the sending agency shall comply with each and every requirement set forth in this article and with the applicable laws of the receiving state governing the placement of children therein. (b) Prior to sending, bringing or causing any child to be sent or brought into a receiving state for placement in foster care or as a preliminary to a possible adoption, the sending agency shall furnish the appropriate public authorities in the receiving state written notice of the intention to send, bring or place the child in the receiving state. The notice shall contain: (1) The name, date and place of birth of the child. (2) The identity and address or addresses of the parents or legal guardian. (3) The name and address of the person, agency or institutions to or with which the sending agency proposes to send, bring, or place the child. (4) A full statement of the reasons for such proposed action and evidence of the authority pursuant to which the placement is proposed to be made. (c) Any public officer or agency in a receiving state which is in receipt of a notice pursuant to paragraph (b) of this article may request of the sending agency, or any other appropriate officer or agency of or in the sending agency's state, and shall be entitled to receive therefrom, such supporting or additional information as it may deem necessary under the circumstances to carry out the purpose and policy of this compact. (d) The child shall not be sent, brought or caused to be sent or brought into the receiving state until the appropriate public authorities in the receiving state shall notify the sending agency, in writing, to the effect that the proposed placement does not appear to be contrary to the interests of the child, or in violation of the law of the receiving state. ARTICLE III Penalty for Illegal Placement The sending, bringing, or causing to be sent or brought into any receiving state of a child in violation of the terms of this compact shall constitute a violation of the laws respecting the placement of children of both the state in which the sending agency is located or from which it sends or brings the child and of the receiving state. Such violation may be punished or subjected to penalty in either jurisdiction in accordance with its laws. In addition to liability for any such punishment or penalty, any such violation shall constitute full and sufficient grounds for the suspension or revocation of any license, permit, or other legal authorization held by the sending agency which empowers or allows it to place, or care for children. ARTICLE IV Retention of Jurisdiction (a) The sending agency shall retain jurisdiction over the child sufficient to determine all matters in relation to the custody, supervision, care, treatment and disposition of the child which it would have had if the child had remained in the sending agency's state, until the child is adopted, reaches majority, becomes self-supporting or is discharged with the concurrence of the appropriate authority in the receiving state. Such jurisdiction shall also include the power to effect or cause the return of the child or its transfer to another location and custody pursuant to law. The sending agency shall continue to have financial responsibility for support and maintenance of the child during the period of the placement. Nothing contained herein shall defeat a claim of jurisdiction by a receiving state sufficient to deal with an act of delinquency or crime committed therein. (b) When the sending agency is a public agency, it may enter into an agreement with an authorized public or private agency in the receiving state providing for the performance of one or more services in respect of such case by the latter as agent for the sending agency. (c) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to prevent a private charitable agency authorized to place children in the receiving state from performing services or acting as agent in that state for a private charitable agency of the sending state; nor to prevent the agency in the receiving state from discharging financial responsibility for the support and maintenance of a child who has been placed on behalf of the sending agency without relieving the responsibility set forth in paragraph (a) hereof. ARTICLE V Institutional Care of Delinquent Children A child adjudicated delinquent may be placed in an institution in another party jurisdiction pursuant to this compact but no such placement shall be made unless the child is given a court hearing on notice to the parent or guardian with opportunity to be heard, prior to his being sent to such other party jurisdiction for institutional care and the court finds that: 1. Equivalent facilities for the child are not available in the sending agency's jurisdiction; and 2. Institutional care in the other jurisdiction is in the best interest of the child and will not produce undue hardship. ARTICLE VI Compact Administrator The executive head of each jurisdiction party to this compact shall designate an officer who shall be general coordinator of activities under this compact in his jurisdiction and who, acting jointly with like officers or other party jurisdictions, shall have power to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms and provisions of this compact. ARTICLE VII Limitations This compact shall not apply to: (a) The sending or bringing of a child into a receiving state by his parents, step-parent, grandparent, adult brother or sister, adult uncle or aunt, or his guardian or the leaving of the child with any such relative or nonagency guardian in the receiving state. (b) Any placement, sending or bringing of a child into a receiving state pursuant to any other interstate compact to which both the state from which the child is sent or brought and the receiving state are party, or to any other agreement between said states which has the force of law. ARTICLE VIII Enactment and Withdrawal This compact shall be open to joinder by any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and with the consent of congress, the government of Canada or any province thereof. It shall become effective with respect to any such jurisdiction when such jurisdiction has enacted the same into law. Withdrawal from this compact shall be by the enactment of a statute repealing the same, but shall not take effect until two (2) years after the effective date of such statute and until written notice of the withdrawal has been given by the withdrawing state to the governor of each other party jurisdiction. Withdrawal of a party state shall not affect the rights, duties and obligations under this compact of any sending agency therein with respect to a placement made prior to the effective date of withdrawal. ARTICLE IX Construction and Severability The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any party state or of the United States or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state party thereto, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters. 14-5-102. Financial responsibility. Financial responsibility for any child placed pursuant to the provisions within W.S. 14-5-101 shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of article IV thereof. 14-5-103. Duties of department of family services. (a) "Appropriate public authorities" as used in article II of W.S. 14-5-101 and "appropriate authority in the receiving state" as used in article IV(a) of W.S. 14-5-101 mean the Wyoming department of family services. The department shall: (i) Receive and act with reference to notices required by article II of W.S. 14-5-101; and (ii) Act as compact administrator in accordance with article VI of W.S. 14-5-101. 14-5-104. Agreements with other party states authorized; when approval required. Officers and agencies of the state of Wyoming and its subdivisions having authority to place children may enter into agreements with appropriate officers or agencies of other party states pursuant to article IV(b) of W.S. 14-5-101. Any agreement which contains a financial commitment or imposes a financial obligation on the state of Wyoming, a subdivision or agency thereof is not binding unless it has the written approval of the director of the state budget department or the county treasurer in the case of a county. 14-5-105. Inspection and supervision of children and facilities in other states. Any requirements for inspection or supervision of children, homes, institutions or other agencies in another party state which apply under W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-111 are deemed met if performed pursuant to an agreement entered into by appropriate officers or agencies of this state or a subdivision thereof as specified in article IV (b) of W.S. 14-5-101 and performed by agents of an administrative or governmental agency of another state. 14-5-106. Placement of child in out-of-state institution. Any district or juvenile court in any district in Wyoming which finds a child to be delinquent or guilty of committing a felony may place the child in an institution in another state pursuant to article V of W.S. 14-5-101 and shall retain jurisdiction as provided in article IV thereof. 14-5-107. Prerequisites for placement of children from other states. Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, state or political subdivision or agency thereof shall not send, bring or cause to be sent or brought to the state of Wyoming any child for placement in foster care or as a preliminary to a possible adoption unless the sending person, firm, corporation, state, political subdivision or agency thereof complies with the prerequisites required in article II of W.S. 14-5-101. 14-5-108. Penalties for violations. Any person, firm or corporation which places a child in the state of Wyoming or receives a child in this state without meeting the requirements of W.S. 14-5-101 through 14-5-107 is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined one hundred dollars ($100.00) or imprisoned in the county jail for a maximum of thirty (30) days, or both. Each day of violation is a separate offense. CHAPTER 6 - JUVENILES ARTICLE 1 - INTERSTATE COMPACT ON JUVENILES 14-6-101. Repealed by Laws 2004, Ch. 91, §2. 14-6-102. Interstate Compact for Juveniles; compact provisions generally. ARTICLE I PURPOSE (a) The compacting states to this interstate compact recognize that each state is responsible for the proper supervision or return of juveniles, delinquents and status offenders who are on probation or parole and who have absconded, escaped or run away from supervision and control and in so doing have endangered their own safety and the safety of others. The compacting states also recognize that each state is responsible for the safe return of juveniles who have run away from home and in doing so have left their state of residence. The compacting states also recognize that Congress, by enacting the Crime Control Act, 4 U.S.C. Section 112 (1965), has authorized and encouraged compacts for cooperative efforts and mutual assistance in the prevention of crime. (b) It is the purpose of this compact, through means of joint and cooperative action among the compacting states to: (i) Ensure that the adjudicated juveniles and status offenders subject to this compact are provided adequate supervision and services in the receiving state as ordered by the adjudicating judge or parole authority in the sending state; (ii) Ensure that the public safety interests of the citizens, including the victims of juvenile offenders, in both the sending and receiving states are adequately protected; (iii) Return juveniles who have run away, absconded or escaped from supervision or control or have been accused of an offense to the state requesting their return; (iv) Make contracts for the cooperative institutionalization in public facilities in member states for delinquent youth needing special services; (v) Provide for the effective tracking and supervision of juveniles; (vi) Equitably allocate the costs, benefits and obligations of the compacting states; (vii) Establish procedures to manage the movement between states of juvenile offenders released to the community under the jurisdiction of courts, juvenile departments, or any other criminal or juvenile justice agency which has jurisdiction over juvenile offenders; (viii) Insure immediate notice to jurisdictions where defined offenders are authorized to travel or to relocate across state lines; (ix) Establish procedures to resolve pending charges (detainers) against juvenile offenders prior to transfer or release to the community under the terms of this compact; (x) Establish a system of uniform data collection on information pertaining to juveniles subject to this compact that allows access by authorized juvenile justice and criminal justice officials, and regular reporting of compact activities to heads of state executive, judicial, and legislative branches and juvenile and criminal justice administrators; (xi) Monitor compliance with rules governing interstate movement of juveniles and initiate interventions to address and correct noncompliance; (xii) Coordinate training and education regarding the regulation of interstate movement of juveniles for officials involved in such activity; and (xiii) Coordinate the implementation and operation of the compact with the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children, the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision and other compacts affecting juveniles particularly in those cases where concurrent or overlapping supervision issues arise. It is the policy of the compacting states that the activities conducted by the interstate commission created herein are the formation of public policies and therefore are public business. Furthermore, the compacting states shall cooperate and observe their individual and collective duties and responsibilities for the prompt return and acceptance of juveniles subject to the provisions of this compact. The provisions of this compact shall be reasonably and liberally construed to accomplish the purposes and policies of the compact. ARTICLE II DEFINITIONS (a) As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction: (i) "Bylaws" means those bylaws established by the interstate commission for its governance, or for directing or controlling its actions or conduct; (ii) "Compact administrator" means the individual in each compacting state appointed pursuant to the terms of this compact, responsible for the administration and management of the state's supervision and transfer of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact, the rules adopted by the interstate commission and policies adopted by the state council under this compact; (iii) "Compacting state" means any state which has enacted the enabling legislation for this compact; (iv) "Commissioner" means the voting representative of each compacting state appointed pursuant to article III of this compact; (v) "Court" means any court having jurisdiction over delinquent, neglected or dependent children; (vi) "Deputy compact administrator" means the individual, if any, in each compacting state appointed to act on behalf of a compact administrator pursuant to the terms of this compact responsible for the administration and management of the state's supervision and transfer of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact, the rules adopted by the interstate commission and policies adopted by the state council under this compact; (vii) "Interstate commission" means the Interstate Commission for Juveniles created by article III of this compact; (viii) "Juvenile" means any person defined as a juvenile in any member state or by the rules of the interstate commission, including: (A) Accused delinquent – a person charged with an offense that, if committed by an adult, would be a criminal offense; (B) Adjudicated delinquent – a person found to have committed an offense that, if committed by an adult, would be a criminal offense; (C) Accused status offender – a person charged with an offense that would not be a criminal offense if committed by an adult; (D) Adjudicated status offender - a person found to have committed an offense that would not be a criminal offense if committed by an adult; and (E) Nonoffender – a person in need of supervision who has not been accused or adjudicated a status offender or delinquent. (ix) "Noncompacting state" means any state which has not enacted the enabling legislation for this compact; (x) "Probation or parole" means any kind of supervision or conditional release of juveniles authorized under the laws of the compacting states; (xi) "Rule" means a written statement by the interstate commission promulgated pursuant to article VI of this compact that is of general applicability, implements, interprets or prescribes a policy or provision of the compact, or an organizational, procedural or practice requirement of the commission, and has the force and effect of statutory law in a compacting state, and includes the amendment, repeal or suspension of an existing rule; (xii) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia (or its designee), the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. ARTICLE III INTERSTATE COMMISSION FOR JUVENILES (a) The compacting states hereby create the Interstate Commission for Juveniles. The commission shall be a body corporate and joint agency of the compacting states. The commission shall have all the responsibilities, powers and duties set forth herein, and any additional powers as may be conferred upon it by subsequent action of the respective legislatures of the compacting states in accordance with the terms of this compact. (b) The interstate commission shall consist of commissioners appointed by the appropriate appointing authority in each state pursuant to the rules and requirements of each compacting state and in consultation with the state council for interstate juvenile supervision created hereunder. The commissioner shall be the compact administrator, deputy compact administrator or designee from that state who shall serve on the interstate commission in that capacity under or pursuant to the applicable law of the compacting state. (c) In addition to the commissioners who are the voting representatives of each state, the interstate commission shall include individuals who are not commissioners, but who are members of interested organizations. The noncommissioner members shall include a member of the national organizations of governors, legislators, state chief justices, attorneys general, Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision, Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children, juvenile justice and juvenile corrections officials and crime victims. All noncommissioner members of the interstate commission shall be nonvoting ex officio members. The interstate commission may provide in its bylaws for additional nonvoting ex officio members, including members of other national organizations, in numbers as shall be determined by the commission. (d) Each compacting state represented at any meeting of the commission is entitled to one (1) vote. A majority of the compacting states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the interstate commission. (e) The commission shall meet at least once each calendar year. The chairperson may call additional meetings and, upon the request of a simple majority of the compacting states, shall call additional meetings. Public notice shall be given of all meetings and meetings shall be open to the public. (f) The interstate commission shall establish an executive committee, which shall include commission officers, members and others as determined by the bylaws. The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the interstate commission during periods when the interstate commission is not in session, with the exception of rulemaking and amendment to the compact. The executive committee shall: (i) Oversee the day-to-day activities of the administration of the compact managed by an executive director and interstate commission staff; (ii) Administer enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the compact, its bylaws and rules; and (iii) Perform other duties as directed by the interstate commission or set forth in the bylaws. (g) Each member of the interstate commission shall have the right and power to cast a vote to which that compacting state is entitled and to participate in the business and affairs of the interstate commission. A member shall vote in person and shall not delegate a vote to another compacting state. However, a commissioner, in consultation with the state council, shall appoint another authorized representative, in the absence of the commissioner from that state, to cast a vote on behalf of the compacting state at a specified meeting. The bylaws may provide for members' participation in meetings by telephone or other means of telecommunication or electronic communication. (h) The interstate commission's bylaws shall establish conditions and procedures under which the interstate commission shall make its information and official records available to the public for inspection or copying. The interstate commission may exempt from disclosure any information or official records to the extent they would adversely affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests. (j) Public notice shall be given of all meetings and all meetings shall be open to the public, except as set forth in the rules or as otherwise provided in the compact. The interstate commission and any of its committees may close a meeting to the public where it determines by two-thirds (2/3) vote that an open meeting would be likely to: (i) Relate solely to the interstate commission's internal personnel practices and procedures; (ii) Disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by statute; (iii) Disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information which is privileged or confidential; (iv) Involve accusing any person of a crime, or formally censuring any person; (v) Disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy; (vi) Disclose investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes; (vii) Disclose information contained in or related to examination, operating or condition reports prepared by, or on behalf of or for the use of, the interstate commission with respect to a regulated person or entity for the purpose of regulation or supervision of the person or entity; (viii) Disclose information, the premature disclosure of which would significantly endanger the stability of a regulated person or entity; or (ix) Specifically relate to the interstate commission's issuance of a subpoena, or its participation in a civil action or other legal proceeding. (k) For every meeting closed pursuant to this provision, the interstate commission's legal counsel shall publicly certify that, in the legal counsel's opinion, the meeting may be closed to the public, and shall reference each relevant exemptive provision. The interstate commission shall keep minutes which shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in any meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of any actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of each of the views expressed on any item and the record of any roll call vote, reflected in the vote of each member on the question. All documents considered in connection with any action shall be identified in the minutes. (m) The interstate commission shall collect standardized data concerning the interstate movement of juveniles as directed through its rules which shall specify the data to be collected, the means of collection and data exchange and reporting requirements. The methods of data collection, exchange and reporting shall insofar as is reasonably possible conform to up- to-date technology and coordinate its information functions with the appropriate repository of records. ARTICLE IV POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION (a) The commission shall have the following powers and duties: (i) To provide for dispute resolution among compacting states; (ii) To promulgate rules to effect the purposes and obligations as enumerated in this compact, which shall have the force and effect of statutory law and shall be binding in the compacting states to the extent and in the manner provided in this compact; (iii) To oversee, supervise and coordinate the interstate movement of juveniles subject to the terms of this compact and any bylaws adopted and rules promulgated by the interstate commission; (iv) To enforce compliance with the compact provisions, the rules promulgated by the interstate commission and the bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including but not limited to, the use of judicial process; (v) To establish and maintain offices which shall be located within one (1) or more of the compacting states; (vi) To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds; (vii) To borrow, accept, hire or contract for services of personnel; (viii) To establish and appoint committees and hire staff which it deems necessary for the carrying out of its functions including, but not limited to, an executive committee as required by article III which shall have the power to act on behalf of the interstate commission in carrying out its powers and duties hereunder; (ix) To elect or appoint officers, attorneys, employees, agents or consultants, and to fix their compensation, define their duties and determine their qualifications and to establish the interstate commission's personnel policies and programs relating to, inter alia, conflicts of interest, rates of compensation and qualifications of personnel; (x) To accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, and to receive, utilize and dispose of it; (xi) To lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve or use any real, personal or mixed property; (xii) To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon or otherwise dispose of any real, personal or mixed property; (xiii) To establish a budget and make expenditures and levy dues as provided in article VIII of this compact; (xiv) To sue and be sued; (xv) To adopt a seal and bylaws governing the management and operation of the interstate commission; (xvi) To perform functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact; (xvii) To report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary and state councils of the compacting states concerning the activities of the interstate commission during the preceding year. The reports shall also include any recommendations that may have been adopted by the interstate commission; (xviii) To coordinate education, training and public awareness regarding the interstate movement of juveniles for officials involved in those activities; (xix) To establish uniform standards of the reporting, collecting and exchanging of data; (xx) The interstate commission shall maintain its corporate books and records in accordance with the bylaws. ARTICLE V ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION Section A. Bylaws (a) The interstate commission shall, by a majority of the members present and voting, within twelve (12) months after the first interstate commission meeting, adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the compact, including, but not limited to: (i) Establishing the fiscal year of the interstate commission; (ii) Establishing an executive committee and other committees as may be necessary; (iii) Provide for the establishment of committees governing any general or specific delegation of any authority or function of the interstate commission; (iv) Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the interstate commission and ensuring reasonable notice of each meeting; (v) Establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers of the interstate commission; (vi) Providing a mechanism for concluding the operations of the interstate commission and the return of any surplus funds that may exist upon the termination of the compact after the payment and reserving of all of its debts and obligations; (vii) Providing "start-up" rules for initial administration of the compact; and (viii) Establishing standards and procedures for compliance and technical assistance in carrying out the compact. Section B. Officers and Staff (a) The interstate commission shall, by a majority of the members, elect annually from among its members a chairperson and a vice chairperson, each of whom shall have authority and duties as may be specified in the bylaws. The chairperson or, in the chairperson's absence or disability, the vice-chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the interstate commission. The elected officers shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the interstate commission; provided that, subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers shall be reimbursed for any ordinary and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their duties and responsibilities as officers of the interstate commission. (b) The interstate commission shall, through its executive committee, appoint or retain an executive director for a designated period, upon terms and conditions and for compensation as the interstate commission may deem appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the interstate commission, but shall not be a member and shall hire and supervise other staff as may be authorized by the interstate commission. Section C. Qualified Immunity, Defense and Indemnification (a) The commission's executive director and employees shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for any claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused or arising out of, or relating to, any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred, or that the person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of commission employment, duties or responsibilities, provided that the person shall not be protected from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of the person. (b) The liability of any commissioner, or the employee or agent of a commissioner, acting within the scope of the person's employment or duties for acts, errors or omissions occurring within the person's state may not exceed the limits of liability set forth under the constitution and laws of that state for state officials, employees and agents. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to protect any person from suit or liability for any damage, loss, injury or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of the person. (c) The interstate commission shall defend the executive director or the employees or representatives of the interstate commission and, subject to the approval of the attorney general of the state represented by any commissioner of a compacting state, shall defend the commissioner or the commissioner's representatives or employees in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that the defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of the person. (d) The interstate commission shall indemnify and hold the commissioner of a compacting state, or the commissioner's representatives or employees, or the interstate commission's representatives or employees, harmless in the amount of any settlement or judgment obtained against those persons arising out of any actual or alleged act, error or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that those persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of those persons. ARTICLE VI RULEMAKING FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION (a) The interstate commission shall promulgate and publish rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of the compact. (b) Rulemaking shall occur pursuant to the criteria set forth in this article and the bylaws and rules adopted pursuant thereto. The rulemaking shall substantially conform to the principles of the "Model State Administrative Procedures Act," 1981 Act, Uniform Laws Annotated, Vol. 15, p.1 (2000), or another administrative procedures act, as the interstate commission deems appropriate consistent with due process requirements under the United States Constitution as now or hereafter interpreted by the United States Supreme Court. All rules and amendments shall become binding as of the date specified, as published with the final version of the rule as approved by the commission. (c) When promulgating a rule, the interstate commission shall, at a minimum: (i) Publish the proposed rule's entire text stating the reason for that proposed rule; (ii) Allow and invite any person to submit written data, facts, opinions and arguments, which information shall be added to the record and be made publicly available; (iii) Provide an opportunity for an informal hearing if petitioned by ten (10) or more persons; and (iv) Promulgate a final rule and its effective date, if appropriate, based on input from state or local officials or interested parties. (d) Allow, not later than sixty (60) days after a rule is promulgated, any interested person to file a petition in the United States district court for the District of Columbia or in the federal district court where the interstate commission's principal office is located for judicial review of the rule. If the court finds that the interstate commission's action is not supported by substantial evidence in the rulemaking record, the court shall hold the rule unlawful and set it aside. For purposes of this subsection, evidence is substantial if it would be considered substantial evidence under the Model State Administrative Procedures Act. (e) If a majority of the legislatures of the compacting states rejects a rule, those states may, by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact, cause that the rule shall have no further force and effect in any compacting state. (f) The existing rules governing the operation of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles superceded by this act shall be null and void twelve (12) months after the first meeting of the interstate commission created hereunder. (g) Upon determination by the interstate commission that a state-of-emergency exists, it may promulgate an emergency rule which shall become effective immediately upon adoption, provided that the usual rulemaking procedures provided hereunder shall be retroactively applied to the rule as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of the emergency rule. ARTICLE VII OVERSIGHT, ENFORCEMENT AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION BY THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION Section A. Oversight (a) The interstate commission shall oversee the administration and operations of the interstate movement of juveniles subject to this compact in the compacting states and shall monitor the activities being administered in noncompacting states which may significantly affect compacting states. (b) The courts and executive agencies in each compacting state shall enforce this compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact's purposes and intent. The provisions of this compact and the rules promulgated hereunder shall be received by all the judges, public officers, commissions and departments of the state government as evidence of the authorized statute and administrative rules. All courts shall take judicial notice of the compact and the rules. In any judicial or administrative proceeding in a compacting state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities or actions of the interstate commission, it shall be entitled to receive all service of process in the proceeding, and shall have standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes. Section B. Dispute Resolution (a) The compacting states shall report to the interstate commission on all issues and activities necessary for the administration of the compact as well as issues and activities pertaining to compliance with the provisions of the compact and its bylaws and rules. (b) The interstate commission shall attempt, upon the request of a compacting state, to resolve any disputes or other issues which are subject to the compact and which may arise among compacting states and between compacting and noncompacting states. The commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes among the compacting states. (c) The interstate commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this compact using any or all means set forth in article XI of this compact. ARTICLE VIII FINANCE (a) The interstate commission shall pay or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization and ongoing activities. (b) The interstate commission shall levy on and collect an annual assessment from each compacting state to cover the cost of the internal operations and activities of the interstate commission and its staff which shall be in a total amount sufficient to cover the interstate commission's annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the interstate commission, taking into consideration the population of each compacting state and the volume of interstate movement of juveniles in each compacting state and shall promulgate a rule binding upon all compacting states which governs the assessment. (c) The interstate commission shall not incur any obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the interstate commission pledge the credit of any of the compacting states, except by and with the authority of the compacting state. (d) The interstate commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the interstate commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the interstate commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the interstate commission. ARTICLE IX THE STATE COUNCIL Each member state shall create a state council for interstate juvenile supervision. While each state may determine the membership of its own state council, its membership shall consist of one (1) member of the legislature appointed on an alternating basis by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house, with the president appointing the first member. The board of judicial policy and administration shall appoint one (1) member. There shall be one (1) representative of the victim services division of the attorney general's office and two (2) members from the executive branch appointed by the governor one (1) of whom shall be designated as the commissioner. The appointments shall be made for two (2) year terms beginning on the enactment of the Interstate Compact for Juveniles into law by the thirty-fifth jurisdiction or July 1, 2004, whichever date occurs later. The department of family services shall provide support for the council and expenses as provided for in W.S. 9-3-102 and 9-3-103. The state council shall appoint the compact administrator and may appoint a deputy compact administrator who shall be members of the council and whose terms shall be concurrent with the council members. Each compacting state retains the right to determine the qualifications of the compact administrator or deputy compact administrator. Each state council will advise and may exercise oversight and advocacy concerning that state's participation in interstate commission activities and other duties as may be determined by that state, including but not limited to, development of policy concerning operations and procedures of the compact within that state. ARTICLE X COMPACTING STATES, EFFECTIVE DATE AND AMENDMENT (a) Any state, the District of Columbia, or its designee, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands as defined in article II of this compact is eligible to become a compacting state. (b) The compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the compact into law by no less than thirty-five (35) of the states. The initial effective date shall be the later of July 1, 2004 or upon enactment into law by the 35th jurisdiction. Thereafter it shall become effective and binding as to any other compacting state upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governors of nonmember states or their designees shall be invited to participate in the activities of the interstate commission on a nonvoting basis prior to adoption of the compact by all states and territories of the United States. (c) The interstate commission may propose amendments to the compact for enactment by the compacting states. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the interstate commission and the compacting states until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the compacting states. ARTICLE XI WITHDRAWAL, DEFAULT, TERMINATION AND JUDICIAL ENFORCEMENT Section A. Withdrawal (a) Once effective, the compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each compacting state, provided that a compacting state may withdraw from the compact by specifically repealing the statute which enacted the compact into law. (b) The effective date of withdrawal is the effective date of the repeal. (c) The withdrawing state shall immediately notify the chairperson of the interstate commission in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this compact in the withdrawing state. The interstate commission shall notify the other compacting states of the withdrawing state's intent to withdraw within sixty (60) days of its receipt thereof. (d) The withdrawing state is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including any obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal. (e) Reinstatement following withdrawal of any compacting state shall occur upon the withdrawing state reenacting the compact or upon a later date as determined by the interstate commission. Section B. Technical Assistance, Fines, Suspension, Termination and Default (a) If the interstate commission determines that any compacting state has at any time defaulted in the performance of any of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact, or the bylaws or duly promulgated rules, the interstate commission may impose any or all of the following penalties: (i) Remedial training and technical assistance as directed by the interstate commission; (ii) Alternative dispute resolution; (iii) Fines, fees and costs in amounts as are deemed to be reasonable as fixed by the interstate commission; and (iv) Suspension or termination of membership in the compact, which shall be imposed only after all other reasonable means of securing compliance under the bylaws and rules have been exhausted and the interstate commission has therefore determined that the offending state is in default. Immediate notice of suspension shall be given by the interstate commission to the governor, the chief justice or the chief judicial officer of the state, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature and the state council. The grounds for default include, but are not limited to, failure of a compacting state to perform the obligations or responsibilities imposed upon it by this compact, the bylaws or duly promulgated rules and any other grounds designated in commission bylaws and rules. The interstate commission shall immediately notify the defaulting state in writing of the penalty imposed by the interstate commission and of the default pending a cure of the default. The commission shall stipulate the conditions and the time period within which the defaulting state shall cure its default. If the defaulting state fails to cure the default within the time period specified by the commission, the defaulting state shall be terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the compacting states and all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by this compact shall be terminated from the effective date of termination. (b) Within sixty (60) days of the effective date of termination of a defaulting state, the commission shall notify the governor, the chief justice or chief judicial officer, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature and the state council of the termination. (c) The defaulting state is responsible for all assessments, obligations and liabilities incurred through the effective date of termination including any obligations, the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of termination. (d) The interstate commission shall not bear any costs relating to the defaulting state unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing between the interstate commission and the defaulting state. (e) Reinstatement following termination of any compacting state requires both a reenactment of the compact by the defaulting state and the approval of the interstate commission pursuant to the rules. Section C. Judicial Enforcement The interstate commission may, by majority vote of the members, initiate legal action in the United States district court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion of the interstate commission, in the federal district where the interstate commission has its offices, to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact, its duly promulgated rules and bylaws, against any compacting state in default. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of the litigation, including reasonable attorneys fees. Section D. Dissolution of Compact (a) The compact dissolves effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the compacting states, which reduces membership in the compact to one (1) compacting state. (b) Upon the dissolution of this compact, the compact becomes null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the interstate commission shall be concluded and any surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the bylaws. ARTICLE XII SEVERABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION (a) The provisions of this compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the compact shall be enforceable. (b) The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes. ARTICLE XIII BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS Section A. Other Laws (a) Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a compacting state that is not inconsistent with this compact. (b) All compacting states' laws other than state constitutions and other interstate compacts conflicting with this compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict. Section B. Binding Effect of the Compact (a) All lawful actions of the interstate commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the interstate commission, are binding upon the compacting states. (b) All agreements between the interstate commission and the compacting states are binding in accordance with their terms. (c) Upon the request of a party to a conflict over meaning or interpretation of interstate commission actions, and upon a majority vote of the compacting states, the interstate commission may issue advisory opinions regarding the meaning or interpretation. (d) In the event any provision of this compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any compacting state, the obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction sought to be conferred by the provision upon the interstate commission shall be ineffective and the obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction shall remain in the compacting state and shall be exercised by the agency thereof to which the obligations, duties, powers or jurisdiction are delegated by law in effect at the time this compact becomes effective. ARTICLE 2 - JUVENILE JUSTICE ACT 14-6-201. Definitions; short title; statement of purpose and interpretation. (a) As used in this act: (i) "Adjudication" means a finding by the court or the jury, incorporated in a decree, as to the truth of the facts alleged in the petition; (ii) "Adult" means an individual who has attained the age of majority; (iii) "Child" means an individual who is under the age of majority; (iv) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (v) "Clerk" means the clerk of a district court acting as the clerk of a juvenile court; (vi) "Commissioner" means a district court commissioner; (vii) "Court" means the juvenile court established by W.S. 5-8-101; (viii) "Custodian" means a person, institution or agency responsible for the child's welfare and having legal custody of a child by court order or having actual physical custody and control of a child and acting in loco parentis; (ix) "Delinquent act" means an act punishable as a criminal offense by the laws of this state or any political subdivision thereof, or contempt of court under W.S. 14-6-242, or an act violating the terms and conditions of any court order which resulted from the criminal conviction of any child but does not include a status offense; (x) "Delinquent child" means a child who has committed a delinquent act; (xi) "Deprivation of custody" means transfer of legal custody by the court from a parent or previous legal custodian to another person, agency, organization or institution; (xii) "Detention" means the temporary care of a child in physically restricting facilities pending court disposition or the execution of a court order to place or commit a child to a juvenile detention facility; (xiii) "Judge" means the judge of the juvenile court; (xiv) "Legal custody" means as defined in W.S. 14-3-402(a)(x); (xv) "Minor" means an individual who is under the age of majority; (xvi) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (xvii) "Parent" means either a natural or adoptive parent of the child, a person adjudged the parent of the child in judicial proceedings or a man presumed to be the father under W.S. 14-2-504; (xviii) "Parties" include the child, his parents, guardian or custodian, the state of Wyoming and any other person made a party by an order to appear, or named by the juvenile court; (xix) "Probation" means a legal status created by court order following an adjudication of delinquency or of a status offense where a child is permitted to remain in his home subject to supervision by a city or county probation officer, the department or other qualified private organization the court may designate. A child is subject to return to the court for violation of the terms or conditions of probation provided for in the court order; (xx) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (xxi) "Residual parental rights and duties" means those rights and duties remaining with the parents after custody, guardianship of the person or both have been vested in another person, agency or institution. Residual parental rights and duties include but are not limited to: (A) The duty to support and provide necessities of life; (B) The right to consent to adoption; (C) The right to reasonable visitation unless restricted or prohibited by court order; (D) The right to determine the minor's religious affiliation; and (E) The right to petition on behalf of the minor. (xxii) "Shelter care" means the temporary care of a child in physically unrestricting facilities pending court disposition or execution of a court order for placement or commitment; (xxiii) "Status offense" means an offense which, if committed by an adult, would not constitute an act punishable as a criminal offense by the laws of this state or a violation of a municipal ordinance, but does not include a violation of W.S. 12-6-101(b) or (c) or any similar municipal ordinance; (xxiv) "Juvenile detention facility" means any facility which may legally and physically restrict and house a child, other than the Wyoming boys' school, the Wyoming girls' school, the Wyoming state hospital or other private or public psychiatric facility within the state of Wyoming. "Juvenile detention facility" does not include any residential treatment facility which is operated for the primary purpose of providing treatment to a child. A juvenile detention facility may be housed within an adult jail or correction facility if the facility otherwise meets the requirements of state law; (xxv) "Department" means the Wyoming department of family services; (xxvi) "Another planned permanent living arrangement" means a permanency plan for youth sixteen (16) years of age or older other than reunification, adoption, legal guardianship or placement with a fit and willing relative; (xxvii) "Qualified individual" means a person who meets the requirements of 42 U.S.C. § 675a(c)(1)(D); (xxviii) "Qualified residential treatment program" means a program that meets the requirements of 42 U.S.C. § 672(k)(4); (xxix) "This act" means W.S. 14-6-201 through 14-6- 252. (b) This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Juvenile Justice Act". (c) This act shall be construed to effectuate the following public purposes: (i) To provide for the best interests of the child and the protection of the public and public safety; (ii) Consistent with the best interests of the child and the protection of the public and public safety: (A) To promote the concept of punishment for criminal acts while recognizing and distinguishing the behavior of children who have been victimized or have disabilities, such as serious mental illness that requires treatment or children with a cognitive impairment that requires services; (B) To remove, where appropriate, the taint of criminality from children committing certain unlawful acts; and (C) To provide treatment, training and rehabilitation that emphasizes the accountability and responsibility of both the parent and the child for the child's conduct, reduces recidivism and helps children to become functioning and contributing adults. (iii) To provide for the care, the protection and the wholesome moral, mental and physical development of children within the community whenever possible using the least restrictive and most appropriate interventions; (iv) To be flexible and innovative and encourage coordination at the community level to reduce the commission of unlawful acts by children; (v) To achieve the foregoing purposes in a family environment whenever possible, separating the child from the child's parents only when necessary for the child's welfare or in the interest of public safety and when a child is removed from the child's family, to ensure that individual needs will control placement and provide the child the care that should be provided by parents; and (vi) To provide a simple judicial procedure through which the provisions of this act are executed and enforced and in which the parties are assured a fair and timely hearing and their constitutional and other legal rights recognized and enforced. (d) Repealed by Laws 2024, ch. 52, § 2. 14-6-202. Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. 14-6-203. Jurisdiction; confidentiality of records. (a) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (b) Coincident with proceedings concerning a minor alleged to be delinquent, the court has jurisdiction to: (i) Determine questions concerning the right to legal custody of the minor; (ii) Order any party to the proceedings to perform any acts, duties and responsibilities the court deems necessary; or (iii) Order any party to the proceedings to refrain from any act or conduct the court deems detrimental to the best interest and welfare of the minor or essential to the enforcement of any lawful order of disposition of the minor made by the court. (c) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, the juvenile court has concurrent jurisdiction in all cases, other than status offenses, in which: (i) A minor is alleged to have committed a criminal offense or to have violated a municipal ordinance; (ii) An adult who is under the age of twenty-one (21) is alleged to have committed a criminal offense or to have violated a municipal ordinance while the adult was a minor. (d) The juvenile court has exclusive jurisdiction in all cases, other than status offenses, in which a minor who has not attained the age of thirteen (13) years is alleged to have committed a felony or a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for more than six (6) months. (e) Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, all cases over which the juvenile court has concurrent jurisdiction shall be originally commenced in the juvenile court but may thereafter be transferred to another court having jurisdiction pursuant to W.S. 14-6-237. (f) The district attorney shall establish objective criteria, screening and assessment procedures for determining the court for appropriate disposition in cooperation and coordination with each municipality in the jurisdiction of the district court. The district attorney shall serve as the single point of entry for all minors alleged to have committed a crime. Except as otherwise provided in this section, copies of all charging documents, reports or citations for cases provided in this subsection shall be forwarded to the district attorney prior to the filing of the charge, report or citation in municipal or city court. The following cases, excluding status offenses, may be originally commenced either in the juvenile court or in the district court or inferior court having jurisdiction: (i) Violations of municipal ordinances, except that if a juvenile is sentenced in a municipal court to a sentence exceeding ten (10) days of jail or detention, the municipal court shall provide to the district attorney in the juvenile's county of residency and the department of education a copy of the judgment and sentence; (ii) All misdemeanors except: (A) Those cases within the exclusive jurisdiction of the juvenile court; and (B) If a juvenile is sentenced in a municipal or circuit court to a sentence exceeding ten (10) days of jail or detention, the municipal or circuit court shall provide to the district attorney in the juvenile's county of residency and the department of education a copy of the judgment and sentence. (iii) Felony cases in which the minor has attained the age of seventeen (17) years. The prosecuting attorney shall consider those determinative factors set forth in W.S. 14-6-237(b)(i) through (vii) prior to commencing an action in the district court under this paragraph; (iv) Cases in which the minor has attained the age of fourteen (14) years and is charged with a violent felony as defined by W.S. 6-1-104(a)(xii); (v) Cases in which a minor who has attained the age of fourteen (14) years is charged with a felony and has previously been adjudicated as a delinquent under two (2) separately filed juvenile petitions for acts which if committed by an adult constitute felonies. (g) Except as provided by subsection (j) of this section, all information, reports or records made, received or kept by any municipal, county or state officer or employee evidencing any legal or administrative process or disposition resulting from a minor's misconduct are confidential and subject to the provisions of this act. The existence of the information, reports or records or contents thereof shall not be disclosed by any person unless: (i) Disclosure results from an action brought or authorized by the district attorney in a court of public record; (ii) The person the records concern is under eighteen (18) years of age and, in conjunction with one (1) of his parents or with the ratification of the court, authorizes the disclosure; (iii) The person the records concern is eighteen (18) years of age or older and authorizes the disclosure; (iv) The disclosure results from the information being shared with or between designated employees of any court, any law enforcement agency, any prosecutor's office, any employee of the victim services division within the office of the attorney general, any probation office or any employee of the department of family services or the minor's past or present school district who has been designated to share the information by the department of family services or by the school district or anyone else designated by the district attorney in determining the appropriate court pursuant to a single point of entry assessment under this section; (v) The disclosure is made to a victim of a delinquent act constituting a felony, in accordance with W.S. 14-6-501 through 14-6-509; (vi) The disclosure is authorized by W.S. 14-6-604; or (vii) The disclosure is made to an administrative employee or member of the board of trustees of the minor's school district, authorized by the court to receive the information, for purposes of the suspension or expulsion of the minor pursuant to W.S. 21-4-305(c)(ii), provided: (A) The court finds that the court action involves matters which are relevant to the suspension or expulsion of the minor pursuant to W.S. 21-4-305(e). Only materials and evidence relevant to the minor's potential suspension or expulsion shall be disclosed to an administrative employee or member of the board of trustees of the minor's school district; and (B) The school district administrative employees or board of trustee members authorized to receive the minor's confidential information shall only disclose the information: (I) To other members of the board of trustees or the superintendent for purposes of W.S. 21-4- 305(c)(ii); and (II) To the minor and his parents, legal guardians, attorneys or guardian ad litem. (h) Nothing contained in this act is construed to deprive the district court of jurisdiction to determine questions of custody, parental rights, guardianship or any other questions involving minors, when the questions are the subject of or incidental to suits or actions commenced in or transferred to the district court as provided by law. (j) Nothing contained in this act shall be construed to require confidentiality of any matter, legal record, identity or disposition pertaining to a minor charged or processed through any municipal or circuit court. 14-6-204. Venue; change of venue or judge. Proceedings under this act may be commenced in the county where the child is living or is present when the proceedings are commenced or in the county where the alleged delinquent act occurred. Change of venue or change of judge may be had under the circumstances and upon the terms and conditions provided by law in a civil action in the district court. 14-6-205. Taking of child into custody; when permitted. (a) A child may be taken into custody by a law enforcement officer without a warrant or court order when: (i) The circumstances would permit an arrest without a warrant under W.S. 7-2-102; (ii) There are reasonable grounds to believe the child has violated the terms of an order of the juvenile court issued pursuant to this act; or (iii) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (iv) The child's conduct or behavior seriously endangers himself or the person or property of others and immediate custody appears necessary. (v) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. 14-6-206. Child in custody; no detention without court order; exceptions; notice to parent or guardian; release. (a) In accordance with procedures specified in W.S. 7-1-108(c) and (d), a child taken into custody shall not be held in detention or placed in shelter care without a court order unless detention or shelter care is required to: (i) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (ii) Protect the person or property of others; (iii) Prevent the child from absconding or being removed from the jurisdiction of the court; or (iv) Provide the child having no parent, guardian, custodian or other responsible adult with supervision and care and return him to the court when required. (b) Any person taking a child into custody shall as soon as possible notify the child's parent, guardian or custodian. Unless the child's detention or shelter care is authorized by a court order issued pursuant to this act or required for one (1) of the reasons in subsection (a) of this section, the child shall be released to the care of his parent, guardian, custodian or other responsible adult upon that person's written promise to present the child before the court upon request. (c) After issuing any citation to a child for a violation of a state or federal law or a municipal ordinance for which incarceration or a fine may be imposed, the law enforcement agency issuing the citation or its designee shall take reasonable actions to notify the child's parent, guardian or custodian. 14-6-207. Detention or shelter care; delivery of child pending hearing; placing children; separate detention; notice if no court order. (a) If detention or shelter care of a child appears necessary to the person taking custody of the child, the child shall be delivered as soon as possible to the court or to the detention or shelter care facility designated by the court pending a hearing. (b) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (c) A child alleged to be delinquent shall if necessary, be detained in a separate detention home or facility for delinquent children. (i) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (ii) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (d) The person in charge of any detention or shelter care facility shall promptly notify the court and the district attorney of any child being detained or cared for at the facility without a court order and shall deliver the child to the court upon request. 14-6-208. Notice of detention to be given district attorney; written statement required; duty of district attorney. (a) When a child is taken into custody without a court order and is placed in detention or shelter care, the person taking custody of the child shall notify the district attorney without delay. Also the person shall as soon as possible file a brief written statement with the district attorney setting forth the facts which led to taking the child into custody and the reason why the child was not released. (b) Upon receiving notice that a child is being held in detention or shelter care, the district attorney shall immediately review the need for detention or shelter care and may order the child released unless he determines detention or shelter care is necessary under the provisions of W.S. 14-6-206(a) or unless ordered by the court. 14-6-209. Taking of child into custody; informal hearing where no court order; conditional release; evidence; rehearing. (a) When a child is placed in detention or shelter care without a court order, a petition as provided in W.S. 14-6-212 shall be promptly filed and presented to the court. An informal detention or shelter care hearing shall be held as soon as reasonably possible not later than forty-eight (48) hours, excluding weekends and legal holidays, after the child is taken into custody to determine if further detention or shelter care is required pending further court action. The child shall be interviewed by the department or its designee prior to the detention or shelter care hearing, but in no event later than twenty-four (24) hours, excluding weekends and legal holidays, after the child is taken into custody. The department or its designee shall submit a written report of the interview to the court, including an assessment of the immediate needs of the child and a recommendation for the most appropriate placement for the child pending disposition of the violation. Written notice stating the time, place and purpose of the hearing shall be given to the child and to his parents, guardian or custodian. (b) At the commencement of the hearing the judge shall advise the child and his parents, guardian or custodian of: (i) The contents of the petition and the nature of the charges or allegations contained therein; (ii) Their right to counsel as provided in W.S. 14-6-222; (iii) The child's right to remain silent with respect to any allegations of a delinquent act; (iv) The right to confront and cross-examine witnesses or to present witnesses and evidence in their own behalf and the right to issuance of process by the court to compel the appearance of witnesses and the production of evidence; (v) The right to a jury trial as provided in W.S. 14-6-223; (vi) The right to appeal as provided in W.S. 14-6-233; and (vii) All other rights afforded a criminal defendant. (c) The child shall be given an opportunity to admit or deny the allegations in the petition. If the allegations are admitted, the court shall make the appropriate adjudication and may proceed immediately to a disposition of the case, provided the court has the predisposition report and multidisciplinary team recommendations, in accordance with the provisions of W.S. 14-6-229, except that a commissioner acting in the absence or incapacity of the judge may take testimony to establish a factual basis and accept an admission and perform all other requirements of the initial hearing but shall not proceed to disposition. If denied, the court shall set a time not to exceed sixty (60) days for an adjudicatory hearing or a transfer hearing, unless the court finds good cause to delay or postpone the hearing. In no case shall the court hold the adjudicatory hearing more than ninety (90) days after the date the petition is filed. (d) Regardless of whether the allegations in the petition are admitted or denied, the court shall determine whether or not the child's full-time detention or shelter care is required pending further proceedings. If the court finds that returning the child to the home is contrary to the welfare of the child, the court shall enter the finding on the record and order the child placed in the legal custody of the department. The court shall explain the terms of the court order to the child, his parents or legal guardian and any other person the court deems necessary. If the court finds that full-time detention or shelter care is not required, the court shall order the child released and may impose one (1) or more of the following conditions: (i) Place the child in the custody and supervision of his parents, guardian or custodian, under the protective supervision of the department or a county or state probation officer or under the supervision of any individual or organization approved by the court that agrees to supervise the child; (ii) Place restrictions on the child's travel, associates, activities or place of abode during the period of his release, including a requirement that the child return to the physical custody of his parents, guardian or custodian at specified hours; or (iii) Impose any other terms and conditions of release deemed reasonably necessary to assure the appearance of the child at subsequent proceedings. (e) All relevant and material evidence helpful in determining the need for detention or shelter care may be admitted by the court even though not competent in an adjudicatory hearing on the allegations of the petition. (f) If a child is not released after a detention or shelter care hearing and it appears by sworn statement of the parents, guardian or custodian that they did not receive notice and did not waive notice and appearance at the hearing, the court shall rehear the matter without delay. 14-6-210. Hearing conducted by commissioner; authority and duty; review by court. (a) In the absence or incapacity of the judge, the detention or shelter care hearing may be conducted by a district court commissioner of the county in which the child is being detained or held in shelter care. (b) The commissioner may make any order concerning the child's release, continued detention or shelter care as authorized to the judge under W.S. 14-6-209. If the child is not released after the hearing, the commissioner shall promptly file with the court a complete written resume of the evidence adduced at the hearing and his reasons for not releasing the child. The commissioner shall conduct the hearing pursuant to W.S. 14-6-209 except that, if a child who has been advised of his rights wishes to admit the allegations, the commissioner may take testimony to establish a factual basis and accept the admission and perform all other requirements of the initial hearing but shall not proceed to disposition. The hearing shall be conducted in the presence of counsel and guardian ad litem, if so appointed. The commissioner may also appoint counsel, appoint a guardian ad litem, order a predisposition report, appoint a multidisciplinary team, issue subpoenas or search warrants, order physical or medical examinations and authorize emergency medical, surgical or dental treatment all as provided in this act. The commissioner shall not make final orders of adjudication or disposition. (c) The court shall review the reports, orders and actions of the commissioner as soon as reasonably possible and confirm or modify the commissioner's orders and actions as it deems appropriate. 14-6-211. Complaints alleging delinquency; investigation and determination by district attorney. (a) Complaints alleging a child is delinquent shall be referred to the office of the district attorney. The district attorney shall determine whether the best interest of the child or of the public require that judicial action be taken. The department, the county sheriff and the county probation departments shall provide the district attorney with any assistance he may require in making an investigation. The district attorney shall prepare and file a petition with the court if he believes action is necessary to protect the interest of the public or child. (b) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. 14-6-212. Commencement of proceedings; contents of petition. (a) Proceedings in juvenile court are commenced by filing a petition with the clerk of the court. The petition and all subsequent pleadings, motions, orders and decrees shall be entitled "State of Wyoming, In the Interest of ....., minor." A petition shall be signed by the district attorney on information and belief of the alleged facts. All petitions must be verified. (b) The petition shall set forth all jurisdictional facts, including but not limited to: (i) The child's name, date of birth and address; (ii) The names and addresses of the child's parents, guardian or custodian and spouse, if any; (iii) Whether the child is being held in detention or shelter care and if so, the name and address of the facility and the time detention or shelter care commenced; and (iv) A statement setting forth with particularity the facts which bring the child within the provisions of W.S. 14-6-203. If the basis of the petition is an alleged delinquent act based upon a violation of the laws of the state or a political subdivision, the petition shall cite the alleged law violated. (c) The petition shall state if any of the facts enumerated in subsection (b) of this section are unknown. 14-6-213. Order to appear; contents thereof; when child taken into immediate custody; waiver of service. (a) After a petition is filed, the court shall issue an order to appear. The order shall: (i) State the name of the court, the title of the proceedings and the time and place for the initial hearing; (ii) Direct the persons named therein to appear personally at the hearing and direct the person having actual physical custody or control of the child to present the child before the court at the hearing; (iii) Be directed to the child's parents, guardian, custodian and spouse, if any, and to any other person the court deems necessary; and (iv) Be directed to the child alleged to be delinquent. (b) If it appears to the court by affidavit by the district attorney based on actual knowledge or on information and belief that the conduct, condition or surroundings of the child seriously endanger the child's health or welfare or the health, welfare or property of others, that the child may abscond or be removed from the jurisdiction of the court or that the child will not be brought before the court notwithstanding service of the order, the court may direct in the order to appear that the person serving the order take the child into immediate custody and bring him before the court. (c) Service of the order may be waived either in writing or by voluntary appearance at the hearing, provided a child may waive service of the order only with the consent of his parents, guardian, custodian, guardian ad litem or counsel. 14-6-214. Service of process; order of custody or detention. (a) In proceedings under this act, service of order to appear or other process within the state shall be made by the sheriff of the county where service is made, by his undersheriff or deputy or by any law enforcement officer or responsible adult not a party to the proceeding and appointed by the clerk. (b) Within the state, service of order to appear is made by personally delivering a copy of the order together with a copy of the petition to the person ordered to appear, provided that parents of a child may both be served by personally delivering to either parent two (2) copies of the order and petition, one (1) copy for each parent. A child under the age of fourteen (14) years is served by delivering a copy of the order together with a copy of the petition to the child's parents, guardian, custodian or other adult having the actual physical custody and control of the child or to a guardian ad litem or attorney appointed for the child. (c) If it appears to the court by affidavit that the parents, guardian or custodian of the child cannot be found within the state, the court may order personal service outside the state or service by certified mail with return receipt requested signed by addressee only. If the address of the child's parents, guardian or custodian is unknown and cannot with reasonable diligence be ascertained, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child and to receive service of process. (d) Service by certified mail is complete on the date the clerk receives the return receipt signed by addressee. Personal service either within or outside the state is complete on the date when copies of the order to appear and petition are delivered to the person to be served. (e) When personal service of order to appear is made within the state, service shall be completed not less than two (2) days before the hearing and when made outside the state, service shall be completed not less than five (5) days before the hearing. However, notwithstanding any provision within this act, the court may order that a child be taken into custody as provided in W.S. 14-6-213 or that a child be held in detention or shelter care pending further proceedings as provided in W.S. 14-6-209, even though service of order to appear on the parents, guardian or custodian of the child is not complete at the time of making the order. 14-6-215. Presence of parent, custodian or guardian at hearing; failure to appear; avoidance of service; issuance of bench warrant. (a) The court shall insure the presence at any hearing of the parents, guardian or custodian of any child subject to the proceedings under this act. (b) Any person served with an order to appear as provided in W.S. 14-6-214 and without reasonable cause fails to appear, is liable for contempt of court and the court may issue a bench warrant to cause the person to be brought before the court. (c) If the child, his parents, guardian or custodian or any other person willfully avoids or refuses service of order to appear, or it appears to the court that service of the order will be ineffectual or that the welfare of the child requires that he be brought immediately into the custody of the court, a bench warrant may be issued by the court for the child or his parents, guardian, custodian or any person having the actual physical custody or control of the child. 14-6-216. Appointment of guardian ad litem. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for a child who is a party to proceedings under this act if the child has no parent, guardian or custodian appearing in his behalf or if the interests of the parents, guardian or custodian are adverse to the best interest of the child. A party to the proceeding or employee or representative thereof shall not be appointed guardian ad litem for the child. 14-6-217. Subpoenas for witnesses and evidence. Upon application of any party to the proceeding, the clerk shall issue and the court on its own motion may issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of records, documents or other tangible evidence at any hearing. 14-6-218. Search warrant; when authorized; affidavit required; contents of affidavit and warrant; service and return. (a) The court or a commissioner may issue a search warrant within the court's jurisdiction if it appears by application supported by affidavit of one (1) or more adults that there is probable cause to believe a child has committed a delinquent act and the child is in hiding to avoid service of process or being taken into custody, or it appears by application supported by affidavit of one (1) or more adults that there is probable cause to believe a child has committed a delinquent act. (b) The affidavit shall be in writing, signed and affirmed by the affiant. The affidavit shall set forth: (i) The name and age of the child sought, provided that if the name or age of the child is unknown the affidavit shall set forth a description of the child sufficient to identify him with reasonable certainty and a statement that the affiant believes the child is of age to come within the provisions of this act; and (ii) The affiant's belief that the child sought has committed a delinquent act and is in hiding to avoid service of process or being taken into custody, and a statement of the facts upon which the belief is based. (iii) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (c) The warrant may be directed to any law enforcement officer of the county or municipality in which the place or premises to be searched is located. The warrant shall: (i) Name or describe the child sought; (ii) Name the address or location and describe the place or premises to be searched; (iii) State the grounds for issuance of the warrant; (iv) Name the person or persons whose affidavit has been taken in support of the warrant; and (v) Authorize the officer to whom the warrant is directed to conduct the search and instruct him as to the disposition of the child if found, pending further proceedings by the court. (d) The officer making the search may enter the place or premises described in the warrant at any time with force if necessary, in order to remove the child or to obtain evidence that a delinquent act has been committed. The officer conducting the search shall serve a copy of the warrant upon the person in possession of the place or premises searched and shall return the original warrant to the court showing his actions in the premises. 14-6-219. Physical and mental examinations; involuntary commitment of incompetents; subsequent proceedings. (a) Any time after the filing of a petition, on motion of the district attorney or the child's parents, guardian, custodian or attorney or on motion of the court, the court may order the child to be examined by a licensed and qualified physician, surgeon, psychiatrist or psychologist designated by the court to aid in determining the physical and mental condition of the child. The examination shall be conducted on an outpatient basis, but the court may commit the child to a suitable medical facility or institution for examination if deemed necessary. Commitment for examination shall not exceed fifteen (15) days. Any time after the filing of a petition, the court on its own motion or motion of the district attorney or the child's parents, guardian, custodian or attorney, may order the child's parents, guardians or other custodial members of the child's family to undergo a substance use disorder assessment at the expense of the child's parents, guardians or other custodial members of the child's family and to fully comply with all findings and recommendations set forth in the assessment. Failure to comply may result in contempt proceedings as set forth in W.S. 14-6-242. (b) If a child has been committed to a medical facility or institution for mental examination prior to adjudication of the petition and if it appears to the court from the mental examination that the child is competent to participate in further proceedings and is not suffering from mental illness or intellectual disability to a degree rendering the child subject to involuntary commitment to the Wyoming state hospital or the Wyoming life resource center, the court shall order the child returned to the court without delay. (c) If it appears to the court by mental examination conducted before adjudication of the petition that a child alleged to be delinquent is incompetent to participate in further proceedings by reason of mental illness or intellectual disability to a degree rendering the child subject to involuntary commitment to the Wyoming state hospital or the Wyoming life resource center, the court shall hold further proceedings under this act in abeyance. The district attorney shall then commence proceedings in the district court for commitment of the child to the appropriate institution as provided by law. (d) The juvenile court shall retain jurisdiction of the child on the petition pending final determination of the commitment proceedings in the district court. If proceedings in the district court commit the child to the Wyoming state hospital, the Wyoming life resource center or any other facility or institution for treatment and care of people with a mental illness or an intellectual disability, the petition shall be dismissed and further proceedings under this act terminate. If proceedings in the district court determine the child does not have a mental illness or an intellectual disability to a degree rendering him subject to involuntary commitment, the court shall proceed to a final adjudication of the petition and disposition of the child under the provisions of this act. 14-6-220. Emergency medical, surgical or dental examination or treatment. The court may authorize and consent to emergency medical, surgical or dental examination or treatment of a child taken into custody under the provisions of this act either before or after the filing of a petition, if in the opinion of a licensed and qualified physician or surgeon the child is suffering from a serious physical condition or illness which requires prompt treatment or prompt examination is necessary to preserve evidence of a criminal offense. 14-6-221. Reports of medical or mental examinations; use of results; copies. The results of any medical or mental examination authorized or ordered by the court shall be reported to the court in writing and signed by the person making the examination. The results may not be considered by the court prior to adjudication but may be considered only in making a disposition under this act or W.S. 14-6-219. Copies of the examination reports shall be made available to the child's parents, guardian, custodian or attorney upon request. 14-6-222. Advising of right to counsel required; appointment of counsel; verification of financial condition. (a) At their first appearance before the court the child and his parents, guardian or custodian shall be advised by the court of their right to be represented by counsel at every stage of the proceedings including appeal, and to employ counsel of their own choice. (b) The court shall upon request appoint counsel who may be the guardian ad litem to represent the child if the child, his parents, guardian, custodian or other person responsible for the child's support are unable to obtain counsel. If appointment of counsel is requested, the court shall require the child and his parents, guardian, custodian or other person legally responsible for the child's support to verify their financial condition under oath, either by written affidavit signed and sworn to by the parties or by sworn testimony made a part of the record of the proceedings. The affidavit or sworn testimony shall state they are without sufficient money, property, assets or credit to employ counsel in their own behalf. The court may require further verification of financial condition if it deems necessary. If the child requests counsel and his parents, guardian, custodian or other person responsible for the child's support is able but unwilling to obtain counsel for the child, the court shall appoint counsel to represent the child and may direct reimbursement of counsel fees under W.S. 14-6-235(c). (c) The court may appoint counsel for any party when necessary in the interest of justice. (d) Counsel representing a child alleged to be delinquent under this act shall consider among other things what is in the best interest of the child. 14-6-223. Privilege against self-incrimination; rights of parties generally; demand for and conduct of jury trial. (a) A child alleged to be delinquent may remain silent and need not be a witness against or otherwise incriminate himself, whether before the court voluntarily, by subpoena or otherwise. (b) A party to any proceeding under this act is entitled to: (i) A copy of all charges made against him; (ii) Confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses; (iii) Introduce evidence, present witnesses and otherwise be heard in his own behalf; and (iv) Issue of process by the court to compel the appearance of witnesses or the production of evidence. (c) A party against whom a petition has been filed or the district attorney may demand a trial by jury at an adjudicatory hearing. The jury shall be composed of jurors selected, qualified and compensated as provided by law for the trial of civil matters in the district court. The jury may also be selected from the prospective jurors on the base jury list residing within five (5) miles of the city or town where the trial is to be held, whichever the court directs. Demand for a jury trial must be made to the court not later than ten (10) days after the party making the demand is advised of his right to a jury trial. No deposit for jury fees is required. Failure of a party to demand a jury is a waiver of this right. 14-6-224. Conduct of hearings generally; exclusion of general public and child; exceptions; consolidations permitted. (a) Unless a jury trial is demanded, hearings under this act shall be conducted by the court without a jury in an informal but orderly manner and separate from other proceedings not included in W.S. 14-6-203. The district attorney shall present evidence in support of the petition and otherwise represent the state. If the allegations in the petition are denied, adjudicatory and disposition hearings shall be recorded by the court reporter or by electronic, mechanical or other appropriate means. (b) Except in hearings to declare a person in contempt of court, the general public are excluded from hearings under this act. Only the parties, counsel for the parties, jurors, witnesses, victims and members of their immediate families and other persons the court finds having a proper interest in the proceedings or in the work of the court shall be admitted. If the court finds it necessary in the best interest of the child, the child may be temporarily excluded from any hearing except while evidence is being received at an adjudicatory hearing in support of the allegations of his delinquency. (c) Hearings on two (2) or more petitions may be consolidated for purposes of adjudication when the allegations in the petitions pertain to the same act or offense constituting the alleged delinquency. Separate hearings on the petitions may be held thereafter for purposes of disposition. (d) Repealed by Laws 2004, Ch. 127, § 3. 14-6-225. Burden of proof required; verdict of jury; effect thereof. (a) Allegations that a child has committed a delinquent act must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. (b) If trial by jury is demanded, the jury shall decide issues of fact raised by the petition and return its verdict as to the truth of the allegations contained in the petition. A finding by the jury that the allegations are true is not deemed a conviction of guilt, but is a determination that judicial intervention is necessary for the best interest and welfare of the child and the public. 14-6-226. Initial appearance; adjudicatory or transfer hearing; entry of decree and disposition; evidentiary matters; continuance of disposition hearing. (a) At their initial hearing, which may be held after a detention or shelter care hearing or a transfer hearing, the child and his parents, guardian or custodian shall be advised by the court of their rights under law and as provided in this act. They shall also be advised of the specific allegations in the petition and given an opportunity to admit or deny them, unless motion is made to the court to transfer the allegations of delinquency against the minor to another court. They shall also be advised of the possible liability for costs of treatment or services pursuant to this act or W.S. 25-11-101 through 25-11-108. It is not necessary at the initial appearance for the district attorney to establish probable cause to believe the allegations in the petition are true. When a detention or shelter care hearing is held in accordance with W.S. 14-6-209, a separate initial hearing is not required if the child and his parents, guardian or custodian were present at the detention or shelter care hearing and advised by the court as provided in this subsection. (b) If the allegations of the petition are denied, the court may, with consent of the parties, proceed immediately to hear evidence on the petition or it may set a later time not to exceed sixty (60) days for an adjudicatory or a transfer hearing, unless the court finds good cause to delay or postpone the hearing. In no case shall the court hold the adjudicatory hearing more than ninety (90) days after the date the petition is filed. Only competent, relevant and material evidence shall be admissible at an adjudicatory hearing to determine the truth of the allegations in the petition. If after an adjudicatory hearing the court finds that the allegations in the petition are not established as required by this act, it shall dismiss the petition and order the child released from any detention or shelter care. (c) If after an adjudicatory hearing or a valid admission or confession the court or jury finds that a child committed the acts alleging him delinquent, it shall enter a decree to that effect stating the jurisdictional facts upon which the decree is based. It may then proceed immediately or at a postponed hearing within sixty (60) days to make proper disposition of the child, unless the court finds good cause to delay or postpone the hearing. (d) In detention or shelter care hearings, disposition hearings or transfer hearings, all material and relevant evidence helpful in determining questions may be received by the court and relied upon for probative value. The parties or their counsel may examine and controvert written reports received as evidence and cross-examine persons making the reports. (e) On motion of any party or on its own motion, the court may continue a disposition hearing for a reasonable time not to exceed sixty (60) days to receive reports and other evidence bearing on the disposition to be made. The court shall make an appropriate order for detention or shelter care of the child or for his release from detention or shelter care subject to any terms and conditions the court deems necessary during the period of continuance. (f) At any time prior to disposition under W.S. 14-6-229, the court, on motion of any party or on its own motion, may reconsider its order regarding detention, shelter care or conditions of release made under W.S. 14-6-209(d) or 14-6-214(e). (g) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. 14-6-227. Predisposition studies and reports. (a) After a petition is filed alleging the child is delinquent, the court shall order the department to make a predisposition study and report. The court shall establish a deadline for completion of the report. While preparing the study the department shall consult with the child's school and school district to determine the child's educational needs. The study and report shall also cover: (i) The social history, environment and present condition of the child and his family; (ii) The performance of the child in school, including whether the child receives special education services and how his goals and objectives might be impacted by the court's disposition, provided the school receives authorization to share the information; (iii) The presence of child abuse and neglect or domestic violence histories, past acts of violence, learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities or physical impairments and the necessary services to accommodate the disabilities and impairments; (iv) The presence of any mental health or substance abuse risk factors, including current participation in counseling, therapy or treatment; and (v) Other matters relevant to the child's present status as a delinquent, including any pertinent family information, treatment of the child or proper disposition of the case, including any information required by W.S. 21-13-315(d). (b) Within ten (10) days after a petition is filed alleging a child is delinquent, the court shall appoint a multidisciplinary team. Upon motion by a party, the court may add or dismiss a member of the multidisciplinary team. (i) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (ii) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (iii) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (iv) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (v) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (vi) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (vii) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (c) The multidisciplinary team shall include the following: (i) The child's parent, parents or guardian; (ii) A representative of the school district who has direct knowledge of the child and, if the child receives special education, is a member of the child's individualized education plan team; (iii) A representative of the department; (iv) The child's psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health professional; (v) The district attorney or his designee; (vi) The child's attorney or guardian ad litem, if one is appointed by the court; (vii) The volunteer lay advocate, if one is appointed by the court; and (viii) The foster parent. (d) In addition to the persons listed in subsection (c) of this section, the court may appoint one (1) or more of the following persons to the multidisciplinary team: (i) Repealed By Laws 2005, ch. 236, § 4. (ii) Repealed By Laws 2005, ch. 236, § 4. (iii) The child; (iv) A relative; (v) If the predispositional study indicates a parent or child has special needs, an appropriate representative of the department of health's substance abuse, mental health or developmental disabilities division who has knowledge of the services available in the state's system of care that are pertinent to those identified needs; (vi) Other professionals or persons who have particular knowledge relating to the child or his family, or expertise in children's services and the child's or parent's specific disability or special needs, including linguistic and cultural needs. (e) Before the first multidisciplinary team meeting, the department of family services shall provide each member of the multidisciplinary team with a brief summary of the case detailing the allegations in the petition that have been adjudicated, if any. The multidisciplinary team shall, as quickly as reasonably possible, review the child's personal and family history, school, mental health and department of family services records and any other pertinent information, for the purpose of making sanction recommendations. The team shall involve the child in the development of recommendations to the extent appropriate. (f) At the first multidisciplinary team meeting, the team shall formulate reasonable and attainable recommendations for the court outlining the goals or objectives the parents should be required to meet for the child to be returned to the home or for the case to be closed, or until ordered by the court in termination proceedings. At each subsequent meeting, the multidisciplinary team shall review the progress of the parents and the child, and shall reevaluate the plan ordered by the court. For cause, which shall be set forth with specificity, the multidisciplinary team may adjust its recommendations to the court with respect to the goals or objectives in the plan to effect the return of the child to the home or to close the case, or until ordered by the court in termination proceedings. The multidisciplinary team shall formulate written recommendations consistent with the purposes of this act. After each multidisciplinary team meeting, the coordinator shall prepare for submission to each member of the team and to the court a summary of the multidisciplinary team meeting specifically describing the recommendations for the court and the goals and objectives which should be met to return the child to the home or to close the case, or until ordered by the court in termination proceedings. If the recommendations for the case plan have been changed, the summary shall include a detailed explanation of the change in the recommendations and the reasons for the change. (g) All records, reports and sanction recommendations of the multidisciplinary team are confidential except as provided by this section. Any person who willfully violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). (h) Except for consideration at a hearing on a motion to transfer the case to another court as provided in W.S. 14-6-237, the court shall not consider any report or recommendation under this section prior to adjudication of the allegations in the petition without the consent of the child and the child's parents, guardian or custodian. (j) Any member of a multidisciplinary team who cannot attend team meetings in person or by telephone may submit written reports and recommendations to the other team members and to the court. Individuals who are not members of the multidisciplinary team but have knowledge pertinent to the team's decisions may be asked to provide information to the multidisciplinary team. The individuals shall be bound by the confidentiality provisions of subsection (g) of this section. (k) The department shall develop a case plan for a juvenile when there is a recommendation to place the child outside the home. (m) If the child is placed outside the home, the multidisciplinary team shall meet quarterly to review the child's and the family's progress toward meeting the goals or expectations in the case plan and the multidisciplinary team shall provide a written report with recommendations to the court prior to each review hearing. (n) No later than five (5) business days prior to the dispositional hearing, the multidisciplinary team shall file with the court the multidisciplinary team report which shall include the multidisciplinary team's recommendations and the department case plan in a standard format established by the department. (o) Five (5) business days prior to each review hearing, the multidisciplinary team shall file with the court a report updating the multidisciplinary team report, the multidisciplinary team's recommendations and the department case plan. 14-6-228. Abeyance of proceedings by consent decree; term of decree; reinstatement of proceedings; effect of discharge or completing term. (a) At any time after the filing of a petition alleging a child delinquent and before adjudication, the court may issue a consent decree ordering further proceedings held in abeyance and place a delinquent child under the supervision of a probation officer. The placement of the child is subject to the terms, conditions and stipulations agreed to by the parties affected. The consent decree shall not be entered without the consent of the district attorney, the child's attorney, where applicable, and the child and the notification of the parents. Modifications to an existing consent decree may be allowed. (b) The consent decree shall be in writing and copies given to each of the parties. The decree shall include the case plan for the child. (c) A consent decree shall be in force for the period agreed upon by the parties but not longer than one (1) year unless the child is sooner discharged by the court. (d) If prior to discharge by the court or expiration of the consent decree, a child alleged to be delinquent fails to fulfill the terms and conditions of the decree or a new petition is filed alleging the child delinquent because of misconduct occurring during the term of the consent decree, the original petition and proceedings may be reinstated upon order of the court after hearing and the matter may proceed as though the consent decree had never been entered. If, as part of the consent decree, the child made an admission to any of the allegations contained in the original petition, that admission shall be entered only if the court orders that the original petition and proceeding be reinstated and the admissions, if any, be entered. If the admission is entered, the court may proceed to disposition pursuant to W.S. 14-6-226. (e) If a consent decree is in effect and the child is in placement, the court shall hold a six (6) month and twelve (12) month review under W.S. 14-6-229. (f) A child discharged by the court under a consent decree without reinstatement of the original petition and proceeding shall not thereafter be proceeded against in any court for the same offense or misconduct alleged in the original petition. 14-6-229. Decree where child adjudged delinquent; dispositions; terms and conditions; legal custody. (a) In determining the disposition to be made under this act in regard to any child: (i) The court shall review the predisposition report, the recommendations, if any, of the multidisciplinary team, the case plan and other reports or evaluations ordered by the court and indicate on the record what materials were considered in reaching the disposition; (ii) If the court does not place the child in accordance with the recommendations of the predisposition report or multidisciplinary team, the court shall enter on the record specific findings of fact relied upon to support its decision to deviate from the recommended disposition; (iii) When a child is adjudged by the court to be delinquent, the court shall enter its decree to that effect and make a disposition consistent with the purposes of this act; (iv) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (v) The court shall not order an out-of-state placement unless: (A) Evidence has been presented to the court regarding the costs of the out-of-state placement being ordered together with evidence of the comparative costs of any suitable alternative in-state treatment program or facility, as determined by the department pursuant to W.S. 21-13-315(d)(vii), whether or not placement in the in-state program or facility is currently available; (B) The court makes an affirmative finding on the record that no placement can be made in a Wyoming institution or in a private residential treatment facility or group home located in Wyoming that can provide adequate treatment or services for the child; and (C) The court states on the record why no in-state placement is available. (b) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (c) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3; 1993, ch. 210, § 3; 1984, ch. 67, §§ 2, 3; 1987, ch. 217, § 2, ch. 221, § 3. (d) If the child is found to be delinquent the court may impose any sanction authorized by W.S. 14-6-245 through 14-6-252. (i) Repealed by Laws 1997, ch. 119, § 3. (ii) Repealed by Laws 1997, ch. 119, § 3. (iii) Repealed by Laws 1997, ch. 119, § 3. (iv) Repealed by Laws 1997, ch. 119, § 3. (v) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (vi) Repealed by Laws 1997, ch. 119, § 3. (e) In cases where a child is ordered removed from the child's home: (i) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (ii) If a child is committed or transferred to an agency or institution under this section: (A) At least every three (3) months the agency or institution shall recommend to the court if the order should be continued; (B) Not less than once every six (6) months, the court of jurisdiction shall conduct a formal review to assess and determine the appropriateness of the current placement, the reasonable efforts made to reunify the family, the safety of the child and the permanency plan for the child. During this review: (I) The department of family services shall present to the court: (1) If the permanency plan is classified as another planned permanent living arrangement, documentation of the ongoing and unsuccessful efforts to return the child home or place the child for adoption or with a legal guardian or a fit and willing relative for purposes of guardianship or adoption, including evidence of efforts to use social media or other search technology to find biological family members for the child; (2) Efforts made to ensure that the child is provided, to the greatest extent possible, the opportunity to participate in age appropriate or developmentally appropriate activities and experiences as defined in W.S. 14-13- 101(a)(i) to promote healthy child and adolescent development consistent with W.S. 14-13-101 through 14-13-104; and (3) If the child is placed in a qualified residential treatment program: a. Information to show that ongoing assessment of the child's strengths and needs continues to support the determination that placement in a qualified residential treatment program provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment consistent with the short-term and long-term goals of the child and the child's permanency plan; b. The specific treatment needs that will be met for the child in the placement; c. The length of time the child is expected to remain in the placement; d. The efforts made by the department of family services to prepare the child to return home or be placed for adoption or legal guardianship. (II) The court shall: (1) Determine whether the permanency plan is in the best interest of the child and whether the department of family services has made reasonable efforts to finalize the plan; (2) Order the department of family services to take any additional steps necessary to effectuate the terms of the permanency plan; (3) Ask the child or, if the child is not present at the review, the child's guardian ad litem or other legal representative about the child’s desired permanency outcome; (4) If the permanency plan is classified as another planned permanent living arrangement: a. Make a judicial determination and explain why, as of the date of the review, another planned permanent living arrangement is the best permanency plan for the child; and b. Provide reasons why it continues not to be in the best interest of the child to return home or be placed for adoption or with a legal guardian, or be placed with a fit and willing relative for purposes of guardianship or adoption. (5) Make findings whether the child has been provided, to the greatest extent possible, the opportunity to participate in age appropriate or developmentally appropriate activities and experiences as defined in W.S. 14-13-101(a)(i) to promote healthy child and adolescent development consistent with W.S. 14-13-101 through 14-13-104. (iii) The court shall order the parents or other legally obligated person to pay a reasonable sum for the support and treatment of the child as required by W.S. 14-6-236, or shall state on the record the reasons why an order for support was not entered; (iv) In cases where the child is placed in custody of the department, support shall be established by the department through a separate civil action; (v) Any order regarding potential placement at a psychiatric residential treatment facility shall not specify a particular psychiatric residential treatment facility or level of care for the placement of the child; (vi) If the child is placed in a qualified residential treatment program: (A) Within thirty (30) days of the placement a qualified individual shall conduct an assessment to determine whether the child's needs can be met through placement with family members or in a foster family home, or if the placement in a qualified residential treatment program provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment consistent with the short-term and long-term goals of the child and the child's permanency plan; (B) Within sixty (60) days of the placement the court shall: (I) Consider the assessment completed pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; (II) Determine whether the needs of the child can be met through placement in a foster family home or whether the placement in a qualified residential treatment program provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment; (III) Determine whether the placement is consistent with the short-term and long-term goals for the child as specified in the child's permanency plan; (IV) Approve or disapprove the placement. (f) Repealed by Laws 1997, ch. 119, § 3. (g) An institution, organization or agency vested with legal custody of a child by court order shall have the right to determine where and with whom the child shall live, provided that placement of the child does not remove him from the state of Wyoming without court authorization. An individual vested with legal custody of a child by court order shall personally exercise custodial rights and responsibilities unless otherwise authorized by the court. (h) Whenever the court vests legal custody of a child in an institution, organization or agency it shall transmit with the order copies of all clinical reports, social studies and other information pertinent to the care and treatment of the child. The institution, organization or agency receiving legal custody of a child shall provide the court with any information concerning the child that the court may request. (j) In placing a child in the custody of an individual or a private agency or institution, the court shall give primary consideration to the needs and welfare of the child. Where a choice of equivalent services exists, the court shall, whenever practicable, select a person or an agency or institution governed by persons of the same religion as that of the parents of the child. In case of a difference in the religious faith of the parents, then the court shall select the person, agency or institution governed by persons of the religious faith of the child, or if the religious faith of the child is not ascertainable, then of the faith of either parent. (k) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (m) The clerk of the court granting probation to a youth adjudicated delinquent shall send a certified copy of the order to the department of family services if the department has been requested to provide supervision of the probationer. (n) At the time of granting probation or at any later time, the court may request the department of family services to provide supervision of the probationer. The supervising probation officer shall not be required to supervise or report on a youth granted probation unless requested to do so by the court granting probation. (o) Absent a specific provision in the placement order requiring prior court approval for any change in placement, a department of state government vested with temporary legal custody of a child by court order under this section has authority to place the child in a residential facility or other out-of-home placement of similar or less restrictive confinement provided: (i) At least ten (10) days prior to the change in placement written notice of the proposed placement is served upon the child, the child's parents, the child's representative, the current placement provider and the office of the district attorney of original jurisdiction, personally or by certified mail to the recipient's last known address; and (ii) None of the parties within ten (10) days after notice is filed with the juvenile court having jurisdiction, makes a written objection to the proposed change in placement. (p) If a placement order vesting a department of state government with temporary legal custody of a child under this section includes a provision that court approval shall be required prior to any change in placement, the department may proceed to place the child in a residential facility or other out-of-home placement of similar or less restrictive confinement, and the court shall be deemed to have approved such change in placement, if: (i) The conditions of paragraphs (o)(i) and (ii) of this section are met; and (ii) The court on its own motion does not set the matter for hearing within fifteen (15) days after notice of the proposed change in placement is filed with the juvenile court. (q) Repealed by Laws 1997, ch. 119, § 3. (r) An agency of state government vested with temporary legal custody of a child under this section shall have the right to transport the child as necessary. 14-6-230. Orders of protection; requirements. (a) On application of any party to the proceedings or on its own motion the court may make an order of protection in support of the decree and order of disposition, restraining or otherwise controlling the conduct of the child's parents, guardian or custodian or any party to the proceeding whom the court finds to be encouraging, causing or contributing to the acts or conditions which bring the child within the provisions of this act. (b) The order of protection may require the person against whom it is directed to do or to refrain from doing any acts required or forbidden by law and necessary for the welfare of the child and the enforcement of the order of disposition, including the following requirements to: (i) Perform any legal obligation of support; (ii) Not make contact with the child or his place of abode; (iii) Refrain from conduct which in any way interferes with or disrupts the control and supervision of the child by his legal custodian; (iv) Permit a parent reasonable visitation privileges under specified conditions and terms; (v) Give proper attention to care of the home and to refrain from conduct detrimental to the child and the home environment; or (vi) Enforce the child's compliance with the terms and conditions imposed upon him by the order of disposition. 14-6-231. Release of child from institution; duration of orders of disposition; termination of orders. (a) A child committed to the Wyoming boys' school, the Wyoming girls' school or the Wyoming state hospital may be released from that institution by the agency having the direct authority and control of the institution. This release shall not affect any other terms or conditions of the court's order. The agency shall notify the court of any planned release and shall recommend further disposition of the child. The court shall discharge the child from further court jurisdiction or shall enter any other order of disposition specified under W.S. 14-6-229 for a child found to be delinquent. (b) An order of disposition shall remain in force for an indefinite period until terminated by the court whenever it appears the purpose of the order has been achieved and it is in the child's best interest that he be discharged from further court jurisdiction. (c) Unless sooner terminated by court order, all orders issued under this act shall terminate with respect to a child adjudicated: (i) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (ii) Delinquent, when he reaches twenty-one (21) years of age; (iii) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. 14-6-232. Probation revocation hearing; how commenced and conducted; contents of petition; disposition. (a) A child on probation incident to an adjudication of his delinquency who commits a new delinquent act or violates the terms and conditions of his probation may be proceeded against in a probation revocation hearing. (b) A proceeding to revoke probation shall be commenced by a petition designated as "A Petition to Revoke Probation" and shall be heard by the court without a jury. The petition shall: (i) Be reviewed and prepared by the district attorney in the same manner and shall contain the same information as required by W.S. 14-6-212; (ii) Set forth the date when the child was placed on probation and the time and manner in which notice of the terms of probation were given; and (iii) Be served together with an order to appear on all parties having an interest in the proceedings as provided in W.S. 14-6-213. (c) If a child is found to have violated the terms of the child's probation, the court may amend the terms and conditions of the probation order, extend the period of probation or make any other order of disposition specified in W.S. 14-6-229(d). (i) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. (ii) Repealed By Laws 1997, ch. 199, § 3. 14-6-233. Appeal; right generally; transcript provided; cost thereof. (a) Any party including the state may appeal any final order, judgment or decree of the juvenile court to the supreme court within the time and in the manner provided by the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure. (b) Upon motion of the child or his parents, guardian or custodian, supported by affidavit stating they are financially unable to purchase a transcript of the proceeding, a transcript or so much thereof necessary to support the appeal shall be provided at no cost or at a cost the court determines they are able to pay. Any cost of the transcript not charged to the appellant shall be certified by the court to the county treasurer and paid from the funds of the county in which the proceedings were held. 14-6-234. Stay of orders pending appeal; securing of payment; staying transfer of legal custody. (a) If an appeal is taken, an order to pay a fine, costs, support for a child, restitution or any order for the payment of money may be stayed by the juvenile court or by the supreme court pending appeal. The court may require the appellant to deposit with the clerk of court the whole or any part of the payment ordered, to give bond for the payment thereof or any other terms and conditions to secure payment upon final determination of the appeal as the court deems proper. The court may also issue any appropriate order to restrain the appellant from dissipating his assets pending appeal. (b) Either the juvenile court or the supreme court may stay an order transferring legal custody of a child to a person, agency, organization or institution other than his parents, guardian or former custodian, provided that suitable provision is made for the detention or shelter care of the child pending the appeal. 14-6-235. Fees, costs and expenses. (a) There is no fee for filing a petition under this act nor shall any state, county or local law enforcement officer charge a fee for service of process under this act. Witness fees, juror fees and travel expenses in the amounts allowable by law may be paid to persons other than the parties who are subpoenaed or required to appear at any hearing pursuant to this act. (b) The following costs and expenses, when approved and certified by the court to the county treasurer, shall be a charge upon the funds of the county where the proceedings are held and shall be paid by the board of county commissioners of that county: (i) Witness fees and travel expense; (ii) Jury fees, costs and travel expense; (iii) Costs of service of process or notice by certified mail; (iv) Costs of any physical or mental examinations or treatment ordered by the court; (v) Reasonable compensation for services and costs of counsel appointed by the court; (vi) Reasonable compensation for services and costs of a guardian ad litem appointed by the court, unless the county participates in the guardian ad litem program administered by the office of guardian ad litem pursuant to W.S. 14-12-101 through 14-12-104 and the office was appointed to provide the guardian ad litem; and (vii) Any other costs of the proceedings which would be assessable as costs in the district court. (c) Legal services rendered to a child for his benefit and protection are necessities which the child's parents or any person obligated by law for the child's support may be held responsible. In every case in which a guardian ad litem has been appointed to represent the child under W.S. 14-6-216 or in which counsel has been appointed under W.S. 14-6-222 to represent the child, the child's parents, guardian or other person responsible for the child's support, the court shall determine whether the child, the child's parents, guardian or other person responsible for the child's support is able to pay part or all of the costs of representation and shall enter specific findings on the record. If the court determines that any of the parties is able to pay any amount as reimbursement for costs of representation, the court shall order reimbursement or shall state on the record the reasons why reimbursement was not ordered. The court may also in any case order that all or any part of the costs and expenses enumerated in paragraphs (b)(i), (iii), (iv) and (vii) of this section, be reimbursed to the county by the child, his parents or any person legally obligated for his support, or any of them jointly and severally, upon terms the court may direct. An order for reimbursement of costs made pursuant to this subsection may be enforced as provided in W.S. 14-6-236. Any reimbursement ordered for guardian ad litem services provided pursuant to W.S. 14-12-101 through 14-12-104 shall be apportioned between the county and the office of guardian ad litem in accordance with payments made for those services. (d) The department of family services shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing a standard fee schedule for probation services provided under this act. In every case in which a child has been placed on probation under W.S. 14-6-229(d), the court shall determine whether the child, the child's parents, guardian or other person legally obligated for the child's support is able to pay part or all of the expenses of probation determined in accordance with the department's fee schedule and shall enter specific findings on the record. If the court determines that any of the parties is able to pay any amount as reimbursement for expenses of probation, the court shall order reimbursement by any or all of the parties, jointly and severally, or shall state on the record the reasons why reimbursement was not ordered. An order for reimbursement of expenses made pursuant to this subsection may be enforced as provided in W.S. 14-6-236. 14-6-236. Ordering payment for support and treatment of child; how paid; enforcement. (a) When legal custody of a child, other than temporary guardianship, is vested by court order in an individual, agency, institution or organization other than the child's parents, the court shall in the same proceeding inquire into the financial condition of the child's parents or any other person who may be legally obligated to support the child. After due notice and hearing the court shall order the parents or any other legally obligated person to pay a reasonable sum for the support and treatment of the child during the time that a dispositional order is in force. The requirements of W.S. 20-2-101 through 20-2-406 apply to this section. The amount of support shall be determined in accordance with the presumptive child support established by W.S. 20-2-304. In any case where the court has deviated from the presumptive child support, the reasons therefor shall be specifically set forth in the order. The amount ordered to be paid shall be paid to the clerk of the district court for transmission to the person, institution or agency having legal custody of the child or to whom compensation is due. The clerk of court is authorized to receive periodic payments payable in the name or for the benefit of the child, including but not limited to social security, veteran's administration benefits or insurance annuities, and apply the payments as the court directs. An order for support under this subsection shall include a statement of the addresses and social security numbers if known, of each obligor, the names and addresses of each obligor's employer and the names and birthdates of each child to whom the order relates. The court shall order each obligor to notify the clerk of court in writing within fifteen (15) days of any change in address or employment. If any person who is legally obligated to support the child does not have full time employment, the court may require that person to seek full time employment and may require community service work in lieu of payment until full time employment is obtained. (b) An order for the payment of money entered against a parent or other person legally obligated to support a child under the provisions of W.S. 14-6-235, 20-2-101 through 20-2-406 or this section shall be entered separately from the decree of disposition under W.S. 14-6-229 and shall not be treated as a part of the confidential court record under W.S. 14-6-239. The order may be filed in the district court of any county in the state. From the time of filing, the order shall have the same effect as a judgment or decree of the district court in a civil action and may be enforced by the district attorney, or the department of family services in the same manner and with the same powers as in other child support cases under W.S. 20-2-303, 20-2-304, 20-2-307, 20-2-311, 20-2-401 through 20-2-406 and 20-6-101 through 20-6-222, or in any manner provided by law for enforcement of a civil judgment for money. (c) Repealed by Laws 1993, ch. 85, § 2. 14-6-237. Transfer hearing; transfer of proceedings commenced in district court or in municipal or circuit court. (a) After a petition alleging a child has committed a delinquent act is filed, the court may, on its own motion or that of any party any time prior to the adjudicatory hearing, order a transfer hearing to determine if the matter should be transferred to another court having jurisdiction of the offense charged for criminal prosecution as provided by law. Notice in writing of the time, place and purpose of the transfer hearing shall be given to the child and his parents, guardian or custodian at least three (3) days before the hearing. The transfer hearing shall be conducted in conformity with W.S. 14-6-222 through 14-6-224 except there shall be no jury. (b) The court shall order the matter transferred to the appropriate court for prosecution if after the transfer hearing it finds that proper reason therefor exists. The determinative factors to be considered by the judge in deciding whether the juvenile court's jurisdiction over such offenses will be waived are the following: (i) The seriousness of the alleged offense to the community and whether the protection of the community required waiver; (ii) Whether the alleged offense was committed in an aggressive, violent, premeditated or willful manner; (iii) Whether the alleged offense was against persons or against property, greater weight being given to offenses against persons especially if personal injury resulted; (iv) The desirability of trial and disposition of the entire offense in one (1) court when the juvenile's associates in the alleged offense are adults who will be charged with a crime; (v) The sophistication and maturity of the juvenile as determined by consideration of his home, environmental situation, emotional attitude and pattern of living; (vi) The record and previous history of the juvenile, including previous contacts with the law enforcement agencies, juvenile courts and other jurisdictions, prior periods of probation to this court, or prior commitments to juvenile institutions; (vii) The prospects for adequate protection of the public and the likelihood of reasonable rehabilitation of the juvenile (if he is found to have committed the alleged offense) by the use of procedures, services and facilities currently available to the juvenile court. (c) If the court orders the matter transferred under subsection (b) of this section, the court shall state on the record its basis for the decision. (d) The court may make any necessary orders for the detention of the child until the court to which the matter is transferred has acquired jurisdiction, at which time jurisdiction of the juvenile court with respect to the alleged delinquent act terminates. (e) Statements made by the child at a transfer hearing are not admissible against him over objection in a criminal proceeding following the transfer. (f) If the case is not transferred, the judge who conducted the hearing shall not, over objection of an interested party, preside at the adjudicatory hearing on the petition. If the case is transferred to a court of which the judge who conducted the transfer hearing is also a judge, he may be disqualified from presiding at the criminal proceeding. (g) If any proceeding commenced in the district court is within the concurrent jurisdiction of the juvenile court, the district court may on motion of any party or on its own motion order any proceeding transferred to the juvenile court. The district court judge may, after notice and hearing, find the matter more properly suited to disposition under the provisions of this act. The order of transfer confers upon the juvenile court full jurisdiction in the matter as if originally commenced in the juvenile court. (h) No court other than the district court shall order the transfer of a case to juvenile court. At any time after a proceeding over which the juvenile court has concurrent jurisdiction is commenced in municipal or circuit court, the judge of the court in which the proceeding is commenced may on the court's own motion, or on the motion of any party, suspend further proceedings and refer the case to the office of the district attorney to determine whether a petition should be filed in the juvenile court to commence a proceeding under this act. If a petition is filed under this act, the original proceeding commenced in the municipal or circuit court shall be dismissed. If the district attorney determines not to file a petition under this act, the district attorney shall immediately notify the municipal or circuit court and the proceeding commenced in that court may continue. 14-6-238. Proceedings deemed in equity; effect of orders and decrees. All proceedings under this act shall be regarded as proceedings in equity and the court shall have and exercise equitable jurisdiction. No order or decree pursuant to this act shall be deemed a conviction of a crime or impose any civil disabilities, nor shall it disqualify the child for any civil or military service application or appointment or from holding public office. 14-6-239. Records and reports confidential; inspection. (a) Throughout proceedings pursuant to this act the court shall safeguard the records from disclosure. Upon completion of the proceedings, whether or not there is an adjudication, the court shall order the entire file, except for child support orders, and record of the proceeding sealed and the court shall not release these records except as provided in W.S. 14-6-203(g) or 14-6-240, unless there has been an adjudication of a delinquent act and except to the extent necessary to meet the following inquiries: (i) From another court of law; (ii) From an agency preparing a presentence report for another court; (iii) From a party to the proceeding; (iv) From the department of family services for purposes of establishing, modifying or enforcing a support obligation. (b) Upon receipt of inquiries as set out in this section, the court may release a copy of the presentence investigation report together with a cover letter stating the disposition of the proceeding. (c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 154, § 2. (d) Nothing in subsection (a) of this section shall limit the disclosure of records authorized by W.S. 14-6-604. 14-6-240. Fingerprinting or photographing of child; disclosure of child's records. (a) No child shall be fingerprinted or photographed by a law enforcement agency or peace officer unless: (i) The child has been arrested for a felony; (ii) A petition has been filed in juvenile court alleging the child with having committed a delinquent act which would constitute a felony; (iii) Latent fingerprints are found during the investigation of a criminal offense and a peace officer obtains consent of the parent, guardian or custodian of the juvenile, or obtains a court order based upon probable cause to believe the fingerprints are those of the child; or (iv) The child has been adjudicated to have committed a delinquent act which would constitute a felony if committed by an adult. (b) Fingerprints and photographs of a child adjudicated to have committed a delinquent act which would be a felony if committed by an adult may be retained in a local law enforcement agency file and in the Wyoming division of criminal investigation files in accordance with W.S. 14-6-601 through 14- 6-606. If the matter does not result in an adjudication that the child was a delinquent for having committed an act constituting a felony, the enforcement agency which obtained the fingerprints or photographs pursuant to paragraph (a)(iii) of this section shall destroy those records and shall report the destruction of the records to the court. Further, the court shall order all records pertaining to the matter in the files of law enforcement agencies destroyed or expunged. (c) Repealed by Laws 1979, ch. 18, § 2. (d) Law enforcement records of a child against whom a petition is filed under this act shall be kept separate from records and files of adults and shall not be open to public inspection nor disclosed to the news media without the written consent of the court or except as provided in W.S. 14-6-203(g). (e) The court or the prosecuting attorney may release the name of the minor, the legal records or disposition in any delinquency proceeding filed in juvenile court to the minor's victim or victims and the members of the immediate family of any victim. The victim of a delinquent act constituting a felony shall be provided additional information regarding the delinquency proceeding in accordance with W.S. 14-6-501 through 14-6-509. Except as otherwise allowed under W.S. 14-6-203(g)(i) through (v), legal records released by the court under this subsection shall not include predisposition studies and reports, social summaries, medical or psychological reports, educational records or transcripts of dispositional hearings. (f) Upon a finding that a release of information will serve to protect the public health or safety or that due to the nature or severity of the offense in question the release of information will serve to deter the minor or others similarly situated from committing similar offenses, the court may release the name of the minor, the legal records or disposition in any delinquency proceeding filed in juvenile court to the media or other members of the public having a legitimate interest. Except as otherwise allowed under W.S. 14-6-203, legal records released by the court under this subsection shall not include predisposition studies and reports, social summaries, medical or psychological reports, educational records or transcripts of dispositional hearings. (g) Repealed By Laws 2004, ch. 127, § 3. 14-6-241. Expungement of records in juvenile, circuit and municipal courts. (a) Any person adjudicated delinquent as a result of having committed a delinquent act other than a violent felony as defined by W.S. 6-1-104(a)(xii), under the provisions of this act may petition the court for the expungement of his record in the juvenile court upon reaching the age of majority. Any petition filed under this section shall be verified by the petitioner, served upon and reviewed by the prosecuting attorney, and no order granting expungement shall be issued prior to the expiration of twenty (20) days after service was made. The prosecuting attorney shall file with the court, an objection, if any, to the petition within twenty (20) days after service. If an objection is filed, the court shall set the matter for hearing. If an objection is filed and after investigation the court finds that the petitioner has not been convicted of a felony since adjudication, that no proceeding involving a felony is pending or being instituted against the petitioner and the rehabilitation of the petitioner has been attained to the satisfaction of the court or the prosecuting attorney, it shall order expunged all records in any format including electronic records in the custody of the court or any agency or official, pertaining to the petitioner's case. If no objection is filed, the court may summarily enter an order if the court finds that the petitioner is otherwise eligible for relief under this subsection. Copies of the order shall be sent to each agency or official named in the order. The prosecuting attorney, to the extent practicable and if the state filed the petition for expungement as authorized by W.S. 7-13-1401, shall inform the juvenile of the order of expungement and of the practical effects of the expungement. Upon entry of an order the proceedings in the petitioner's case are deemed never to have occurred and the petitioner may reply accordingly upon any inquiry in the matter. (b) The record of a minor convicted of a violation of a municipal ordinance may be expunged in the same manner as provided in subsection (a) of this section by petition to the municipal court. (c) The record of a minor convicted of a misdemeanor in circuit court may be expunged in the same manner as provided in subsection (a) of this section by petition to the circuit court. (d) The record of a minor admitted to a diversion program or granted a deferral pursuant to Wyoming statute may be expunged in the same manner and subject to the same limitations as provided in subsection (a) of this section by petition to the court ordering the diversion program or deferral. (e) A record of arrest, charges or disposition of a minor resulting in dismissal, declined prosecution or otherwise not resulting in a conviction or an adjudication of delinquency or an adjudication of being a child in need of supervision may be expunged in the same manner and subject to the same limitations as provided in subsection (a) of this section by petition to the court. (f) For purposes of this section, "expungement" means to permanently destroy or delete all records, including physical and electronic records, documents and images of documents. If a minor's name appears on a court list, index or other compilation containing other information not subject to expungement, "expungement" means to redact by obliterating the minor's name from the record. (g) After an order of expungement issued under this section, no record of the minor's identification may be retained by any law enforcement agency, the juvenile court, or by any municipal court, circuit court or any state agency or department except as follows: (i) An agency may retain records to comply with federal reporting requirements. Records kept under this paragraph shall not be otherwise disclosed or released except for the federal reporting purposes and shall be expunged within ten (10) years of the completion of the initial court case; (ii) Expungement of electronic records in a backup database may be completed upon restoration of the backup database, provided that the backup database is not accessible until restored. Any law enforcement agency, court or state agency subject to this paragraph shall implement policies and procedures to ensure expungement of records following restoration of a backup database. (h) The state or municipality may petition the court for the expungement of a record in the juvenile court, circuit court or municipal court pursuant to subsections (a) through (c) of this section, upon the person who was adjudicated delinquent or convicted reaching the age of majority. (j) No filing fee shall be required for a petition for the expungement of a juvenile record under this section. 14-6-242. Liability for contempt; penalties. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the court upon its own motion or upon the motion of the district or county attorney, or guardian ad litem, may find that the child, child's parent, parents, or guardian or any other person who willfully violates, or neglects or refuses to obey or perform any order or provision of this act is liable for contempt of court and may be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or incarcerated not more than ninety (90) days, or both. 14-6-243. Separate docket for juvenile cases; availability of records for statistics. The clerk of the court shall maintain a separate docket for juvenile cases and record therein the case number, the offense charged, the age of the child involved and the disposition made. The records shall be made available for statistical purposes provided the names of the offenders are not revealed unless the offender was adjudicated delinquent for commission of a violent felony as defined by W.S. 6-1-104(a)(xii). 14-6-244. Parental liability for failure to exercise reasonable control and authority. (a) A parent or guardian having custody of a child shall exercise such parental control and authority over the child as is reasonably necessary to prevent the child from engaging in delinquent acts. (b) If the court finds at the hearing of a juvenile petition that the parent or guardian having custody of the child has failed or neglected to subject the juvenile to reasonable parental control and authority, and that such failure or neglect is the proximate cause of the act or acts of the juvenile upon which a finding of delinquency is based, the court may, if the child is placed on probation, require the parent or guardian to furnish a cash deposit or bond in an amount not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), conditioned upon the faithful discharge of the conditions of the child's probation. (c) The court may declare all or part of a cash deposit or bond posted under subsection (b) of this section forfeited if: (i) The juvenile commits a subsequent delinquent act or is found to be in contempt of court or to have violated the terms of his probation; and (ii) The court, after hearing, finds that the child's act was proximately caused by the failure or neglect of the parent or guardian to subject the juvenile to reasonable parental control and authority, including, but not limited to, enforcement of curfew, home detention, school attendance, or other conditions of probation. (d) Funds received upon forfeiture of a cash deposit or bond under subsection (c) of this section shall be applied in payment of damages, if any, which may have been caused by the juvenile. The balance of the proceeds shall be retained by the court to apply to any future damages resulting from the act or acts of the juvenile until the juvenile reaches eighteen (18) years of age at which time any remaining proceeds shall be returned to the parent or guardian. (e) The provisions of this section as it relates to the failure or neglect of a parent or guardian to subject a child to reasonable parental control and authority, are in addition to and not in substitution for any other requirements of law. The provisions of this section shall not apply to foster parents. 14-6-245. Progressive sanction guidelines. (a) The purpose of the progressive sanctions guidelines authorized by W.S. 14-6-245 through 14-6-252 are to: (i) Ensure that juvenile offenders face uniform and consistent consequences and punishments that correspond to the seriousness of each offender's current offense, prior delinquent history, special treatment or training needs and effectiveness of prior interventions; (ii) Balance public protection and rehabilitation while holding juvenile offenders accountable; (iii) Permit flexibility in the decisions made in relation to the juvenile offender to the extent allowed by law; (iv) Consider the juvenile offender's circumstances; and (v) Improve juvenile justice planning and resource allocation by ensuring uniform and consistent reporting of disposition decisions at all levels. 14-6-246. Sanction levels. (a) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, when a child is adjudicated as a delinquent the juvenile court may, in a disposition hearing, assign the child one (1) of the following sanction levels according to the child's conduct: (i) For a misdemeanor punishable under the Wyoming Criminal Code by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, the sanction level is one; (ii) For a misdemeanor punishable under the Wyoming Criminal Code by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, the sanction level is two; (iii) For a felony, other than a violent felony as defined by W.S. 6-1-104(a)(xii), the sanction level is three; (iv) For a violent felony as defined by W.S. 6-1-104(a)(xii), other than a felony punishable by life, life without parole or death, the sanction level is four; (v) For a felony punishable under the Wyoming Criminal Code by life, life without parole or death, the sanction level is five. (b) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, if the child's subsequent adjudication of delinquent conduct involves a violation of the Wyoming Criminal Code that is the same level of seriousness as the child's previous conduct, the juvenile court may assign the child a sanction level that is one (1) level higher than the previously assigned sanction level, unless the child's previously assigned sanction level is five. (c) If the court determines that a child assigned a sanction level of one through four has violated a condition imposed under that sanction level, the court shall conduct a new disposition hearing and may assign the child a sanction level that is one (1) level higher than the previously assigned sanction level. (d) If the juvenile court deviates from the guidelines under this section it shall state in writing its reasons for the deviation and enter the statement into the record. Nothing in W.S. 14-6-245 through 14-6-252 prohibits the imposition of appropriate sanctions that are different from those provided at any sanction level. 14-6-247. Sanctions common to all levels. (a) For a child at any sanction level, the juvenile court may: (i) Transfer temporary legal custody to a relative, other suitable adult, state agency or local public agency the court finds qualified to receive and care for the child, subject to terms and conditions prescribed by the court; (ii) Commit the child to a suitable certified hospital willing to accept the child for not more than ninety (90) days for treatment for substance abuse or for specialized treatment and rehabilitation programs conducted especially for juveniles; (iii) Commit the child to a juvenile detention facility for not more than six (6) months, if the adjudicated delinquent has attained the age of twelve (12) years; (iv) Require the delinquent to participate in a teen court program pursuant to W.S. 7-13-1205; (v) Require the child and his parents or guardian to make restitution for any damage or loss caused by the child's wrongful act, except that the liability of the parent or guardian shall not exceed the limit established by W.S. 14-2-203; (vi) Impose a fine within the limits of law for an offense or misconduct by the child where a fine might be imposed by another court in this state having jurisdiction thereof. Fines shall be paid to the clerk of court for deposit to the public school fund of the county in which the fine was assessed as provided by law; (vii) Require a child, within the limits of applicable laws and regulations governing child labor, to perform a designated number of hours of community service, to participate in a work program or to perform labor or services under the supervision of a responsible adult designated by the court. Any order shall enable the child to meet the obligations imposed pursuant to this act or for the purpose of discipline and rehabilitation when deemed necessary or desirable by the court; (viii) Order the child to be examined or treated by a physician, surgeon, psychiatrist or psychologist or to obtain other specialized treatment, care, counseling or training, and place the child in a hospital or medical facility, youth camp, school or other suitable facility for treatment; (ix) Restrict or restrain the child's driving privileges for a period of time the court deems appropriate. If necessary to enforce the restrictions, the court may take possession of the child's driver's license; (x) Impose any demands, requirements, limitations, restrictions or restraints on the child, and do all things with regard to the child that his parents might reasonably and lawfully do under similar circumstances; (xi) Order the child, his parents, or the guardian, to undergo evaluation and indicated treatment or another program designed to address problems which contributed to the adjudication. A parent or guardian who willfully violates or neglects or refuses to comply with any order of the court may be found in contempt and punished as provided by W.S. 14-6-242; (xii) After notice to appear, order the child's custodial and noncustodial parent or guardian to participate in the child's treatment or plan of supervision or probation, or otherwise order the performance of any acts which are reasonably necessary to aid the juvenile in completion of court ordered obligations; (xiii) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, impose any one (1) or more of the following requirements upon the child's parents or guardian if the court, after hearing, finds that the child's act was proximately caused by the failure or neglect of the parent or guardian to subject the child to reasonable parental control and authority: (A) Order the child's parents or guardian to pay all or part of any fine imposed under paragraph (vi) of this subsection; (B) Require the child's parents or guardian to perform community service with the child; (C) Require the child's parents or guardian to attend parenting classes or other appropriate education or treatment program at their own expense. (xiv) Require the child or the child's parents or guardian and the child to participate in a court supervised treatment program qualified under W.S. 5-12-101 through 5-12- 118, provided the court supervised treatment program accepts the child's parents or guardian and the child for participation in its program. (b) In any proceeding to impose requirements under paragraph (a)(xiii) of this section, the child's parents or guardian may raise as an affirmative defense that they have made a good faith effort to prevent the child from engaging in delinquent conduct or engaging in conduct indicating a need for supervision and that, despite their efforts, the child continues to engage in such conduct. (c) For a child at any sanction level, the juvenile court shall inform the child of the progressive sanctions that may be imposed on the child if the child continues to engage in delinquent conduct. (d) If the juvenile court places the child on probation at any sanction level, the juvenile court shall discharge the child from the custody of the probation department on the date the provisions of this section are met or on the child's twenty- first birthday, whichever is earlier. 14-6-248. Sanction level one. (a) For a child at sanction level one, the juvenile court may: (i) Place the child on probation for not less than three (3) months nor more than six (6) months; (ii) Require the child's parents or guardians to identify restrictions the parents or guardians shall impose on the child's activities and requirements the parents or guardians shall set for the child's behavior; (iii) Refer the child to a community-based youth intervention program designated by the court; (iv) Impose any other sanction or condition listed by W.S. 14-6-247. 14-6-249. Sanction level two. (a) For a child at sanction level two, the juvenile court may: (i) Place the child on probation for not less than six (6) months; (ii) Impose specific restrictions on the child's activities and requirements on the child's behavior as conditions of probation; (iii) Require a probation officer to closely monitor the child's activities and behavior; (iv) Impose any other sanction or condition listed by W.S. 14-6-247. 14-6-250. Sanction level three. (a) For a child at sanction level three, the juvenile court may: (i) Require the child to participate as a condition of probation for not less than three (3) months in a highly intensive and regimented residential program, operated by the department or by a private entity, that emphasizes discipline, physical fitness, social responsibility and productive work; (ii) After release from the program described by paragraph (i) of this subsection, continue the child on probation supervision for not less than six (6) months nor more than twelve (12) months; (iii) Impose highly structured restrictions on the child's activities and requirements for behavior of the child as conditions of probation; (iv) Require a probation officer to closely monitor the child; (v) Impose any other sanction or condition listed by W.S. 14-6-247. 14-6-251. Sanction level four. (a) For a child at sanction level four, the juvenile court may: (i) Commit a child who has attained the age of twelve (12) years to the Wyoming boys' school or the Wyoming girls' school for an indefinite term, provided: (A) On release of the child from the Wyoming boys' school or the Wyoming girls' school, the juvenile court may: (I) Impose highly structured restrictions on the child's activities and requirements for behavior of the child as conditions of release under supervision; (II) Require a probation officer to closely monitor the child for not less than six (6) months; and (III) Impose any other appropriate conditions of supervision. (ii) Impose any other sanction or condition listed by W.S. 14-6-247. 14-6-252. Sanction level five. (a) For a child at sanction level five, the juvenile court may: (i) Commit a child who has attained the age of twelve (12) years to the Wyoming boys' school or the Wyoming girls' school for an indefinite term, provided: (A) On release of the child from the Wyoming boys' school or the Wyoming girls' school, the juvenile court may: (I) Impose highly structured restrictions on the child's activities and requirements for behavior of the child as conditions of release under supervision; (II) Require a probation officer to closely monitor the child for not less than twelve (12) months; and (III) Impose any other appropriate conditions of supervision. (ii) Impose any other sanction or condition listed by W.S. 14-6-247. ARTICLE 3 - JUVENILE PROBATION 14-6-301. Definitions. (a) As used in W.S. 14-6-301 through 14-6-314: (i) "Department" means the department of family services; (ii) "Home leave" means a form of temporary release for a youth from an institution, which is subject to conditions imposed by the institution or juvenile court of jurisdiction; (iii) "Institution" means the Wyoming boys' school, Wyoming girls' school and any other state institution, including a youth correctional facility operated by a private entity in which a Wyoming youth is placed pursuant to W.S. 14-6-201 through 14-6-252; (iv) "Peace officer" means as defined by W.S. 7-2-101(a)(iv); (v) "Probation" means a legal status created by court order following an adjudication of delinquency, a status offense or in need of supervision, where a child is permitted to remain in the child's home subject to supervision by a city, county or state probation officer, the department of family services or other qualified private organization the court may designate. A child is subject to return to the court for violation of the terms or conditions of probation provided for in the court order; (vi) "Probation officer" means a department of family services employee assigned and trained in the performance of probation supervision services pursuant to department rules and regulations, or a local, county or private agency assigned by a juvenile court to perform probation supervision services; (vii) "Probationer" means an adjudicated youth granted probation by the sentencing juvenile court; (viii) "Intensive supervision program" means a program established under W.S. 14-6-309 which allows participants to live or work in the community under close supervision methods. 14-6-302. General powers. (a) The department of family services shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of W.S. 14-6-301 through 14-6-314 including policy relating to: (i) The conduct of predisposition reports, social summaries, multidisciplinary team reviews, case plan development, hearings and interviews; (ii) Home leave applications and procedures; (iii) The duties of department probation officers. 14-6-303. Home leave eligibility and return to institutions. (a) In granting a home leave, the institution shall fix terms and conditions it deems proper to govern the conduct of the youth while the home leave is in effect. The terms and conditions may be special in each case or may be prescribed by general rules and regulations of the department of family services in consultation with the institution. (b) No youth granted a home leave shall be released from an institution until the youth has signed an agreement that the youth will comply with the terms and conditions under which the youth has been released and abide by the laws of the state. The agreement shall be retained in the records of the institution. In addition, no youth shall be granted a home leave until the institution makes a reasonable effort to notify the department of family services' office nearest the site of the home leave. (c) A youth on home leave remains in the legal custody and under the control of the department and may be returned to the institution from which the youth was granted home leave for violation of a condition of home leave. (d) Unless otherwise placed by the department, a home leave violator shall be returned to the institution from which the youth was granted home leave. 14-6-304. Duties of probation officers. (a) Under direction and supervision of the director of the department or division administrators, the designated department probation officers shall: (i) Investigate all cases referred by the juvenile court, the department or an institution, and report to the court, department or institution in writing; (ii) Furnish to each person released on probation or home leave under his supervision a written statement of the conditions of the probation or home leave and instruct the youth regarding the conditions; (iii) Supervise the conduct of each youth on probation or home leave through personal visits, reports and other appropriate means, and report in writing as often as required by the juvenile court, department or institution; (iv) Use all practical and suitable methods, not inconsistent with the conditions imposed by the juvenile court, department or institution, to aid and encourage a youth on probation or home leave to bring about improvement in their conditions and conduct; (v) Repealed By Laws 2013, Ch. 193, § 2. (b) Under the direction and supervision of the juvenile court, a local, county or private agency assigned probation supervision services may perform all duties designated in subsection (a) of this section. 14-6-305. Repealed By Laws 2013, Ch. 193, § 2. 14-6-306. Disclosure of information and data. All information and data obtained in the discharge of official duties by the supervising probation officer is privileged information and shall not be disclosed directly or indirectly to anyone other than to the juvenile court, department of family services, department of education, department of health or to others entitled to receive reports as ordered by the court, such as multidisciplinary teams. 14-6-307. Selection of other agencies. (a) In order to further the objectives of W.S. 14-6-301 through 14-6-308, the department or the juvenile court may appoint a local, county or private agency which, acting under supervision, may: (i) Advise and assist the supervising probation officer with special reference to vocational and technical education services for youth on probation or home leave; (ii) Maintain liaison with all appropriate municipal, county, state and federal agencies whose services aid in the reintegration of youth into society; (iii) Assist in programs relating to the social, health and psychological needs of youth under probation supervision or home leave. (b) Agencies appointed under this section shall not: (i) Have the power of arrest or the right to execute legal process; (ii) Receive compensation from the state. At the discretion of the probation officer or juvenile court, however, agencies may be reimbursed for necessary and actual expenses incurred in performing the duties described in this section. 14-6-308. Applicability of Interstate Compact on Juveniles. (a) The provisions of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles for supervision of youth placed on probation, W.S. 14-6-101, shall govern in all cases in which a juvenile court of this state grants a probationer permission to leave this state to reside in any other state signatory to the compact. Permission shall not be granted to the probationer to reside in another signatory state without the consent of that signatory state. (b) Upon the request of the juvenile court granting probation, the state compact administrator shall apply to the proper authorities of the signatory state for its consent to sending the probationer there. 14-6-309. Authority to establish an intensive supervision program; rulemaking authority. (a) The department is authorized to adopt reasonable rules and regulations to establish an intensive supervision program for juvenile probationers. (b) An intensive supervision program established under this article may require: (i) Electronic monitoring, regimented daily schedules or itineraries, house arrest, telephone contact, drug testing, curfew checks or other supervision methods which facilitate contact with supervisory personnel; (ii) Community service work, family, educational or vocational counseling, treatment for substance abuse, mental health treatment and monitoring of restitution orders and fines previously imposed on the participant; and (iii) Imposition of supervision fees to be paid by participants. (c) Subject to legislative appropriation the department may, by negotiation without competitive bid or by competitive bidding, contract with any governmental or nongovernmental entity to provide services required to carry out the provisions of this article. (d) The department shall have general supervisory authority over all juvenile probationers participating in an intensive supervision program under this article. 14-6-310. Program participation not a matter of right. (a) Participation in an intensive supervision program authorized by this article is a matter of discretion and not of right. (b) No juvenile probationer shall be allowed to participate in an intensive supervision program authorized by this article unless the probationer signs an intensive supervised probation agreement to abide by the terms of all the rules and regulations of the department relating to the operation of the program and agrees to submit to administrative sanctions which may be imposed under W.S. 14-6-314. 14-6-311. Program participation as a condition of release from placement. (a) The department may, as a condition of release from court-ordered placement and if authorized by the court, require a juvenile probationer to participate in an intensive supervision program established under this article, provided: (i) Space and funding are available for the probationer's participation in the program; (ii) The department determines the probationer has a reasonable likelihood of successfully participating in the program. 14-6-312. Placement of probationer in program by juvenile court. (a) A juvenile court may, as a condition of probation, order that a juvenile who has been adjudicated delinquent participate in an intensive supervision program established under this article, provided: (i) Space is available in the program; (ii) The juvenile probationer agrees to participate in the program; (iii) The department determines the probationer has a reasonable likelihood of successfully participating in the program; and (iv) The legislature has specifically appropriated funds or other grants and aid payments authorized for this program are available to pay for the probationer's participation in the program. (b) The department shall be responsible for including in the predispositional study to the juvenile court any recommendations for the utilization of an intensive supervision program created under this article. 14-6-313. Program participation as an alternative to probation revocation. (a) The department may, as an alternative to recommending revocation of probation, offer any juvenile probationer who is not already participating in an intensive supervision program the opportunity to participate in a program authorized under this article, provided: (i) Space and funding are available for the probationer's participation in the program; (ii) The department determines the probationer has a reasonable likelihood of successfully participating in the program; (iii) The probationer agrees to participate in the program; and (iv) The department shall notify the juvenile court and the prosecuting attorney of the probationer's agreement to participate in an intensive supervision program and provide a copy of the signed agreement to the juvenile court and the prosecuting attorney. 14-6-314. Administrative sanctions for program violations. (a) The department is authorized to establish by rule and regulation a system of administrative sanctions as an alternative to probation revocation for juvenile probationers who violate the rules and restrictions of an intensive supervision program established under this article. (b) Authorized sanctions may include: (i) Loss or restriction of privileges; and (ii) Community service. ARTICLE 4 - CHILDREN IN NEED OF SUPERVISION ACT 14-6-401. Short title. (a) This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Children In Need of Supervision Act." (b) If a child alleged of being in need of supervision under this act is an Indian child as defined by W.S. 14-6- 702(a)(iv), the court and all parties shall comply with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act. If any provision of this act conflicts with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act for addressing an allegation of a child being in need of supervision, the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act shall control. 14-6-402. Definitions. (a) As used in this act: (i) "Adjudication" means a finding by the court or the jury, incorporated in a decree, as to the truth of the facts alleged in the petition; (ii) "Adult" means an individual who has attained the age of majority; (iii) "Child" means an individual who is under the age of majority; (iv) "Child in need of supervision" means any child who has not reached his eighteenth birthday who is habitually truant as defined in W.S. 21-4-101(a)(ii) or has run away from home or habitually disobeys reasonable and lawful demands of his parents, guardian, custodian or other proper authority or is ungovernable and beyond control. "Child in need of supervision" includes any child who has not reached his eighteenth birthday who has committed a status offense; (v) "Clerk" means the clerk of a district court acting as the clerk of a juvenile court; (vi) "Commissioner" means a district court commissioner; (vii) "Court" means the juvenile court established by W.S. 5-8-101; (viii) "Custodian" means a person, institution or agency responsible for the child's welfare and having legal custody of a child by court order or having actual physical custody and control of a child and acting in loco parentis; (ix) "Deprivation of custody" means transfer of legal custody by the court from a parent or previous legal custodian to another person, agency, organization or institution; (x) "Detention" means the temporary care of a child in physically restricting facilities pending court disposition or execution of a court order for placement or commitment; (xi) "Judge" means the judge of the juvenile court; (xii) "Legal custody" means a legal status created by court order which vests in a custodian the right to have physical custody of a minor, the right and duty to protect, train and discipline a minor, the duty to provide him with food, shelter, clothing, ordinary medical care, education and in an emergency, the right and duty to authorize surgery or other extraordinary medical care. The rights and duties of legal custody are subject to the rights and duties of the guardian of the person of the minor, and to residual parental rights and duties; (xiii) "Minor" means an individual who is under the age of majority; (xiv) "Parent" means either a natural or adoptive parent of the child, a person adjudged the parent of the child in judicial proceedings or a man presumed to be the father under W.S. 14-2-504; (xv) "Parties" include the child, his parents, guardian or custodian, the state of Wyoming and any other person made a party by an order to appear, or named by the juvenile court; (xvi) "Probation" means a legal status created by court order following an adjudication of in need of supervision, where a child is permitted to remain in his home subject to supervision by a city, county or state probation officer, the department of family services or other qualified private organization the court may designate. A child is subject to return to the court for violation of the terms or conditions of probation provided for in the court order; (xvii) "Protective supervision" means a legal status created by court order following an adjudication of neglect, whereby the child is permitted to remain in his home subject to supervision by the department of family services, a county or state probation officer or other qualified agency or individual the court may designate; (xviii) "Residual parental rights and duties" means those rights and duties remaining with the parents after custody, guardianship of the person or both have been vested in another person, agency or institution. Residual parental rights and duties include but are not limited to: (A) The duty to support and provide necessities of life; (B) The right to consent to adoption; (C) The right to reasonable visitation unless restricted or prohibited by court order; (D) The right to determine the minor's religious affiliation; and (E) The right to petition on behalf of the minor. (xix) "Shelter care" means the temporary care of a child in physically unrestricting facilities pending court disposition or execution of a court order for placement or commitment; (xx) "Status offense" means an offense which, if committed by an adult, would not constitute an act punishable as a criminal offense by the laws of this state or a violation of a municipal ordinance, but does not include a violation of W.S. 12-6-101(b) or (c); (xxi) "This act" means W.S. 14-6-401 through 14-6-440; (xxii) "Substance use disorder assessment" means an evaluation conducted by a qualified person using practices and procedures approved by the department of health to determine whether a person has a need for alcohol or other drug treatment and the level of treatment services required to treat that person; (xxiii) "Another planned permanent living arrangement" means a permanency plan for youth sixteen (16) years of age or older other than reunification, adoption, legal guardianship or placement with a fit and willing relative; (xxiv) "Qualified individual" means a person who meets the requirements of 42 U.S.C. § 675a(c)(1)(D); (xxv) "Qualified residential treatment program" means a program that meets the requirements of 42 U.S.C. § 672(k)(4). 14-6-403. Juvenile court authority over certain issues. (a) Coincident with proceedings concerning a minor alleged to be in need of supervision and subject to the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act, the court has jurisdiction to: (i) Determine questions concerning the right to legal custody of the minor; (ii) Order any party to the proceedings to perform any acts, duties and responsibilities the court deems necessary; or (iii) Order any party to the proceedings to refrain from any act or conduct the court deems detrimental to the best interest and welfare of the minor or essential to the enforcement of any lawful order of disposition of the minor made by the court. (b) Nothing contained in this act is construed to deprive the district court of jurisdiction to determine questions of custody, parental rights, guardianship or any other questions involving minors, when the questions are the subject of or incidental to suits or actions commenced in or transferred to the district court as provided by law. 14-6-404. Venue; change of venue or judge. Proceedings under this act may be commenced in the county where the child is living or is present when the proceedings are commenced or in the county where the misconduct showing the child to be in need of supervision occurred. Change of venue or change of judge may be had under the circumstances and upon the terms and conditions provided by law in a civil action in the district court. 14-6-405. Taking of child into custody; when permitted. (a) A child may be taken into custody by a law enforcement officer without a warrant or court order when: (i) The circumstances would permit an arrest without a warrant under W.S. 7-2-102; (ii) There are reasonable grounds to believe the child has violated the terms of an order of the juvenile court issued pursuant to this act; (iii) There are reasonable grounds to believe a child is abandoned, lost, suffering from illness or injury or seriously endangered by his surroundings and immediate custody appears to be necessary for his protection; (iv) The child's conduct or behavior seriously endangers himself and immediate custody appears necessary; or (v) There are reasonable grounds to believe the child has run away from his parents, guardian or custodian. 14-6-406. Child in custody; no detention or shelter care placement without court order; exceptions; notice to parent or guardian; release. (a) A child taken into custody shall not be placed in detention or shelter care without a court order unless shelter care is required to: (i) Protect the child's person; (ii) Prevent the child from being removed from the jurisdiction of the court; or (iii) Provide the child having no parent, guardian, custodian or other responsible adult with supervision and care and return him to the court when required. (b) Any person taking a child into custody shall as soon as possible notify the child's parent, guardian or custodian. Unless the child's detention or shelter care is authorized by a court order issued pursuant to this act or required for one (1) of the reasons in subsection (a) of this section, the child shall be released to the care of his parent, guardian, custodian or other responsible adult upon that person's written promise to present the child before the court upon request. 14-6-407. Detention or shelter care; delivery of child pending hearing; placing children; notice if no court order. (a) If detention or shelter care of a child appears necessary to the person taking custody of the child, the child shall be delivered as soon as possible to the court or to the detention or shelter care facility designated by the court pending a hearing. (b) In providing detention or shelter care placement: (i) A child alleged to be in need of supervision shall be placed for detention or shelter care in the least restrictive environment reasonably available, which may be a foster home or other child care facility certified by the department of family services or approved by the court; (ii) If facilities or services are not immediately available to house and protect the child, the judge may order the child held in a temporary holding area at the local law enforcement complex. No child in need of supervision shall be placed in a jail, but may be placed in a juvenile detention facility if the child has been adjudicated under article 2 of this chapter for having committed a delinquent act; (iii) A child alleged to be in need of supervision shall, if necessary, be detained in a separate detention home or facility, provided the child shall not be detained in the Wyoming boys' school or the Wyoming girls' school. (c) The person in charge of any detention or shelter care facility shall promptly notify the court and the district attorney of any child being cared for at the facility without a court order and shall deliver the child to the court upon request. 14-6-408. Notice of detention or shelter care to be given district attorney; written statement required; duty of district attorney. (a) When a child is taken into custody without a court order and is placed in detention or shelter care, the person taking custody of the child shall notify the district attorney without delay. Also the person shall as soon as possible file a brief written statement with the district attorney setting forth the facts which led to taking the child into custody and the reason why the child was not released. (b) Upon receiving notice that a child is being held in detention or shelter care, the district attorney shall immediately review the need for detention or shelter care and may order the child released unless he determines detention or shelter care is necessary under the provisions of W.S. 14-6-406(a) or unless ordered by the court. 14-6-409. Taking of child into custody; informal hearing where no court order; conditional release; evidence; rehearing. (a) When a child is placed in detention or shelter care without a court order, a petition as provided in W.S. 14-6-412 shall be promptly filed and presented to the court. An informal detention or shelter care hearing shall be held as soon as reasonably possible not later than forty-eight (48) hours, excluding weekends and legal holidays, after the child is taken into custody to determine if further detention or shelter care is required pending further court action. The child shall be interviewed by the department or its designee prior to the detention or shelter care hearing, but in no event later than twenty-four (24) hours, excluding weekends and legal holidays, after the child is taken into custody. The department or its designee shall submit a written report of the interview to the court, including an assessment of the immediate needs of the child and a recommendation for the most appropriate placement for the child pending court disposition or execution of a court order for placement or commitment. Written notice stating the time, place and purpose of the hearing shall be given to the child and to his parents, guardian or custodian. (b) At the commencement of the hearing the judge shall advise the child and his parents, guardian or custodian of: (i) The contents of the petition and the nature of the allegations contained therein; (ii) Their right to counsel as provided in W.S. 14-6-422; (iii) The right to confront and cross-examine witnesses or to present witnesses or evidence in their own behalf and the right to issuance of process by the court to compel the appearance of witnesses and the production of evidence; (iv) The right to a jury trial as provided in W.S. 14-6-423; and (v) The right to appeal as provided in W.S. 14-6-432. (c) The child shall be given an opportunity to admit or deny the allegations in the petition. If the allegations are admitted, the court shall make the appropriate adjudication and may proceed immediately to a disposition of the case, provided the court has the predisposition report and multidisciplinary recommendations, in accordance with the provisions of W.S. 14-6-429, except that a commissioner acting in the absence or incapacity of the judge may take testimony to establish a factual basis and accept an admission and perform all other requirements of the initial hearing but shall not proceed to disposition. If denied, the court shall set a time not to exceed sixty (60) days for an adjudicatory hearing, unless the court finds good cause to delay or postpone the hearing. In no case shall the court hold the adjudicatory hearing more than ninety (90) days after the date the petition is filed. (d) Regardless of whether the allegations in the petition are admitted or denied, the court shall determine whether or not the child's full-time detention or shelter care is required pending further proceedings. If the court finds that returning the child to the home is contrary to the welfare of the child, the court shall enter the finding on the record and order the child placed in the legal custody of the department of family services. The court shall explain the terms of the court order to the child, his parents or legal guardian and any other person the court deems necessary. If the court finds that full-time detention or shelter care is not required, the court shall order the child released and may impose one (1) or more of the following conditions: (i) Place the child in the custody and supervision of his parents, guardian or custodian, under the protective supervision of the department of family services or under the supervision of any individual or organization approved by the court that agrees to supervise the child; (ii) Place restrictions on the child's travel, associates, activities or place of abode during the period of his release, including a requirement that the child return to the physical custody of his parents, guardian or custodian at specified hours; or (iii) Impose any other terms and conditions of release deemed reasonably necessary to assure the appearance of the child at subsequent proceedings or necessary to his protection from harm. (e) All relevant and material evidence helpful in determining the need for detention or shelter care may be admitted by the court even though not competent in an adjudicatory hearing on the allegations of the petition. (f) If a child is not released after a detention or shelter care hearing and it appears by sworn statement of the parents, guardian or custodian that they did not receive notice and did not waive notice and appearance at the hearing, the court shall rehear the matter without delay. 14-6-410. Hearing conducted by commissioner; authority and duty; review by court. (a) In the absence or incapacity of the judge, the detention or shelter care hearing may be conducted by a district court commissioner of the county in which the child is being held in detention or shelter care. (b) The commissioner may make any order concerning the child's release, continued detention or shelter care as authorized to the judge under W.S. 14-6-409. If the child is not released after the hearing, the commissioner shall promptly file with the court a complete written resume of the evidence adduced at the hearing and his reasons for not releasing the child. The commissioner shall conduct the hearing pursuant to W.S. 14-6-409 except that, if a child who has been advised of his rights wishes to admit the allegations, the commissioner may take testimony to establish a factual basis and accept the admission and perform all other requirements of the initial hearing but shall not proceed to disposition. The hearing shall be conducted in the presence of counsel and guardian ad litem, if so appointed. The commissioner may also appoint counsel, appoint a guardian ad litem, order a predisposition report, appoint a multidisciplinary team, issue subpoenas or search warrants, order physical or medical examinations and authorize emergency medical, surgical or dental treatment all as provided in this act. The commissioner shall not make final orders of adjudication or disposition. (c) The court shall review the reports, orders and actions of the commissioner as soon as reasonably possible and confirm or modify the commissioner's orders and actions as it deems appropriate. 14-6-411. Complaints alleging child in need of supervision; investigation and determination by district attorney. (a) Complaints alleging a child is in need of supervision shall be referred to the office of the district attorney. The district attorney shall determine whether the best interest of the child requires that judicial action be taken. The department of family services and the county sheriff shall provide the district attorney with any assistance he may require in making an investigation. The district attorney shall prepare and file a petition with the court if he believes action is necessary to protect the interest of the child. (b) In determining the action necessary to protect the interest of the public or the child with regard to a petition alleging a child in need of supervision, the prosecuting attorney shall consider the following: (i) Alternative community programs; (ii) Mental health counseling services available to the family; (iii) Family preservation services offered by the department of family services; (iv) Enforcement of compulsory attendance requirements under W.S. 21-4-101 through 21-4-107; (v) Municipal and circuit court remedies; (vi) If the child has reached his sixteenth birthday, whether or not the child presents a clear and present danger to himself, his family or the community. 14-6-412. Commencement of proceedings; contents of petition. (a) Proceedings in juvenile court are commenced by filing a petition with the clerk of the court. The petition and all subsequent pleadings, motions, orders and decrees shall be entitled "State of Wyoming, In the Interest of ...., minor." A petition shall be signed by the district attorney on information and belief of the alleged facts. All petitions must be verified. (b) The petition shall set forth all jurisdictional facts, including but not limited to all of the following: (i) The child's name, date of birth and address; (ii) The names and addresses of the child's parents, guardian or custodian and the child's spouse, if any; (iii) Whether the child is being held in detention or shelter care and if so, the name and address of the facility and the time shelter care commenced; (iv) A statement setting forth with particularity the facts which bring the child within the provisions of this act; (v) Whether the child is an Indian child as defined in the federal Indian Child Welfare Act or as defined by W.S. 14-6-702(a)(iv) and, if so, a statement setting forth with particularity the notice provided to the appropriate tribe and to any other person or entity entitled to notice under the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act. (c) The petition shall state if any of the facts enumerated in subsection (b) of this section are unknown. 14-6-413. Order to appear; contents thereof; when child taken into immediate custody; waiver of service. (a) After a petition is filed, the court shall issue an order to appear. The order shall: (i) State the name of the court, the title of the proceedings and the time and place for the initial hearing; (ii) Direct the persons named therein to appear personally at the hearing and direct the person having actual physical custody or control of the child to present the child before the court at the hearing; (iii) Be directed to the child, the child's parents, guardian, custodian and the child's spouse, if any, and to any other person the court deems necessary. (b) If it appears to the court by affidavit by the district attorney based on actual knowledge or on information and belief that the conduct, condition or surroundings of the child seriously endanger the child's health or welfare, that the child may abscond or be removed from the jurisdiction of the court or that the child will not be brought before the court notwithstanding service of the order, the court may direct in the order to appear that the person serving the order take the child into immediate custody and bring him before the court. (c) Service of the order may be waived either in writing or by voluntary appearance at the hearing, provided a child may waive service of the order only with the consent of his parents, guardian, custodian, guardian ad litem or counsel. 14-6-414. Service of process; order of custody. (a) In proceedings under this act, service of order to appear or other process within the state shall be made by the sheriff of the county where service is made, by his undersheriff or deputy or by any law enforcement officer or responsible adult not a party to the proceeding and appointed by the clerk. (b) Within the state, service of order to appear is made by personally delivering a copy of the order together with a copy of the petition to the person ordered to appear, provided that parents of a child may both be served by personally delivering to either parent two (2) copies of the order and petition, one (1) copy for each parent. A child under the age of fourteen (14) years is served by delivering a copy of the order together with a copy of the petition to the child's parents, guardian, custodian or other adult having the actual physical custody and control of the child or to a guardian ad litem or attorney appointed for the child. (c) If it appears to the court by affidavit that the parents, guardian or custodian of the child cannot be found within the state, the court may order personal service outside the state or service by certified mail with return receipt requested signed by addressee only. If the address of the child's parents, guardian or custodian is unknown and cannot with reasonable diligence be ascertained, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the child and to receive service of process. (d) Service by certified mail is complete on the date the clerk receives the return receipt signed by addressee. Personal service either within or outside the state is complete on the date when copies of the order to appear and petition are delivered to the person to be served. (e) When personal service of order to appear is made within the state, service shall be completed not less than two (2) days before the hearing and when made outside the state, service shall be completed not less than five (5) days before the hearing. However, notwithstanding any provision within this act, the court may order that a child be taken into custody as provided in W.S. 14-6-413 or that a child be held in detention or shelter care pending further proceedings as provided in W.S. 14-6-409, even though service of order to appear on the parents, guardian or custodian of the child is not complete at the time of making the order. 14-6-415. Presence of parent, custodian or guardian at hearing; failure to appear; avoidance of service; issuance of bench warrant. (a) The court shall insure the presence at any hearing of the parents, guardian or custodian of any child subject to the proceedings under this act. (b) Any person served with an order to appear as provided in W.S. 14-6-414 and without reasonable cause fails to appear, is liable for contempt of court and the court may issue a bench warrant to cause the person to be brought before the court. (c) If the child, his parents, guardian or custodian or any other person willfully avoids or refuses service of order to appear, or it appears to the court that service of the order will be ineffectual or that the welfare of the child requires that he be brought immediately into the custody of the court, a bench warrant may be issued by the court for the child or his parents, guardian, custodian or any person having the actual physical custody or control of the child. 14-6-416. Appointment of guardian ad litem. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for a child who is a party to proceedings under this act if the child has no parent, guardian or custodian appearing in his behalf or if the interests of the parents, guardian or custodian are adverse to the best interest of the child. A party to the proceeding or employee or representative thereof shall not be appointed guardian ad litem for the child. 14-6-417. Subpoenas for witnesses and evidence. Upon application of any party to the proceeding, the clerk shall issue and the court on its own motion may issue subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of records, documents or other tangible evidence at any hearing. 14-6-418. Search warrant; when authorized; affidavit required; contents of affidavit and warrant; service and return. (a) The court or a commissioner may issue a search warrant within the court's jurisdiction if it appears by application supported by affidavit of one (1) or more adults that a child is in need of supervision and the child is in hiding to avoid service of process or being taken into custody. (b) The affidavit shall be in writing, signed and affirmed by the affiant. The affidavit shall set forth: (i) The name and age of the child sought, provided that if the name or age of the child is unknown the affidavit shall set forth a description of the child sufficient to identify him with reasonable certainty and a statement that the affiant believes the child is of age to come within the provisions of this act; and (ii) The affiant's belief that the child sought is in need of supervision and is in hiding to avoid service of process or being taken into custody, and a statement of the facts upon which the belief is based. (c) The warrant may be directed to any law enforcement officer of the county or municipality in which the place or premises to be searched is located. The warrant shall: (i) Name or describe the child sought; (ii) Name the address or location and describe the place or premises to be searched; (iii) State the grounds for issuance of the warrant; (iv) Name the person or persons whose affidavit has been taken in support of the warrant; and (v) Authorize the officer to whom the warrant is directed to conduct the search and instruct him as to the disposition of the child if found, pending further proceedings by the court. (d) The officer making the search may enter the place or premises described in the warrant at any time with force if necessary, in order to remove the child. The officer conducting the search shall serve a copy of the warrant upon the person in possession of the place or premises searched and shall return the original warrant to the court showing his actions in the premises. 14-6-419. Physical and mental examinations. (a) Any time after the filing of a petition, on motion of the district attorney or the child's parents, guardian, custodian or attorney or on motion of the court, the court may order the child to be examined by a licensed and qualified physician, surgeon, psychiatrist, psychologist or licensed mental health professional designated by the court to aid in determining the physical and mental condition of the child. The examination shall be conducted on an outpatient basis, but the court may commit the child to a suitable medical facility or institution for examination if deemed necessary. Commitment for examination shall not exceed fifteen (15) days. Any time after the filing of a petition, the court on its own motion or on motion of the district attorney or the child's parents, guardian, custodian or attorney, may order the child's parents, guardians or other custodial members of the child's family to undergo a substance use disorder assessment at the expense of the child's parents, guardians or other custodial members of the child's family and to fully comply with all findings and recommendations set forth in the assessment. Failure to comply may result in contempt proceedings as set forth in W.S. 14-6- 438. (b) If a child has been committed to a medical facility or institution for mental examination prior to adjudication of the petition and if it appears to the court from the mental examination that the child is competent to participate in further proceedings and is not mentally ill or intellectually disabled to a degree rendering the child subject to involuntary commitment to a residential treatment facility, the court shall order the child returned to the court without delay. (c) If it appears to the court by mental examination conducted before adjudication of the petition that a child alleged to be in need of supervision is incompetent to participate in further proceedings by reason of mental illness or intellectual disability to a degree rendering the child subject to involuntary commitment to a residential treatment facility, the court shall hold further proceedings under this act in abeyance. The district attorney shall then commence proceedings in the district court for commitment of the child to the appropriate institution as provided by law. (d) The juvenile court shall retain jurisdiction of the child on the petition pending final determination of the commitment proceedings in the district court. If proceedings in the district court commit the child to a facility or institution for treatment and care of people with mental illness or intellectual disability, the petition shall be dismissed and further proceedings under this act terminate. If proceedings in the district court determine the child does not have a mental illness or an intellectual disability to a degree rendering him subject to involuntary commitment, the court shall proceed to a final adjudication of the petition and disposition of the child under the provisions of this act. 14-6-420. Emergency medical, surgical or dental examination or treatment. The court may authorize and consent to emergency medical, surgical or dental examination or treatment of a child taken into custody under the provisions of this act either before or after the filing of a petition, if in the opinion of a licensed and qualified physician or surgeon the child is suffering from a serious physical condition or illness which requires prompt treatment or prompt examination is necessary to preserve evidence of neglect. 14-6-421. Reports of medical or mental examinations; use of results; copies. The results of any medical or mental examination authorized or ordered by the court shall be reported to the court in writing and signed by the person making the examination. The results may not be considered by the court prior to adjudication but may be considered only in making a disposition under this act. Copies of the examination reports shall be made available to the child's parents, guardian, custodian or attorney upon request. 14-6-422. Advising of right to counsel required; appointment of counsel; verification of financial condition. (a) At their first appearance before the court the child and his parents, guardian or custodian shall be advised by the court of the child's right to be represented by counsel at every stage of the proceedings including appeal, and to employ counsel of their own choice. (b) The court shall upon request appoint counsel to represent the child if the child, his parents, guardian or custodian are unable to obtain counsel. If appointment of counsel is requested, the court shall require the child and his parents, guardian or custodian to verify their financial condition under oath, either by written affidavit signed and sworn to by the parties or by sworn testimony made a part of the record of the proceedings. The affidavit or sworn testimony shall state they are without sufficient money, property, assets or credit to employ counsel. The court may require further verification of financial condition if it deems necessary. If the child requests counsel and his parents, guardian, custodian or other person responsible for the child's support is able but unwilling to obtain counsel for the child, the court shall appoint counsel to represent the child and may direct reimbursement of counsel fees under W.S. 14-6-434. (c) The court may appoint counsel for any party when necessary in the interest of justice. 14-6-423. Rights of parties generally; demand for and conduct of jury trial. (a) A party to any proceeding under this act is entitled to: (i) A copy of all charges made against him; (ii) Confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses; (iii) Introduce evidence, present witnesses and otherwise be heard in his own behalf; and (iv) Issue of process by the court to compel the appearance of witnesses or the production of evidence. (b) A party against whom a petition has been filed or the district attorney may demand a trial by jury at an adjudicatory hearing. The jury shall be composed of jurors selected, qualified and compensated as provided by law for the trial of civil matters in the district court. The jury may also be selected from the prospective jurors on the base jury list residing within five (5) miles of the city or town where the trial is to be held, whichever the court directs. Demand for a jury trial must be made to the court not later than ten (10) days after the party making the demand is advised of his right to a jury trial. No deposit for jury fees is required. Failure of a party to demand a jury is a waiver of this right. 14-6-424. Conduct of hearings generally; exclusion of general public and child; exceptions; consolidations permitted. (a) Unless a jury trial is demanded, hearings under this act shall be conducted by the court without a jury in an informal but orderly manner and separate from other proceedings not included under this act. The district attorney shall present evidence in support of the petition and otherwise represent the state. If the allegations in the petition are denied, adjudicatory and disposition hearings shall be recorded by the court reporter or by electronic, mechanical or other appropriate means. (b) Except in hearings to declare a person in contempt of court, the general public are excluded from hearings under this act. Only the parties, counsel for the parties, jurors, witnesses, and other persons the court finds having a proper interest in the proceedings or in the work of the court shall be admitted. If the court finds it necessary in the best interest of the child, the child may be temporarily excluded from any hearing except while evidence is being received at an adjudicatory hearing in support of the allegations of his need for supervision. (c) Hearings on two (2) or more petitions may be consolidated for purposes of adjudication when the allegations in the petitions pertain to the same act constituting the alleged need for supervision. Separate hearings on the petitions may be held thereafter for purposes of disposition. (d) Repealed By Laws 2004, ch. 127, § 3. 14-6-425. Burden of proof required; verdict of jury; effect thereof. (a) Allegations that a child is in need of supervision must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. (b) If trial by jury is demanded, the jury shall decide issues of fact raised by the petition and return its verdict as to the truth of the allegations contained in the petition. A finding by the jury that the allegations are true is a determination that judicial intervention is necessary for the best interest and welfare of the child. 14-6-426. Initial appearance; adjudicatory hearing; entry of decree and disposition; evidentiary matters; continuance of disposition hearing. (a) At their initial hearing, which may be held after a detention or shelter care hearing, the child and his parents, guardian or custodian shall be advised by the court of their rights under law and as provided in this act. They shall also be advised of the specific allegations in the petition and the child shall be given an opportunity to admit or deny them. They shall also be advised of the possible liability for costs of treatment or services pursuant to this act. It is not necessary at the initial appearance for the district attorney to establish probable cause to believe the allegations in the petition are true. When a detention or shelter care hearing is held in accordance with W.S. 14-6-409, a separate initial hearing is not required if the child and his parents, guardian or custodian were present at the detention or shelter care hearing and advised by the court as provided in this subsection. (b) If the allegations of the petition are denied, the court may, with consent of the parties, proceed immediately to hear evidence on the petition or it may set a later time not to exceed sixty (60) days for an adjudicatory hearing, unless the court finds good cause to delay or postpone the hearing. In no case shall the court hold the adjudicatory hearing more than ninety (90) days after the date the petition is filed. Only competent, relevant and material evidence shall be admissible at an adjudicatory hearing to determine the truth of the allegations in the petition. If after an adjudicatory hearing the court finds that the allegations in the petition are not established as required by this act, it shall dismiss the petition and order the child released from any detention or shelter care. (c) If after an adjudicatory hearing or a valid admission or confession the court or jury finds that a child is in need of supervision, it shall enter a decree to that effect stating the jurisdictional facts upon which the decree is based. It may then proceed immediately or at a postponed hearing within sixty (60) days to make proper disposition of the child, unless the court finds good cause to delay or postpone the hearing. (d) In detention or shelter care hearings or disposition hearings, all material and relevant evidence helpful in determining questions may be received by the court and relied upon for probative value. The parties or their counsel may examine and controvert written reports received as evidence and cross-examine persons making the reports. (e) On motion of any party or on its own motion, the court may continue a disposition hearing for a reasonable time not to exceed sixty (60) days to receive reports and other evidence bearing on the disposition to be made. The court shall make an appropriate order for detention or shelter care of the child or for his release from detention or shelter care subject to any terms and conditions the court deems necessary during the period of continuance. (f) At any time prior to disposition under W.S. 14-6-429, the court, on motion of any party or on its own motion, may reconsider its order regarding detention or shelter care or conditions of release made under W.S. 14-6-409 or 14-6-414. 14-6-427. Predisposition studies and reports. (a) After a petition is filed alleging the child is in need of supervision, the court shall order the department of family services to make a predisposition study and report. The court shall establish a deadline for completion of the report. While preparing the study the department shall consult with the child's school and school district to determine the child's educational needs. The study and report shall also cover: (i) The social history, environment and present condition of the child and his family; (ii) The performance of the child in school, including whether the child receives special education services and how his goals and objectives might be impacted by the court's disposition, provided the school receives authorization to share the information; (iii) The presence of child abuse and neglect or domestic violence histories, past acts of violence, learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities or physical impairments and the necessary services to accommodate the disabilities and impairments; (iv) The presence of any mental health or substance abuse risk factors, including current participation in counseling, therapy or treatment; and (v) Other matters relevant to treatment of the child, including any pertinent family information, or proper disposition of the case, including any information required by W.S. 21-13-315(d). (b) Within ten (10) days after a petition is filed alleging a child is in need of supervision, the court shall appoint a multidisciplinary team. Upon motion by a party, the court may add or dismiss a member of the multidisciplinary team. (c) The multidisciplinary team shall include the following: (i) The child's parent, parents or guardian; (ii) A representative of the school district who has direct knowledge of the child and, if the child receives special education, is a member of the child's individualized education plan team; (iii) A representative of the department of family services; (iv) The child's psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health professional; (v) The district attorney or his designee; (vi) The child's attorney or guardian ad litem, if one is appointed by the court; (vii) The volunteer lay advocate, if one is appointed by the court; and (viii) The foster parent. (d) In addition to the persons listed in subsection (c) of this section, the court may appoint one (1) or more of the following persons to the multidisciplinary team: (i) Repealed By Laws 2005, ch. 236, § 4. (ii) Repealed By Laws 2005, ch. 236, § 4. (iii) The child; (iv) A relative; (v) If the predispositional study indicates a parent or child has special needs, an appropriate representative of the department of health's substance abuse, mental health or developmental disabilities division who has knowledge of the services available in the state's system of care that are pertinent to those identified needs; (vi) Other professionals or persons who have particular knowledge relating to the child or his family, or expertise in children's services and the child's or parent's specific disability or special needs, including linguistic and cultural needs. (e) Before the first multidisciplinary team meeting, the department of family services shall provide each member of the multidisciplinary team with a brief summary of the case detailing the allegations in the petition that have been adjudicated, if any. The multidisciplinary team shall, as quickly as reasonably possible, review the child's personal and family history, school, mental health and department of family services records and any other pertinent information, for the purpose of making case planning recommendations. The team shall involve the child in the development of recommendations to the extent appropriate. (f) At the first multidisciplinary team meeting, the team shall formulate reasonable and attainable recommendations for the court outlining the goals or objectives the parents should be required to meet for the child to be returned to the home or for the case to be closed. At each subsequent meeting, the multidisciplinary team shall review the progress of the parents and the child, and shall reevaluate the plan ordered by the court. For cause, which shall be set forth with specificity, the multidisciplinary team may adjust its recommendations to the court with respect to the goals or objectives in the plan to effect the return of the child to the home or to close the case, or until ordered by the court in termination proceedings. In formulating recommendations, the multidisciplinary team shall give consideration to the best interest of the child, the best interest of the family, the most appropriate and least restrictive case planning options available as well as costs of care. After each multidisciplinary team meeting, the coordinator shall prepare for submission to each member of the team and to the court a summary of the multidisciplinary team meeting specifically describing the recommendations for the court and the goals and objectives which should be met to return the child to the home or to close the case, or until ordered by the court in termination proceedings. If the recommendations for the case plan have been changed, the summary shall include a detailed explanation of the change in the recommendations and the reasons for the change. (g) All records, reports and case planning recommendations of the multidisciplinary team are confidential except as provided by this section. Any person who willfully violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). (h) The court shall not consider any report or recommendation under this section prior to adjudication of the allegations in the petition without the consent of the child and the child's parents, guardian or custodian. (j) Any member of a multidisciplinary team who cannot attend team meetings in person or by telephone may submit written reports and recommendations to the other team members and to the court. Individuals who are not members of the multidisciplinary team but have knowledge pertinent to the team's decisions may be asked to provide information to the multidisciplinary team. The individuals shall be bound by the confidentiality provisions of subsection (g) of this section. (k) The department shall develop a case plan for a juvenile when there is a recommendation to place the child outside the home. (m) If the child is placed outside the home, the multidisciplinary team shall meet quarterly to review the child's and the family's progress toward meeting the goals or expectations in the case plan and the multidisciplinary team shall provide a written report with recommendations to the court prior to each review hearing. (n) No later than five (5) business days prior to the dispositional hearing, the multidisciplinary team shall file with the court the multidisciplinary team report which shall include the multidisciplinary team's recommendations and the department case plan in a standard format established by the department. (o) Five (5) business days prior to each review hearing, the multidisciplinary team shall file with the court a report updating the multidisciplinary team report, the multidisciplinary team's recommendations and the department case plan. 14-6-428. Abeyance of proceedings by consent decree; term of decree; reinstatement of proceedings; effect of discharge or completing term. (a) At any time after the filing of a petition alleging a child to be in need of supervision and before adjudication, the court may issue a consent decree ordering further proceedings held in abeyance and place a child in need of supervision under the supervision of the department of family services or any other qualified person the court may designate. The placement of the child is subject to the terms, conditions and stipulations agreed to by the parties affected. The consent decree shall not be entered without the consent of the district attorney, the child's legal representative, where applicable, and the child and the notification of the parents. Modifications to an existing consent decree may be allowed. (b) The consent decree agreement shall be in writing and copies given to each of the parties. It shall include the case plan for the child or his family. (c) A consent decree shall be in force for the period agreed upon by the parties but not longer than one (1) year unless sooner terminated by the court. If prior to discharge by the court or expiration of the consent decree, a child alleged to be in need of supervision fails to fulfill the terms and conditions of the decree or a new petition is filed alleging the child to be in need of supervision because of misconduct occurring during the term of the consent decree, the original petition and proceedings may be reinstated upon order of the court after hearing and the matter may proceed as though the consent decree had never been entered. If, as part of the consent decree, the child made an admission to any of the allegations contained in the original petition, that admission shall be entered only if the court orders that the original petition and proceeding be reinstated and the admissions, if any, be entered. If the admission is entered, the court may proceed to disposition pursuant to W.S. 14-6-426. (d) If a consent decree is in effect and the child is in placement, the court shall hold a six (6) month review and twelve (12) month review as provided under W.S. 14-6-429. (e) A child discharged by the court under a consent decree without reinstatement of the original petition and proceeding shall not thereafter be proceeded against in any court for the same misconduct alleged in the original petition. 14-6-429. Decree where child adjudged in need of supervision; dispositions; terms and conditions; legal custody. (a) In determining the disposition to be made under this act in regard to any child: (i) The court shall review the predisposition report, the recommendations, if any, of the multidisciplinary team, the case plan and other reports or evaluations ordered by the court and indicate on the record what materials were considered in reaching the disposition; (ii) If the court does not place the child in accordance with the recommendations of the predisposition report or multidisciplinary team, the court shall enter on the record specific findings of fact relied upon to support its decision to deviate from the recommended disposition; (iii) When a child is adjudged by the court to be in need of supervision the court shall enter its decree to that effect and make a disposition as provided in this section that places the child in the least restrictive environment consistent with what is best suited to the public interest of preserving families, the physical, mental and moral welfare of the child; (iv) When a child is adjudged to be in need of supervision the court shall ensure that reasonable efforts were made by the department of family services to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from the child's home or to make it possible for the child to return to the child's home. Before placing a child outside of the home, the court shall find by clear and convincing evidence that to return the child to the child's home would not be in the best interest of the child despite efforts that have been made; (v) The court shall not order an out-of-state placement unless: (A) Evidence has been presented to the court regarding the costs of the out-of-state placement being ordered together with evidence of the comparative costs of any suitable alternative in-state treatment program or facility, as determined by the department of family services pursuant to W.S. 21-13-315(d)(vii), whether or not placement in the in-state program or facility is currently available; (B) The court makes an affirmative finding on the record that no placement can be made in a Wyoming institution or in a private residential treatment facility or group home located in Wyoming that can provide adequate treatment or services for the child; and (C) The court states on the record why no in-state placement is available. (b) If the child is found to be in need of supervision the court may: (i) Permit the child to remain in the custody of his parents, guardian or custodian under protective supervision, subject to terms and conditions prescribed by the court; (ii) Transfer temporary legal custody to a relative or other suitable adult the court finds qualified to receive and care for the child, with supervision, subject to terms and conditions prescribed by the court; (iii) Transfer temporary legal custody to a state or local public agency responsible for the care and placement of children in need of supervision, provided: (A) The child shall not be committed to the Wyoming boys' school or the Wyoming girls' school unless the child has attained the age of twelve (12) years and is also found delinquent; (B) The court may not transfer the temporary legal custody to a state agency for out-of-community placement unless the child or the child's family has failed to perform under a court supervised consent decree or the department of family services has certified that a community treatment plan has proven unsuccessful. (c) In cases where a child is ordered removed from the child's home: (i) If a child is committed or transferred to an agency or institution under this section: (A) At least every three (3) months the agency or institution shall recommend to the court if the order should be continued; (B) Not less than once every six (6) months, the court of jurisdiction shall conduct a formal review to assess and determine the appropriateness of the current placement, the reasonable efforts made to reunify the family, the safety of the child and the permanency plan for the child. During this review: (I) The department of family services shall present to the court: (1) If the permanency plan is classified as another planned permanent living arrangement, documentation of the ongoing and unsuccessful efforts to return the child home or place the child for adoption or with a legal guardian or a fit and willing relative for purposes of guardianship or adoption, including evidence of efforts to use social media or other search technology to find biological family members for the child; (2) Efforts made to ensure that the child is provided, to the greatest extent possible, the opportunity to participate in age appropriate or developmentally appropriate activities and experiences as defined in W.S. 14-13- 101(a)(i) to promote healthy child and adolescent development consistent with W.S. 14-13-101 through 14-13-104; and (3) If the child is placed in a qualified residential treatment program: a. Information to show that ongoing assessment of the child's strengths and needs continues to support the determination that placement in a qualified residential treatment program provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment, consistent with the short-term and long-term goals of the child and the child's permanency plan; b. The specific treatment needs that will be met for the child in the placement; c. The length of time the child is expected to remain in the placement; d. The efforts made by the department of family services to prepare the child to return home or be placed for adoption or legal guardianship. (II) The court shall: (1) Determine whether the permanency plan is in the best interest of the child and whether the department of family services has made reasonable efforts to finalize the plan; (2) Order the department of family services to take any additional steps necessary to effectuate the terms of the permanency plan; (3) Ask the child or, if the child is not present at the review, the child's guardian ad litem or other legal representative about the child’s desired permanency outcome; (4) If the permanency plan is classified as another planned permanent living arrangement: a. Make a judicial determination and explain why, as of the date of the review, another planned permanent living arrangement is the best permanency plan for the child; and b. Provide reasons why it continues not to be in the best interest of the child to return home or be placed for adoption or with a legal guardian, or be placed with a fit and willing relative for purposes of guardianship or adoption. (5) Make findings whether the child has been provided, to the greatest extent possible, the opportunity to participate in age appropriate or developmentally appropriate activities and experiences as defined in W.S. 14-13-101(a)(i) to promote healthy child and adolescent development consistent with W.S. 14-13-101 through 14-13-104. (ii) The court shall order the parents or other legally obligated person to pay a reasonable sum for the support and treatment of the child as required by W.S. 14-6-435, or shall state on the record the reasons why an order for support was not entered; (iii) In cases where the child is placed in custody of the department, support shall be established by the department through a separate civil action; (iv) Any order regarding potential placement at a psychiatric residential treatment facility shall not specify a particular psychiatric residential treatment facility or level of care for the placement of the child; (v) If the child is placed in a qualified residential treatment program: (A) Within thirty (30) days of the placement a qualified individual shall conduct an assessment to determine whether the child's needs can be met through placement with family members or in a foster family home, or if the placement in a qualified residential treatment program provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment consistent with the short-term and long-term goals of the child and the child's permanency plan; (B) Within sixty (60) days of the placement the court shall: (I) Consider the assessment completed pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; (II) Determine whether the needs of the child can be met through placement in a foster family home or whether the placement in a qualified residential treatment program provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment; (III) Determine whether placement is consistent with the short-term and long-term goals for the child, as specified in the child's permanency plan; (IV) Approve or disapprove the placement. (d) As a part of any order of disposition and the terms and conditions thereof, the court may: (i) Require a child to perform a designated number of hours of community service, or to participate in a work program or to perform labor or services under the supervision of a responsible adult designated by the court and within the limits of applicable laws and regulations governing child labor, to enable the child to meet the obligations imposed pursuant to this act or for the purpose of discipline and rehabilitation when deemed necessary or desirable by the court; (ii) Order the child to be examined or treated by a physician, surgeon, psychiatrist or psychologist or to obtain other specialized treatment, care, counseling or training, and place the child in a hospital or medical facility, youth camp, school or other suitable facility for treatment; (iii) Restrict or restrain the child's driving privileges for a period of time the court deems appropriate, and if necessary to enforce the restrictions the court may take possession of the child's driver's license; (iv) Impose any demands, requirements, limitations, restrictions or restraints on the child, and do all things with regard to the child that his parents might reasonably and lawfully do under similar circumstances; (v) Order the child, or his parents, or both, to undergo evaluation and indicated treatment or another program designed to address problems which contributed to the adjudication. A parent who willfully violates or neglects or refuses to comply with any order of the court may be found in contempt and punished as provided by W.S. 14-6-438; (vi) After notice to appear, order the child's custodial and noncustodial parent or guardian to participate in the child's treatment or plan of supervision or probation, or otherwise order the performance of any acts which are reasonably necessary to aid the juvenile in completion of court ordered obligations; (vii) Require the child's parents or guardian to attend a parenting class or other appropriate education or treatment and to pay all or part of the cost of the class, education or treatment in accordance with the court's determination of their ability to pay; (viii) Require the child's parents or guardian and the child to participate in a court supervised treatment program qualified under W.S. 5-12-101 through 5-12-118, provided the court supervised treatment program accepts the child's parents or guardian and the child for participation in its program. (e) An institution, organization or agency vested with legal custody of a child by court order shall with court approval, have the right to determine where and with whom the child shall live, provided that placement of the child does not remove him from the state of Wyoming without court authorization. An individual vested with legal custody of a child by court order shall personally exercise custodial rights and responsibilities unless otherwise authorized by the court. (f) Whenever the court vests legal custody of a child in an institution, organization or agency it shall transmit with the order copies of all clinical reports, social studies and other information pertinent to the care and treatment of the child. The institution, organization or agency receiving legal custody of a child shall provide the court with any information concerning the child that the court may request. (g) In placing a child in the custody of an individual or a private agency or institution, the court shall give primary consideration to the needs and welfare of the child. Where a choice of equivalent services exists, the court shall, whenever practicable, select a person or an agency or institution governed by persons of the same religion as that of the parents of the child. In case of a difference in the religious faith of the parents, then the court shall select the person, agency or institution governed by persons of the religious faith of the child, or if the religious faith of the child is not ascertainable, then of the faith of either parent. (h) Any disposition order for a child in need of supervision continues in force for not more than one (1) year, as ordered by the court. A hearing shall be held before the expiration of the disposition order to determine the appropriateness of continuing the order including but not limited to whether the child should be returned to the parent's custody, remain under custody as ordered or have the custody order amended. The court shall enter an appropriate disposition order after each hearing under this subsection. (j) The clerk of the court granting probation to a youth adjudicated in need of supervision shall send a certified copy of the order to the department of family services if the department has been requested to provide supervision of the probationer. (k) At the time of granting probation or at any later time, the court may request the department of family services to provide supervision of the probationer. The supervising probation officer shall not be required to supervise or report on a youth granted probation unless requested to do so by the court granting probation. (m) A department of state government vested with temporary legal custody of a child by court order under this section has authority to place the child in a residential facility or other out-of-home placement of similar or less restrictive confinement provided: (i) At least ten (10) days prior to the change in placement written notice of the proposed placement is served upon the child, the child's parents, the child's representative, the current placement provider and the office of the district attorney of original jurisdiction, personally or by certified mail to the recipient's last known address; and (ii) None of the parties within ten (10) days after notice is filed with the juvenile court having jurisdiction, makes a written objection to the proposed change in placement. (n) Repealed By Laws 2011, Ch. 12, § 2. 14-6-430. Orders of protection; requirements. (a) On application of any party to the proceedings or on its own motion the court may make an order of protection in support of the decree and order of disposition, restraining or otherwise controlling the conduct of the child's parents, guardian or custodian or any party to the proceeding whom the court finds to be encouraging, causing or contributing to the acts or conditions which bring the child within the provisions of this act. (b) The order of protection may require the person against whom it is directed to do or to refrain from doing any acts required or forbidden by law and necessary for the welfare of the child and the enforcement of the order of disposition, including the following requirements to: (i) Perform any legal obligation of support; (ii) Not make contact with the child or his place of abode; (iii) Refrain from conduct which in any way interferes with or disrupts the control and supervision of the child by his legal custodian; (iv) Permit a parent reasonable visitation privileges under specified conditions and terms; (v) Give proper attention to care of the home and to refrain from conduct detrimental to the child and the home environment; (vi) Enforce the child's compliance with the terms and conditions imposed upon him by the order of disposition. 14-6-431. Duration of orders of disposition; termination of orders. (a) An order of disposition shall remain in force for an indefinite period until terminated by the court whenever it appears the purpose of the order has been achieved and it is in the child's best interest that he be discharged from further court jurisdiction. (b) Unless sooner terminated by court order, all orders issued under this act shall terminate with respect to a child adjudicated in need of supervision when he reaches eighteen (18) years of age. If the child is still in the custody of the department upon attaining the age of eighteen (18) years, services may be provided on a case by case basis. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this act, any placement of a child in need of supervision shall be reviewed by the court within six (6) months of the date of placement to determine if the placement is appropriate. 14-6-432. Appeal; right generally; transcript provided; cost thereof. (a) Any party including the state may appeal any final order, judgment or decree of the juvenile court to the supreme court within the time and in the manner provided by the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure. (b) Upon motion of the child or his parents, guardian or custodian, supported by affidavit stating they are financially unable to purchase a transcript of the proceeding, a transcript or so much thereof necessary to support the appeal shall be provided at no cost or at a cost the court determines they are able to pay. Any cost of the transcript not charged to the appellant shall be certified by the court to the county treasurer and paid from the funds of the county in which the proceedings were held. 14-6-433. Stay of orders pending appeal; securing of payment; staying transfer of legal custody. (a) If an appeal is taken, an order to pay a fine, costs, support for a child, restitution or any order for the payment of money may be stayed by the juvenile court or by the supreme court pending appeal. The court may require the appellant to deposit with the clerk of court the whole or any part of the payment ordered, to give bond for the payment thereof or any other terms and conditions to secure payment upon final determination of the appeal as the court deems proper. The court may also issue any appropriate order to restrain the appellant from dissipating his assets pending appeal. (b) Either the juvenile court or the supreme court may stay an order transferring legal custody of a child to a person, agency, organization or institution other than his parents, guardian or former custodian, provided that suitable provision is made for the shelter care of the child pending the appeal. 14-6-434. Fees, costs and expenses. (a) There is no fee for filing a petition under this act nor shall any state, county or local law enforcement officer charge a fee for service of process under this act. Witness fees, juror fees and travel expenses in the amounts allowable by law may be paid to persons other than the parties who are subpoenaed or required to appear at any hearing pursuant to this act. (b) The following costs and expenses, when approved and certified by the court to the county treasurer, shall be a charge upon the funds of the county where the proceedings are held and shall be paid by the board of county commissioners of that county: (i) Witness fees and travel expense; (ii) Jury fees, costs and travel expense; (iii) Costs of service of process or notice by certified mail; (iv) Costs of any physical or mental examinations or treatment ordered by the court; (v) Reasonable compensation for services and costs of counsel appointed by the court; (vi) Reasonable compensation for services and costs of a guardian ad litem appointed by the court, unless the county participates in the guardian ad litem program administered by the office of guardian ad litem pursuant to W.S. 14-12-101 through 14-12-104 and the office was appointed to provide the guardian ad litem; and (vii) Any other costs of the proceedings which would be assessable as costs in the district court. (c) In every case in which a guardian ad litem has been appointed to represent the child under this act or in which counsel has been appointed under this act to represent a child or the child's parents, guardian or custodian, the court shall determine whether the child, the child's parents, guardian, custodian or other person responsible for the child's support is able to pay part or all of the costs of representation and shall enter specific findings on the record. If the court determines that any of the parties is able to pay any amount as reimbursement for costs of representation, the court shall order reimbursement or shall state on the record the reasons why reimbursement was not ordered. The court may also in any case order that all or any part of the costs and expenses enumerated in paragraphs (b)(i), (iii), (iv) and (vii) of this section, be reimbursed to the county by the child, the child's parents or any person legally obligated for his support, or any of them jointly and severally, upon terms the court may direct. An order for reimbursement of costs made pursuant to this subsection may be enforced as provided in W.S. 14-6-435. Any reimbursement ordered for guardian ad litem services provided pursuant to W.S. 14-12-101 through 14-12-104 shall be apportioned between the county and the office of guardian ad litem in accordance with payments made for those services. 14-6-435. Ordering payment for support and treatment of child; how paid; enforcement. (a) When legal custody of a child, other than temporary guardianship, is vested by court order in an individual, agency, institution or organization other than the child's parents, the court shall in the same or any subsequent proceeding inquire into the financial condition of the child's parents or any other person who may be legally obligated to support the child. After due notice and hearing the court shall order the parents or any other legally obligated person to pay a reasonable sum for the support and treatment of the child during the time that a dispositional order is in force. The requirements of W.S. 20-2-101 through 20-2-406 apply to this section. The amount of support shall be determined in accordance with the presumptive child support established by W.S. 20-2-304. In any case where the court has deviated from the presumptive child support, the reasons therefor shall be specifically set forth in the order. The amount ordered to be paid shall be paid to the clerk of the juvenile court for transmission to the person, institution or agency having legal custody of the child or to whom compensation is due. The clerk of court is authorized to receive periodic payments payable in the name or for the benefit of the child, including but not limited to social security, veteran's administration benefits or insurance annuities, and apply the payments as the court directs. An order for support under this subsection shall include a statement of the addresses and social security numbers if known, of each obligor, the names and addresses of each obligor's employer and the names and birth dates of each child to whom the order relates. The court shall order each obligor to notify the clerk of court in writing within fifteen (15) days of any change in address or employment. If any person who is legally obligated to support the child does not have full time employment, the court may require that person to seek full time employment and may require community service work in lieu of payment until full time employment is obtained. (b) An order for the payment of money entered against a parent or other person legally obligated to support a child under the provisions of W.S. 14-6-434, 20-2-101 through 20-2-406 or this section shall be entered separately from the decree of disposition under W.S. 14-6-429 and shall not be treated as a part of the confidential court record under W.S. 14-6-437. The order may be filed in the district court of any county in the state. From the time of filing, the order shall have the same effect as a judgment or decree of the district court in a civil action and may be enforced by the district attorney, or the department of family services in the same manner and with the same powers as in other child support cases under W.S. 20-2-303, 20-2-304, 20-2-307, 20-2-311, 20-2-401 through 20-2-406 and 20-6-101 through 20-6-222, or in any manner provided by law for enforcement of a civil judgment for money. 14-6-436. Proceedings deemed in equity. All proceedings under this act shall be regarded as proceedings in equity and the court shall have and exercise equitable jurisdiction. 14-6-437. Records and reports confidential; inspection. (a) Throughout proceedings pursuant to this act the court shall safeguard the records from disclosure. Upon completion of the proceedings, whether or not there is an adjudication, the court shall order the entire file, except for child support orders, and record of the proceeding sealed and the court shall not release these records except to the extent necessary to meet the following inquiries: (i) From another court of law; (ii) From an agency preparing a presentence report for another court; (iii) From a party to the proceeding; (iv) From the department of family services for purposes of establishing, modifying or enforcing a support obligation. (b) Upon receipt of inquiries as set out in this section, the court may release a copy of the presentence investigation report together with a cover letter stating the disposition of the proceeding. 14-6-438. Liability for contempt; penalties. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the court upon its own motion or upon the motion of the district or county attorney, or guardian ad litem, may find that the child, the child's parent, parents, or guardian or any other person who willfully violates, or neglects or refuses to obey or perform any order or provision of this act is liable for contempt of court and may be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or incarcerated not more than ninety (90) days, or both. 14-6-439. Separate docket for juvenile cases; availability of records for statistics. The clerk of the court shall maintain a separate docket for cases under this act and record therein the case number, the allegations of the petition, the age of the child involved and the disposition made. The records shall be made available for statistical purposes provided the names of the parties are not revealed. 14-6-440. Expungement of records in juvenile court. Any person adjudicated in need of supervision under the provisions of this act may petition the court for the expungement of his record in the juvenile court upon reaching the age of majority. If after investigation the court finds that the petitioner has not been convicted of a felony since adjudication, that no proceeding involving a felony is pending or being instituted against the petitioner and the rehabilitation of the petitioner has been attained to the satisfaction of the court or the prosecuting attorney, it shall order expunged all records in any format including electronic records in the custody of the court or any agency or official, pertaining to the petitioner's case. Copies of the order shall be sent to each agency or official named in the order. Upon entry of an order the proceedings in the petitioner's case are deemed never to have occurred and the petitioner may reply accordingly upon any inquiry in the matter. Expungement pursuant to this section shall be accomplished as provided in W.S. 14-6- 241. ARTICLE 5 - VICTIMS OF DELINQUENT ACTS 14-6-501. Definitions. (a) As used in this act: (i) "Delinquent act" means any act defined by W.S. 14-6-201(a)(ix) which constitutes a felony; (ii) "Victim" means an individual who has suffered direct or threatened physical, emotional or financial harm as the result of the commission of a delinquent act or a family member of a victim who is a minor or an incompetent or a surviving family member of a homicide victim; (iii) "This act" means W.S. 14-6-501 through 14-6-509. 14-6-502. Victim bill of rights. (a) Victims shall have the following rights: (i) To be provided notification and information about events affecting the status of the case. These events shall include, but are not limited to, the following as specified in W.S. 14-6-503: (A) The general status of the case, provided the release of information does not compromise the investigation or endanger witnesses; (B) The scheduled hearings of the case; (C) The disposition phase of the case; (D) The detention or release of the accused or adjudicated delinquent. (ii) To be provided information about the right to receive judicially ordered restitution; (iii) To be provided information about their rights, privileges and interests under this act; (iv) To be provided information about compensation available under the Crime Victims Compensation Act, as provided in W.S. 1-40-101 through 1-40-119; (v) To be provided information about services and assistance available to victims as provided in W.S. 14-6-503; (vi) To be provided information about available legal recourse and other measures if subjected to threats or intimidation as provided in W.S. 14-6-504; (vii) To be provided, at the discretion of the prosecuting attorney or law enforcement personnel, reasonable protection and safety immediately before, during and after delinquency proceedings; (viii) To be provided with the names, official telephone numbers and official addresses of the primary law enforcement officer and prosecutor assigned to investigate the case; (ix) To attend and participate in juvenile delinquency proceedings as provided in W.S. 14-6-505; (x) To have the case set for hearing as provided in W.S. 14-6-506. Nothing in this paragraph shall inhibit the ability of counsel for the state and the accused delinquent from entering into any negotiated disposition of the proceeding; (xi) To prompt return of property seized as evidence as provided in W.S. 14-6-507; (xii) To be protected from discharge or discipline by an employer due to involvement with the juvenile court process as provided in W.S. 14-6-508; (xiii) To be notified about the disposition of the case; (xiv) To be notified about the victim's opportunity to make a statement for use in the preparation of a predisposition investigation; (xv) To be provided with the address and telephone number of the agency which is to prepare the predisposition investigation; (xvi) To be notified that the predisposition investigation report and any statement of the victim in the report will be made available to the accused delinquent; (xvii) To be notified about the opportunity to make a statement at the disposition hearing; and (xviii) To be notified of the time and place of the disposition proceeding and any changes thereof. (b) Courts shall enforce victim rights under this act to the extent the recognition of those rights do not conflict with constitutional and statutory rights of the accused delinquent. 14-6-503. Rights of victims to be informed during the delinquency proceeding. (a) Victims of a delinquent act shall be informed without undue delay by law enforcement about: (i) The rights enumerated in this act; (ii) The right to be informed of the status of the case from the initial investigation to the final appellate review; (iii) The fact that financial assistance or other social service options may be available to the victim; (iv) The existence of the Crime Victims Compensation Act and that compensation may be available to the victim; (v) The right to have an interpreter or translator to inform the victim of these rights; (vi) The name and official telephone number of the primary law enforcement officer assigned to investigate the case together with the official address and telephone number of the agency investigating the case; (vii) The right to seek legal counsel and to employ an attorney. (b) Victims of a delinquent act shall be informed in writing by the prosecuting attorney about: (i) Subject to order of the court, the right to attend all hearings and proceedings involving the case, including the right to be notified, upon request, of the date, time and place of those hearings; (ii) The right to be notified in advance, if reasonable, when a court proceeding has been rescheduled or cancelled; (iii) The right to be advised of the potential for plea negotiations and, prior to disposition, the right to be informed of the existence of a negotiated plea, the essentials of the agreement, and the reasons for the disposition; (iv) The right to know the accused delinquent has obtained a preadjudicatory or predisposition release; (v) The right to discuss the case with the prosecutor, and the official address and official telephone number of the prosecutor; (vi) The availability of other remedies, including the right to proceed in civil litigation generally and the right to any profits attributable to the offender as a result of publication or media coverage resulting from the delinquent act; (vii) The fact that the attorneys involved and their investigators are advocates either for the state or for the accused delinquent; (viii) The right to refuse to talk to attorneys, private investigators, law enforcement, or anyone else unless on the witness stand or under subpoena; (ix) If known to the prosecutor, the schedule of any post disposition hearings affecting the probation or other disposition of the offender; (x) The right to provide an affidavit asserting acts or threats of physical violence by the accused or at the accused's direction against the victim or a relative of the victim. (c) Victims shall be offered the opportunity to be informed in writing by the prosecutor about: (i) The escape, recapture or death of an offender; (ii) Any reduction or extension of the disposition in the offender's case. (d) The prosecuting attorney shall notify in writing, or in person, victims who have participated in the delinquency proceedings of an application for expungement of the juvenile's records under W.S. 14-6-241. The victim shall be afforded the opportunity to make a statement at the hearing on the application. (e) Victims who wish to receive notification and information shall provide the prosecuting attorney and the juvenile court with their current address and telephone number. This address will only be used for notification purposes. (f) Nothing in subsections (c) and (d) of this section shall mean the victim shall be given information that could jeopardize the safety or security of any person. 14-6-504. Victims; free from intimidation. (a) A victim has the right to be free from any form of harassment, intimidation or retribution. (b) When waiting to testify in any proceeding regarding a delinquent act, a victim has the right to be provided, upon request, with a waiting area separate from other witnesses. (c) When the threat of harassment, intimidation or retribution cannot be avoided, the court shall take appropriate measures to protect the victim. (d) Law enforcement officers and prosecuting attorneys shall provide information regarding law enforcement measures available to protect victims. 14-6-505. Victims of delinquent act; present in court. Unless the court for good cause shown shall find to the contrary, the victim shall have the right to be present at all proceedings which may be attended by the accused delinquent. 14-6-506. Victims; timing of proceedings. (a) The court shall consider the victim's interest and circumstances when setting any date for the adjudicatory or disposition hearing or in granting or denying continuances. (b) Nothing in this section shall infringe upon any rights of the accused delinquent or inhibit the ability of the prosecution and defense from entering into any agreement as to the setting of the matter for hearing or negotiated disposition of any charge or charges pending against the accused. 14-6-507. Prompt return of property. (a) Victims have the right to have any personal property, which is not contraband, promptly returned provided it does not interfere with prosecution or appellate review of the case. (b) Law enforcement agencies shall work together to expedite the return of property when it is no longer needed. Prosecuting attorneys shall promptly notify law enforcement agencies when evidence is no longer needed. (c) The court exercising jurisdiction over a delinquency proceeding shall, if requested, enter appropriate orders to implement the provisions of this section. 14-6-508. Victims have a right to preservation of employment. (a) A victim who responds to a subpoena in a delinquency proceeding during working hours shall not suffer any change in terms of employment solely because of the act of responding to a subpoena. (b) A victim, upon request, shall be assisted by law enforcement agencies, the prosecuting attorney or the attorney for the accused delinquent in informing an employer that the need for victim cooperation may necessitate the absence of the victim from work. (c) A victim, who as a direct result of a delinquent act or of cooperation with law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorney or the attorney for the accused delinquent, experiences financial hardship, shall be assisted by those agencies, the prosecuting attorney or the attorney for the accused delinquent in explaining to employers and creditors the reasons for that financial hardship. 14-6-509. No civil liability created; testimony inadmissible; no relief by appeal. (a) Nothing in this act shall be construed to create any civil cause of action for monetary damages against any person nor shall it constitute grounds for any claim or motion raised by any party in any proceedings. (b) Testimony or argument regarding the compliance or noncompliance with this act is inadmissible in any juvenile proceeding. (c) The failure of a victim to exercise or enforce any right granted by the provisions of this act shall not be grounds for relief during proceedings or for any appeal of any disposition in the juvenile proceeding. ARTICLE 6 - JUVENILE JUSTICE INFORMATION SYSTEM 14-6-601. Definitions. (a) As used in this act: (i) "Adjudicated" or "adjudication" means as defined by W.S. 14-6-201(a)(i); (ii) "Adult" means an individual who has attained the age of majority; (iii) "Delinquent child" means as defined by W.S. 14- 6-201(a)(x); (iv) "Disposition" means the action ordered by the juvenile court judge under W.S. 14-6-229 upon adjudication of a juvenile for a delinquent act or the sentence imposed on a juvenile who is convicted; (v) "Department" means the department of family services; (vi) "Juvenile" means an individual who is under the age of majority; (vii) "Qualifying offense" means conduct that, if committed by an adult, would constitute a felony under the provisions of W.S. 6-1-104(a)(xii) or 35-7-1031 or under similar federal law; (viii) "Conviction" or "convicted" means a conviction of a juvenile of a qualifying offense or a conviction for any offense for which the juvenile was charged in a circuit court or district court; (ix) "Detention" means the legal and physical restriction and housing of a juvenile at the Wyoming state hospital, the Wyoming boys' school, the Wyoming girls' school or a juvenile detention facility defined in W.S. 14-6-201(a)(xxiv). "Detention" shall not include any placement in a qualified residential treatment program as defined by W.S. 14-6- 201(a)(xxviii) or a residential treatment facility that is operated for the primary purpose of providing treatment to a juvenile; (x) "This act" means W.S. 14-6-601 through 14-6-606. 14-6-602. Record system created. (a) The department shall create and maintain a database for a juvenile justice information system as provided in this act. (b) The database shall contain the information required by this act. Access to information in the database shall be limited as provided by W.S. 14-6-604. (c) The department shall promulgate reasonable rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this act. The department shall annually report by March 1 to the joint judiciary interim committee on the numbers of entries and usage of the database and overall compliance with this act. 14-6-603. Collection of juvenile justice information. (a) In any case in which a juvenile is convicted or is adjudicated a delinquent child for the commission of a qualifying offense or a criminal act, the court shall direct that, to the extent possible, the following information be collected and provided to the department: (i) Offender identification information including: (A) The juvenile offender's name, including other names by which the juvenile is known, and social security number; (B) The juvenile offender's date of birth; (C) The juvenile offender's physical description, including sex, weight, height, race, ethnicity, eye color, hair color, scars, marks and tattoos; (D) The juvenile offender's last known residential address. (E) Repealed by Laws 2022, ch. 15, § 5. (ii) Offense identification information including: (A) The criminal offense for which the juvenile was convicted or adjudicated delinquent; (B) Identification of the juvenile court in which the juvenile was adjudicated delinquent or the court in which the juvenile was convicted; and (C) The date and description of the final disposition ordered by the court. (iii) The nature of the disposition ordered by the court, including whether a juvenile is: (A) Committed to detention; (B) Ordered to serve probation, placed under a plan of supervision or ordered to participate in an intensive supervision program; (C) Committed to treatment; (D) Held in pretrial detention. (b) Repealed by Laws 2022, ch. 15, § 5. (c) The department may designate codes relating to the information described in subsection (a) of this section. 14-6-604. Access to and dissemination of information. (a) Information contained in the juvenile justice information system shall be accessible, whether directly or through an intermediary, to: (i) Other criminal justice agencies, including the division of criminal investigation; (ii) Any person designated for the purpose provided by W.S. 14-6-227; (iii) Repealed by Laws 2022, ch. 15, § 5. (iv) An individual who has met the requirements established by the department to ensure the record will be used solely as a statistical research or reporting record and that the record is to be transferred in a form that is not individually identifiable; (v) Any record subject as provided by W.S. 7-19-109. (b) The department may by rule promulgate a process in which, when a subject reaches the age of majority, all information in the juvenile justice information system pertaining to that subject can be preserved in a manner to avoid identification of an individual subject while still allowing for longitudinal data analyses of recidivism. (c) Any person who willfully violates subsection (a) or (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). Any person or entity who violates subsection (a) of this section shall be denied further access to the system. 14-6-605. Inspection of information. An individual, his parents and guardian have the right to inspect all juvenile justice record information located within this state which refers to that individual in accordance with W.S. 7-19-109. 14-6-605. Inspection of information. An individual, his parents and guardian have the right to inspect all juvenile justice record information located within this state which refers to that individual in accordance with W.S. 7-19-109. 14-6-606. Standardization of juvenile justice information. (a) The department shall facilitate the standardization, identification, sharing and coordination of juvenile justice information collected and provided to the department and disseminated by the department as required by this act. The department shall work with all federal, state and local entities that provide information under this act. (b) The department shall promulgate rules to adopt uniform information collection standards, methodologies and best practices for the collection and dissemination of juvenile justice information under this act. Any state agency or local governmental entity required to submit information under this act shall comply with the rules promulgated under this subsection. (c) The department shall be responsible for assuring the consistency of participation by any state agency or local governmental entity required to provide juvenile justice information under this act or that seeks to access juvenile justice information under this act. ARTICLE 7 - WYOMING INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT 14-6-701. Short title; purpose. (a) This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act." (b) The purpose of this act is to codify the federal Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 into state law. 14-6-702. Definitions. (a) As used in this act: (i) "Child custody proceeding" means any action concerning the custody or care of an Indian child, including a shelter care placement, the termination of parental rights, preadoptive placement or adoptive placement. "Child custody proceeding" shall not include a placement based upon an act that, if committed by an adult, would be deemed a crime and shall not include an award of custody to a parent in a divorce proceeding; (ii) "Extended family member" means as defined by the law or custom of the Indian child's tribe. In the absence of tribal law or custom, "extended family member" means a person who has reached age eighteen (18) and who is the Indian child's grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece, nephew, first cousin, second cousin or stepparent; (iii) "Indian" means a person who is a member of an Indian tribe, or who is an Alaska native and a member of a regional corporation as defined in section 7 of the federal Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act; (iv) "Indian child" means any unmarried person under age eighteen (18) and is either: (A) A member of an Indian tribe; or (B) Is eligible for membership in an Indian tribe and is the biological child of a member of an Indian tribe. (v) "Indian child's tribe" means the Indian tribe in which an Indian child is a member or eligible for membership or, in the case of an Indian child who is a member of or eligible for membership in more than one (1) tribe, the Indian tribe with which the Indian child has the more significant contacts; (vi) "Indian custodian" means any Indian person who has legal custody of an Indian child under tribal law or custom or under state law or to whom temporary physical care, custody and control has been transferred by the parent of an Indian child; (vii) "Indian organization" means any group, association, partnership, corporation or other legal entity owned or controlled by Indians or a majority of whose members are Indians; (viii) "Indian tribe" means any Indian tribe, band, nation or other organized group or community of Indians recognized as eligible for the services provided to Indians by the United States secretary of the interior because of their status as Indians, including any Alaska native village as defined in section 3(c) of the federal Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act; (ix) "Parent" means a biological parent or the parents of an Indian child or any Indian person who has lawfully adopted an Indian child, including adoptions under tribal law or custom. "Parent" shall not include a father whose paternity has not been acknowledged or established under law; (x) "Reservation" means Indian country as defined by 18 U.S.C. 1151 and any lands where title is held by the United States in trust for the benefit of any Indian tribe or person or held by any Indian tribe or person subject to a restriction by the United States against alienation; (xi) "Shelter care" means as defined by W.S. 14-3- 402(a)(xvii) and shall include foster care; (xii) "Tribal court" means a court with jurisdiction over child custody proceedings and that is either a court of Indian offenses, a court established and operated under the code or custom of an Indian tribe or any other administrative body of a tribe that is vested with authority over child custody proceedings; (xiii) "This act" means W.S. 14-6-701 through 14-6- 715. 14-6-703. Indian tribe jurisdiction over Indian child custody proceedings. (a) An Indian tribe shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any child custody proceeding involving an Indian child who resides or is domiciled within the reservation of the tribe, except where jurisdiction is vested in the state under federal law. The Indian tribe shall retain exclusive jurisdiction if the Indian child is a ward of a tribal court, notwithstanding the residence or domicile of the child. (b) In any state court proceeding for the shelter care placement of, or termination of parental rights to, an Indian child not domiciled or residing within the reservation of the Indian child's tribe, the state court, upon the petition of either parent, the Indian custodian or the Indian child's tribe and absent good cause to the contrary or an objection by either parent, shall transfer the proceeding to the jurisdiction of the appropriate tribe. Nothing in this subsection shall limit the tribal court's authority to decline a transfer to the tribal court under this subsection. (c) The Indian custodian of an Indian child and the Indian child's tribe shall have the right to intervene in any state court proceeding for the shelter care placement of, or termination of parental rights to, an Indian child. (d) The state of Wyoming shall give full faith and credit to the public acts, records and judicial proceedings of any Indian tribe applicable to Indian child custody proceedings to the same extent that the tribe gives full faith and credit to the public acts, records and judicial proceedings of the state of Wyoming. 14-6-704. Pending court proceedings. (a) In any involuntary proceeding in a state court where the court knows or has reason to know that an Indian child is involved, the party seeking the shelter care placement of, or termination of parental rights to, an Indian child shall notify the parent or Indian custodian and the Indian child's tribe, by registered mail with return receipt requested, of the pending proceedings and of their right to intervention under this act. If the identity or location of the parent or Indian custodian and the tribe cannot be determined, notice shall be given to the United States secretary of the interior. No shelter care placement or termination of parental rights proceeding shall be held until at least ten (10) days after receipt of the notice by the parent or Indian custodian and the tribe or the secretary of the interior. A parent, Indian custodian or the tribe shall, upon request to the state court, be granted not more than twenty (20) additional days to prepare for a shelter care placement or parental rights termination proceeding. (b) In any case in which a state court determines indigency, the parent or Indian custodian shall have the right to court-appointed counsel in any shelter care placement or termination proceeding. The court may, in its discretion, appoint counsel for the child upon a finding that the appointment is in the child's best interests. (c) Each party to a shelter care placement or termination of parental rights proceeding under state law involving an Indian child shall have the right to examine all reports or other documents filed with the court upon which any decision with respect to the action may be based. (d) Any party seeking to establish a shelter care placement of, or termination of parental rights to, an Indian child under state law shall establish to the court's satisfaction that active efforts have been made to provide remedial services and rehabilitative programs designed to prevent the breakup of the Indian family and that these efforts have proved unsuccessful. (e) No shelter care placement of an Indian child shall be ordered in a proceeding unless the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that the continued custody of the child by the parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child. (f) No termination of parental rights over an Indian child shall be ordered unless the court determines beyond a reasonable doubt that the continued custody of the child by the parent or Indian custodian is likely to result in serious emotional or physical damage to the child. (g) For purposes of subsections (e) and (f) of this section, the testimony of qualified expert witnesses may be used to meet the evidentiary burden specified in those subsections. 14-6-705. Parental rights; voluntary termination. (a) Where any parent or Indian custodian voluntarily consents to a shelter care placement or the termination of parental rights involving an Indian child, the consent shall not be valid unless executed in writing and recorded before a court of competent jurisdiction and accompanied by the court's certification that the terms and consequences of the consent were fully explained in detail and were fully understood by the parent or Indian custodian. The court shall also certify that either the parent or Indian custodian fully understood the explanation in English or that it was interpreted into a language that the parent or Indian custodian understood. Any consent under this subsection given prior to or within ten (10) days after the birth of the Indian child shall not be valid. (b) Any parent or Indian custodian may withdraw consent to a shelter care placement at any time. Upon withdrawal of consent under this subsection, the Indian child shall be returned to the parent or Indian custodian. (c) In any voluntary proceeding for the relinquishment and consent to adoption of an Indian child, the consent of the parent may be withdrawn for any reason at any time before the entry of a final decree of termination or adoption and, upon the withdrawal of consent, the child shall be returned to the parent. (d) After the entry of a final decree of adoption of an Indian child in any state court, the parent shall only withdraw consent upon the grounds that the consent was obtained through fraud or duress and may petition the court to vacate the adoption decree on those grounds. Upon finding that the consent was obtained through fraud or duress, the court shall vacate the adoption decree and return the child to the parent. No adoption that has been effective for at least two (2) years shall be invalidated under this subsection unless otherwise permitted by state law. 14-6-706. Petition to court of competent jurisdiction to invalidate actions upon certain violations. Any Indian child who is the subject of any action for shelter care placement or termination of parental rights under state law, any parent or Indian custodian from whose custody the child was removed and the Indian child's tribe may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to invalidate the action upon a showing that the action violated any provision of W.S. 14-6-703 through 14-6-705. 14-6-707. Placement of Indian children. (a) In any adoptive placement of an Indian child under state law, and absent good cause to the contrary, preference shall be given to a placement with, in the following order: (i) A member of the Indian child's extended family; (ii) Other members of the Indian child's tribe; (iii) Other Indian families; (iv) Any other placement. (b) Any Indian child accepted for shelter care or preadoptive placement shall be placed in the least restrictive setting that most approximates a family and in which the child's special needs, if any, may be met. The child shall also be placed within reasonable proximity to the child's home, taking into account any special needs of the child. In any shelter care or preadoptive placement and in the absence of good cause to the contrary, preference shall be given to a placement with, in the following order: (i) A member of the Indian child's extended family; (ii) Other members of the Indian child's tribe; (iii) Other Indian families; (iv) An institution for children approved by an Indian tribe or operated by an Indian organization that has a program suitable to meet the Indian child's needs; (v) Any other placement. (c) In the case of a placement under subsections (a) or (b) of this section, if the Indian child's tribe establishes a different order of preference by tribal resolution, the agency or court making the placement shall follow the tribal resolution as long as the placement is the least restrictive setting appropriate to the particular needs of the child. For purposes of this section, the preference of the Indian child and parent shall be considered, provided that if a parent consenting to a placement under W.S. 14-6-705 requests anonymity, the court or agency shall consider the parent's request in applying the preferences. (d) The standards to be applied in meeting the preference requirements of this section shall be the prevailing social and cultural standards of the Indian community in which the parent or extended family resides or with which the parent or extended family members maintain social and cultural ties. (e) A record of each placement of an Indian child shall be maintained by the court or agency making the placement. The record shall show the efforts made to comply with the order of preference specified in this section. Records maintained under this subsection shall be made available at any time upon the request of the Indian child's tribe or the United States secretary of the interior. 14-6-708. Return of custody. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, when a final decree of adoption of an Indian child has been vacated or set aside, or the adoptive parents voluntarily consent to the termination of their parental rights to the child, a biological parent or prior Indian custodian may petition for the return of the Indian child to the parent's or Indian custodian's custody. The court shall grant the petition unless there is a showing, subject to W.S. 14-6-704, that return of custody is not in the child's best interests. (b) When an Indian child is removed from a shelter care placement or institution for the purpose of further shelter care, preadoptive placement or adoptive placement, the placement shall be in accordance with this act unless an Indian child is being returned to the parent or Indian custodian from whose custody the child was originally removed. 14-6-709. Tribal affiliation information; other information of protection of rights from tribal relationships; application of subject of adoptive placement; disclosure by court. Upon application by an Indian person who has reached age eighteen (18) and who was the subject of an adoption, the court that entered the final decree shall inform the person of the tribal affiliation, if any, of the person's biological parents and provide any other information as may be necessary to protect any rights resulting from the person's tribal relationship. 14-6-710. Agreements between the state and Indian tribes. (a) The state, through the governor and in consultation with the department of family services, is authorized to enter into agreements with Indian tribes concerning the care and custody of Indian children and jurisdiction over child custody proceedings, including agreements that may provide for the orderly transfer of jurisdiction on a case-by-case basis and agreements that provide for concurrent jurisdiction between the state and Indian tribes. (b) Any agreement made under this section may be revoked by either party upon notice of not less than one hundred eighty (180) days to the other party. Any revocation of an agreement under this section shall not affect any action or proceeding over which a court has already assumed jurisdiction unless the agreement provides otherwise. 14-6-711. Improper removal of Indian child from custody; declination of jurisdiction; return of child; exception. If any petitioner in an Indian child custody proceeding before a state court has improperly removed the child from custody of the parent or Indian custodian or has improperly retained custody after a visit or other temporary relinquishment of custody, the court shall decline jurisdiction over the petitioner's petition and shall forthwith return the child to his parent or Indian custodian unless the return would subject the child to a substantial and immediate danger or threat thereof. 14-6-712. Application of higher federal standard. In any case where federal law applicable to an Indian child custody proceeding provides a higher standard of protection to the rights of the parent or Indian custodian than state law provides, the court shall apply the higher standard of protection as provided by federal law. 14-6-713. Emergency removal or placement of child; termination; appropriate action. Nothing in this act shall be construed to prevent the emergency removal of an Indian child who is a resident of or is domiciled on a reservation, but temporarily located off the reservation, from his parent or Indian custodian or the emergency placement of the child in temporary protective custody or shelter care under state law in order to prevent imminent physical damage or harm to the child. The applicable state agency involved shall ensure that the emergency removal or placement terminates immediately when the removal or placement is no longer necessary to prevent imminent physical damage or harm to the child and shall expeditiously initiate a child custody proceeding subject to this act, transfer the child to the jurisdiction of the appropriate Indian tribe or restore the child to the parent or Indian custodian, as may be appropriate. 14-6-714. Reporting requirements; information availability; disclosure. (a) Any state court entering a final decree or order in any adoption proceeding concerning an Indian child shall provide the department of family services and the United States secretary of the interior a copy of the decree or order and all other information necessary to show: (i) The name and tribal affiliation of the child; (ii) The names and addresses of the child's biological parents; (iii) The names and addresses of the adoptive parents; (iv) The identity of any agency having files or information relating to the adoptive placement. (b) If the court's records contain an affidavit of the biological parent stating or requesting that the parent's identity remain confidential, the court shall include the affidavit with the information required under subsection (a) of this section. The court and the department of family services shall ensure that the confidentiality of information is maintained. Records submitted under this section shall remain confidential and shall not be subject to disclosure or inspection under the Public Records Act, except as provided under subsection (c) of this section. (c) Upon the request of the adopted Indian child who is age eighteen (18) or older, the adoptive or foster parents of an Indian child or an Indian tribe, the department of family services shall disclose any information that may be necessary for the enrollment of an Indian child in the tribe in which the child may be eligible for enrollment or for determining any rights or benefits associated with that membership. If the documents requested include an affidavit from a parent requesting anonymity, the department shall certify to the Indian child's tribe, if the information warrants, that the child's parentage and other circumstances of birth entitle the child to enrollment under criteria established by the tribe. 14-6-715. Rulemaking; sunset. (a) The department of family services shall promulgate all rules necessary to implement this act. (b) Repealed By Laws 2026, ch. 57, § 1. CHAPTER 7 - COUNCIL FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH 14-7-101. Repealed by Laws 1983, ch. 37, § 1. 14-7-102. Repealed by Laws 1983, ch. 37, § 1. 14-7-103. Repealed by Laws 1983, ch. 37, § 1. 14-7-104. Repealed by Laws 1983, ch. 37, § 1. CHAPTER 8 - WYOMING CHILDREN'S TRUST FUND 14-8-101. Short title. This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Wyoming Children's Trust Fund Act." 14-8-102. Legislative declaration. (a) The legislature hereby finds that child abuse and neglect are a threat to the family unit and impose major expenses on society. The legislature further finds that there is a need to assist private and public agencies in identifying and establishing programs for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. (b) It is the purpose of this article to promote prevention and education programs that are designed to lessen the occurrence and reoccurrence of child abuse and neglect and to reduce the need for state intervention in child abuse and neglect prevention and education. 14-8-103. Definitions. (a) As used in this article: (i) "Board" means the Wyoming children's trust fund board created in W.S. 14-8-104; (ii) "Child abuse" means any act which reasonably may be construed to fall under the definition of "abuse" or "neglect" under W.S. 14-3-202(a)(ii) or (vii); (iii) "Prevention program" means a program of direct child abuse prevention services to a child, parent or guardian and includes research or education programs related to the prevention of child abuse. The prevention program may be classified as a primary prevention program when it is available to the community on a voluntary basis and as a secondary prevention program when it is directed toward groups of individuals who have been identified as high risk; (iv) "Recipient" means and is limited to a nonprofit or public organization which receives a grant from the income account created in W.S. 14-8-106(b); (v) "Trust fund" means the Wyoming children's trust fund created in W.S. 14-8-106(a); (vi) "Income account" means the Wyoming children's income account created by W.S. 14-8-106(b). 14-8-104. Wyoming children's trust fund board; creation; members. (a) There is created a Wyoming children's trust fund board. The board shall consist of eight (8) members, as follows: (i) The director of the department of family services or the director's designee; (ii) The state superintendent of public instruction; (iii) Five (5) persons appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate who are knowledgeable in the area of child abuse prevention and are representative of any one (1) or more of the following areas: (A) Law enforcement; (B) Medicine; (C) Law; (D) Business; (E) Mental health; (F) Domestic relations; (G) Child abuse prevention; (H) Education; (J) Social work; and (K) Parent organizations. (iv) The director of the department of health or the director's designee. (b) Each appointed member of the board shall serve for a term of three (3) years. A vacancy on the board shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term. (c) The board shall meet regularly. Members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties in the manner and amounts provided by law for state employees. 14-8-105. Powers and duties of the board. (a) The board shall: (i) Provide for the coordination and exchange of information on the establishment and maintenance of prevention programs; (ii) Develop and publicize criteria regarding grants from the trust fund, including the duration of grants and any requirements for matching funds which are received from the trust fund; (iii) Review and monitor the expenditure of monies by recipients; (iv) Prepare an annual report to the joint appropriations interim committee on the board's activities which include periodic evaluations of the effectiveness of the prevention programs funded by the trust fund; (v) Accept grants from the federal government as well as solicit and accept contributions, grants, gifts, bequests and donations from individuals, private organizations and foundations for credit to the trust fund or the income account as directed by the terms of the contribution, grant, gift, bequest or donation; (vi) Expend monies of the income account for the establishment, promotion and maintenance of prevention programs, for operational expenses of the board and to increase the balance of the trust fund corpus; (vii) Exercise any other powers or perform any other duties which are consistent with the purposes for which the board was created and which are reasonably necessary for the fulfillment of the board's responsibilities; (viii) Establish a classification system for potential recipients based upon need and shall award grants to those classified most needy. 14-8-106. Wyoming children's trust fund and income account; creation; source of funds. (a) There is created the Wyoming children's trust fund. The fund shall be administered by the board and shall consist of monies appropriated or designated to the fund by law and all monies collected by the board pursuant to W.S. 14-8-105(a)(v) for credit to the trust fund. Funds deposited within the trust fund are intended to be inviolate and constitute a perpetual trust account. The state treasurer shall invest the account as authorized by law and in a manner to obtain the highest net return possible consistent with the preservation of the trust fund corpus. (b) There is created the Wyoming children's income account. The account shall be administered by the board and shall consist of monies appropriated or designated to the account by law and all monies collected by the board pursuant to W.S. 14-8-105(a)(v) for credit to the income account. The state treasurer shall credit annually to the income account the income earned from investment of the trust fund corpus. All funds in the income account at the end of a biennium shall remain in the account for expenditure as authorized in this article. 14-8-107. Disbursement of grants from the income account. (a) Grants may be awarded from the income account to provide monies for the start-up, continuance or expansion of prevention programs, to provide educational and public informational seminar and to study and evaluate prevention programs. (b) Repealed by Laws 2019, ch. 114, § 2. (c) Repealed by Laws 2019, ch. 114, § 2. 14-8-108. Biennial audit. The director of the department of audit or his designee shall audit the trust fund biennially. Copies of the audit shall be provided to the legislature. CHAPTER 9 - COMMUNITY JUVENILE SERVICES 14-9-101. Short title. This act shall be known as the "Community Juvenile Services Act". 14-9-102. Purpose. (a) The purpose and intent of this act is to: (i) Establish, maintain and promote the development of juvenile services in communities of the state aimed at allowing early identification and diversion of children at risk of entry into the juvenile court system and preventing juvenile delinquency; and (ii) Allow decisions regarding juvenile services to be made at the local level. 14-9-103. Definitions. (a) As used in this act: (i) "Account" means the community juvenile services block grant account created by this act; (ii) "Community board" means a community juvenile services board providing juvenile services under this act; (iii) "Department" means the department of family services; (iv) "Juvenile services" means programs or services provided to children at risk of coming under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. Programs or services may include: (A) Needs screening and evaluation; (B) Treatment planning and follow-up; (C) Case management; (D) Family preservation services; (E) Mental health treatment; (F) Substance abuse treatment; (G) Mentor and tracker services; (H) Community service and restitution programs; (J) Out-of-home placement; (K) Remedial education services; (M) Pretrial diversion programs and graduated sanctions. (v) Repealed By Laws 2008, Ch. 57, § 2. (vi) Repealed By Laws 2008, Ch. 57, § 2. (vii) "Advisory board" means a board established by a board of county commissioners which meets the requirements of W.S. 14-9-105(b); (viii) "This act" means W.S. 14-9-101 through 14-9-108. 14-9-104. Account created. There is created the juvenile services block grant account into which shall be deposited all funds appropriated by the legislature for the purposes of this act. 14-9-105. Community juvenile services boards; advisory boards. (a) A county may, in accordance with the Wyoming Joint Powers Act, enter into an agreement with one (1) or more counties, any or all cities within the county or counties, and any or all school districts within the county or counties, to form a joint powers board or, by an agreement among the entities specified in this subsection, to serve as a community juvenile services board under this act. Any board formed under this subsection shall comply with the requirements specified in W.S. 16-1-105. The board formed under this subsection shall include, at a minimum, representation from five (5) of the following entities within the jurisdictional boundaries of the community juvenile services board: (i) A representative of local field offices of the department of family services; (ii) A representative of local public health; (iii) A representative from the local school districts; (iv) A representative from prosecuting attorneys' offices; (v) A representative from local police departments and sheriff's offices; (vi) Representatives from the boards of county commissioners; (vii) A representative from a local or regional mental health or substance abuse provider; (viii) A representative from the public defender's office; (ix) Any other professional the board of county commissioners or joint powers board may appoint, who has particular knowledge or expertise in children or young adult services. (b) As an alternative to a community board, the county commissioners of a county may form a juvenile services advisory board. In forming an advisory board the county commissioners shall include representation from at least five (5) of the entities specified in subsection (a) of this section. 14-9-106. Community board powers; requirements of boards and counties. (a) A community board may: (i) Receive funds from any source; (ii) Employ staff using any available funds; (iii) Expend funds to provide directly, or to contract for, juvenile services. (b) Subject to this act, a community board or a board of county commissioners which has appointed an advisory board in accordance with W.S. 14-9-105(b) shall: (i) Review existing community juvenile services within its jurisdiction; (ii) Develop a community juvenile services strategic plan to accomplish the following purposes: (A) Use of a uniform screening instrument; (B) Assessments of referred children by licensed professionals who may include medical, mental health, social service and educational personnel; (C) Procedures to facilitate referrals of youth and families of youth needing services by: (I) School districts; (II) Law enforcement; (III) Licensed mental health care providers; (IV) Licensed health care providers; (V) A court; (VI) The department of family services; (VII) Community youth organizations; (VIII) Families of youth needing services; (IX) Self-referred youth. (D) Periodic review of the strategic plan. (iii) Repealed By Laws 2013, Ch. 20, § 2. (iv) Repealed By Laws 2013, Ch. 20, § 2. (v) Repealed By Laws 2008, Ch. 57, § 2. (c) A juvenile services advisory board shall provide advice to the board of county commissioners concerning the availability and need for juvenile services within the county and the expenditure of any funds received by the county pursuant to this act. The advisory board may also assist the board of county commissioners, or the appropriate county official as directed by the county commissioners, in preparing the strategic plan required by this section and the grant application required under W.S. 14-9-108. (d) The community board shall not provide any services to any child without first obtaining written consent from the child's parent or guardian unless participation in the program or service offered by the community board is a condition of court ordered probation or suspension of sentence. A court of limited jurisdiction may authorize the community board to provide services to a child if, after a hearing, the court finds that the child's parent or guardian unreasonably refused to provide written consent for the child to receive services. 14-9-107. Administration of block grant program; powers of department of family services. (a) Subject to the availability of funds, the department of family services in cooperation with the department of health and education shall administer a community juvenile services block grant program to assist communities to develop and maintain juvenile services. (b) The departments of education, family services and health shall promulgate reasonable rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this act including rules relating to: (i) Grant application procedures; (ii) Grant eligibility; (iii) Procedures for distributing block grants; (iv) Research based strategies; (v) Graduated sanctions and intervention levels for all juveniles. 14-9-108. Grant eligibility; allocation of funds. (a) To qualify for a grant under this act, an applicant shall: (i) Be created as a community board as provided by W.S. 14-9-105 or be a board of county commissioners which has appointed an advisory board in accordance with W.S. 14-9-105(b); (ii) Submit a grant application; (iii) Receive certification from the department of family services that the strategic plan developed by the community board or county addresses the purposes of this act; (iv) Develop a system for: (A) Central intake and assessment of juveniles with an initial point of contact established within the community; (B) The development or adoption of criteria for juvenile diversion, short-term detention and longer-term shelter care services, including standards for assessments, admissions, twenty-four (24) hour intakes, predispositional detentions and shelter care standards; (C) The development of a continuum of nonsecure services, including early intervention, diversion, community service and other sanctions which may include citations, counseling, parenting education, day treatment and aftercare following twenty-four (24) hour placements; and (D) The identification of other funding sources for local juvenile services. (b) Repealed By Laws 1998, ch. 8, § 2. (c) For grants awarded to community boards, services for juveniles under this section shall be paid cooperatively by the departments of family services, health and education to the providers of those services. For grants awarded to counties acting with an advisory board, services shall be paid by the county from grant funds provided to the county. (d) Systems approved by the department under this section shall provide for confidential proceedings and records. CHAPTER 10 - STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON JUVENILE JUSTICE 14-10-101. State advisory council on juvenile justice. (a) There is created within the office of the governor the state advisory council on juvenile justice. The advisory council shall consist of not less than fifteen (15) members appointed by the governor representing each judicial district. Each member shall serve a three (3) year term. The advisory council shall be made up of members having training, experience or special knowledge concerning the prevention and treatment of juvenile delinquency or the administration of juvenile justice. (b) The governor may remove any member of the advisory council as provided in W.S. 9-1-202. (c) Vacancies on the advisory council shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired term. (d) The advisory council may meet four (4) or more times each year. (e) Members of the advisory council shall not receive compensation for their services, but when actually engaged in the performance of their duties, they shall receive travel expenses, per diem and mileage expenses in the same manner and amount as employees of the state. (f) The advisory council shall: (i) Advise the governor in the development and review of the state's juvenile justice planning; (ii) Assist communities in the formation of community juvenile services boards; (iii) Make recommendation for an equitable funding formula for distribution of funds to community juvenile service boards; (iv) Be afforded the opportunity to review and comment on all juvenile justice, delinquency prevention and juvenile services grant applications prepared for submission under any federal grant program by any governmental entity of the state; (v) Review the progress and accomplishments of state and local juvenile justice, delinquency prevention and juvenile services projects; (vi) At the direction of the governor, assist communities to collect, compile and distribute data relating to juvenile justice, delinquency prevention and juvenile services, including but not limited to, an inventory of programs and services available in each county of the state. The council shall then identify and make recommendations with regard to areas for which an unfulfilled need for services or programs exists; (vii) Develop recommendations concerning establishments of priorities and needed improvements with respect to juvenile justice, delinquency prevention and juvenile services and report its recommendations to the governor and joint judiciary interim committee annually, on or before December 31; (viii) Review and analyze the proposed budget for each entity of state government which utilizes state or federal funds to administer or provide juvenile justice programs and services and make recommendations to the governor; and (ix) Coordinate the efficient and effective development and enhancement of state, local and regional juvenile justice programs. CHAPTER 11 - SAFETY FOR A NEWBORN CHILD 14-11-101. Purpose and intent. The purpose of this act is to provide to a parent of a newborn child the means to relinquish the child so that the child may be cared for and protected in a safe haven. 14-11-102. Definitions. (a) As used in this act: (i) "Abuse" means as defined by W.S. 14-3-202(a)(ii); (ii) "Child protective agency" means as defined by W.S. 14-3-202(a)(iv); (iii) "Fire station" means a fire station that is open and operating twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, and that is continually staffed with full- time, paid firefighters who have emergency medical services training; (iv) "Hospital" means a general acute hospital that is: (A) Equipped with an emergency room; (B) Open twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week; and (C) Employs full-time health care professionals who have emergency medical services training. (v) "Neglect" means as defined by W.S. 14-3-202(a)(vii); (vi) "Newborn child" means a child who is sixty (60) days of age or younger as determined within a reasonable degree of medical certainty; (vii) "Safe haven provider" means any of the following that is staffed twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week: (A) A fire station; (B) A hospital; (C) A police department or sheriff's office; or (D) Any other place of shelter and safety identified by the department of family services which meets the requirements of rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to W.S. 14-11-107. (viii) "This act" means W.S. 14-11-101 through 14-11-109. 14-11-103. Relinquishment of a newborn child. (a) A parent or a parent's designee may relinquish a newborn child to a safe haven provider in accordance with the provisions of this act and retain complete anonymity. (b) Relinquishment of a newborn child shall not, in and of itself, constitute abuse or neglect and the child shall not be considered an abused or neglected child, so long as the relinquishment is carried out in substantial compliance with provisions of this act. (c) A safe haven provider shall accept a newborn child who is relinquished pursuant to the provisions of this act, and may presume that the person relinquishing is the child's parent or parent's designee. (d) The parent or parent's designee may provide information regarding the parent and newborn child's medical histories, and identifying information regarding the nonrelinquishing parent of the child. The safe haven provider shall, after informing the parent or the parent's designee that no information is required to be given, ask the parent or the parent's designee whether the child has any tribal affiliation or Native American ancestry, and request relevant information to determine the child's tribe. The safe haven provider shall not require that any information be given or the person relinquishing express an intent for return of the child. (e) A safe haven provider may provide any necessary emergency medical care to the newborn child and shall deliver custody of the newborn child to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. (f) A hospital receiving a relinquished newborn child may provide any necessary medical care to the child and shall notify the local child protective agency as soon as possible, but no later than twenty-four (24) hours after receiving the child. (g) The local child protective agency shall assume care and custody of the child immediately upon notice from the hospital. After receiving custody, the local child protective agency shall assist in placement of the newborn child pursuant to W.S. 14-11-105(a). 14-11-104. Newborn child identity. Unless reliable and sufficient identifying information relating to the newborn child has been provided, the department of family services shall work with law enforcement agencies in an effort to ensure that the newborn child has not been identified as a missing child. 14-11-105. Child placement; termination of parental rights. (a) The department of family services shall immediately place or contract for placement of the newborn child in a potential adoptive home. (b) If neither parent of the newborn child affirmatively seeks the return of the child within three (3) months after the date of delivery to a safe haven provider, the department of family services shall file a petition for the termination of the parent-child legal relationship in accordance with W.S. 14-2-308 through 14-2-319. (c) Prior to filing a petition for termination, the department of family services shall conduct a search of the putative father registry for unmarried biological fathers and if the putative father is identified, the petition shall be served pursuant to W.S. 14-2-313. (d) If the child is an Indian child as defined by W.S. 14- 6-702(a)(iv), the court and all parties shall comply with the Wyoming Indian Child Welfare Act and the department shall serve the petition as required by W.S. 14-6-704. 14-11-106. Safe relinquishment is an affirmative defense. If the person relinquishing a newborn child is the child's parent or the parent's designee, relinquishment of a newborn child in substantial compliance with the provisions of this act is an affirmative defense to any potential criminal liability for abandonment or neglect relating to that relinquishment. 14-11-107. Authority of department of family services to promulgate rules and regulations. The department of family services may promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this act. The rules and regulations shall specify conditions and qualifications for safe haven providers in rural areas of the state that do not have a safe haven provider as defined in W.S. 14-11-102(a)(vii)(A), (B) or (C). 14-11-108. Immunity from liability. Any person, official, institution or agency participating in good faith in any act required or permitted by this act is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result by reason of the action. For the purpose of any civil or criminal proceeding, the good faith of any person, official, institution or agency participating in any act permitted or required by W.S. 14-11-101 through 14-11-109 shall be presumed. 14-11-109. Reports of relinquishments. Each local child protective agency shall maintain and update on a monthly basis a report of the number of newborn children who have been relinquished pursuant to this act and shall submit the information to the department of family services. CHAPTER 12 - OFFICE OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM ARTICLE 1 - OFFICE OF GUARDIAN AD LITEM 14-12-101. Office of guardian ad litem; guardian ad litem program; rulemaking; reporting. (a) The office of guardian ad litem shall administer a guardian ad litem program. The office shall employ or contract with, supervise and manage attorneys providing legal representation as guardians ad litem in the following cases and actions: (i) Child protection cases under W.S. 14-3-101 through 14-3-440; (ii) Children in need of supervision cases under W.S. 14-6-401 through 14-6-440, to the extent an attorney has been appointed to serve only as a guardian ad litem; (iii) Delinquency cases under W.S. 14-6-201 through 14-6-252, to the extent an attorney has been appointed to serve only as a guardian ad litem; (iv) Termination of parental rights actions under W.S. 14-2-308 through 14-2-319, brought as a result of a child protection, child in need of supervision or delinquency action; (v) Interstate Compact on Juveniles proceedings under W.S. 14-6-102, when requested by the juvenile or the court; (vi) Appeals to the Wyoming supreme court in the cases or actions specified in this subsection. (b) Repealed by Laws 2020, ch. 122, § 3. (c) The office shall adopt policies and rules and regulations governing standards for the legal representation by attorneys acting as guardians ad litem in cases under the program and for the training of those attorneys. Any attorney providing services to the program as a guardian ad litem shall meet the standards established by the office for the program. (d) The office shall include within its biennial budget request submitted under W.S. 9-2-1013 a report of the reimbursement for legal representation of children by attorneys as guardians ad litem in child protection or children in need of supervision cases. The report shall include the number of cases and the amount of funds expended for reimbursements and the amounts of matching monies from participating counties under W.S. 14-12-103 for each of the two (2) immediately preceding fiscal years. The county attorney in any county not participating in the program shall submit a report containing the same information for the county to the joint appropriations interim committee by December 1 of each odd numbered year. 14-12-102. Appointment of office to provide guardian ad litem services. (a) In cases specified in W.S. 14-12-101(a), if the county in which the court is located participates in the program administered by the office: (i) The court shall appoint the office to provide services when appointing a guardian ad litem. For purposes of this article, references to the program include the office; (ii) The administrator or designee shall assign an attorney to act as guardian ad litem in accordance with the court's order. (b) The office shall cooperate with juvenile courts in developing a case appointment system in each participating county for all applicable cases requiring the appointment of a guardian ad litem. (c) An attorney accepting a guardian ad litem assignment shall be employed by or contract with the office to provide services in accordance with requirements established by the office. The contract shall specify the fees to be paid for the assignment, which may be a defined hourly or per case rate or a defined sum. Fees paid by the office may vary based upon the type and difficulty of the case, location, work required and experience. 14-12-103. County participation; reimbursement; offices and equipment. (a) The office of guardian ad litem shall enter into agreements with each county participating in the program. Agreements shall require counties to comply with all rules and policies established by the office. The agreement shall establish the compensation rate within the county for attorneys providing legal representation as guardians ad litem in program cases and the reimbursement requirements. A county may agree with an attorney providing services to the office to pay a rate in excess of the rate set for payment by the office. If a county agrees to do so, it shall enter into a separate contract with the attorney providing services and shall be responsible and obligated to reimburse the program for one hundred percent (100%) of the excess amount. The county shall enter into a separate agreement with the office setting out the agreement, the excess rate and the responsibilities and obligations of all parties. (b) The office shall pay from the guardian ad litem account one hundred percent (100%) of the fees for the legal representation of children by attorneys as guardians ad litem in program cases. Participating counties shall reimburse the office an amount equal to not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the agreed program fees, not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the office's administrative cost prorated by program funds expended in each county and one hundred percent (100%) of excess rate fees. The office shall invoice the county for its proportionate share. In the event a county does not make payments within ninety (90) days, the state treasurer may deduct the amount from sales tax revenues due to the county from the state and shall credit the amount to the account created in subsection (c) of this section. (c) There is created a guardian ad litem account. All reimbursements received by the office under this article shall be deposited to the account. Funds within the account are continuously appropriated to the office of guardian ad litem for expenditure for the sole purpose of the guardian ad litem program. (d) Agreements entered into under this section shall include provision for each county, in which guardians ad litem employed by or under contract with the office are located, to provide adequate space and utility services, other than telephone service, for the use of the program's guardians ad litem. If suitable office space for all guardians ad litem cannot be provided, the county shall provide, based upon a proportional share, a monthly stipend to all program guardians ad litem housed in private facilities. The proportional share shall be determined by the office, based upon the counties served by each guardian ad litem not provided suitable office space. The stipend shall be paid directly by the county to the program guardian ad litem. (e) A county which does not participate in the program, shall be responsible for the full cost of guardians ad litem legal fees as provided by W.S. 14-2-318(b)(i), 14-3-434(b)(vi), 14-6-235(b)(vi) and 14-6-434(b)(vi). (f) The office shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the department of family services under which a guardian ad litem will be provided for cases in which the department is required by law or court order to provide guardian ad litem services in any of the cases or actions specified in W.S. 14-12-101(a). The department shall reimburse the office an amount equal to not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the agreed fees paid to guardians ad litem in actions under this subsection. 14-12-104. Applicability of the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act and state self-insurance program. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, any attorney providing services for the office pursuant to the guardian ad litem program shall, for matters arising out of such services, be considered a state employee for purposes of coverage and representation under the Wyoming Governmental Claims Act and the state self-insurance program, W.S. 1-41-101 through 1-41-111. CHAPTER 13 - REASONABLE AND PRUDENT PARENT STANDARD 14-13-101. Definitions. (a) As used in this chapter: (i) "Age appropriate or developmentally appropriate activities and experiences" means activities and experiences that are: (A) Generally accepted as suitable for children of the same chronological age or level of maturity or that are determined to be developmentally appropriate for a child based on the development of cognitive, emotional, physical and behavioral capacities that are typical for an age or age group; or (B) In the case of a specific child, suitable for that child based on the developmental stages attained by the child with respect to the cognitive, emotional, physical and behavioral capacities of the child. (ii) "Caregiver" means a foster parent, a designated official for a child caring facility certified pursuant to W.S. 14-4-101 through 14-4-117 or any other person with whom the child is placed by court order in an out-of-home placement or any other placement pursuant to chapter 3, article 4 of this title and chapter 6, articles 2 and 4 of this title; (iii) "Department" means the Wyoming department of family services; (iv) "Foster care" means twenty-four (24) hour substitute care for children placed away from their parents or guardians and for whom the department has placement and care responsibilities, including but not limited to placements in: (A) Foster family homes; (B) Foster homes of relatives; (C) Group homes; (D) Emergency shelters; (E) Residential facilities; (F) Pre-adoptive homes; (G) Child care institutions. (v) "Out-of-home placement" means a placement of a child physically out of his home pursuant to W.S. 14-3-201 through 14-3-216, the Child Protection Act, W.S. 14-3-401 through 14-3-441, 14-6-102, the Juvenile Justice Act, W.S. 14-6-201 through 14-6-252, or the Children in Need of Supervision Act, W.S. 14-6-401 through 14-6-440; (vi) "Reasonable and prudent parent standard" means careful and sensible parental decisions that maintain the health, safety, well-being and best interests of a child while encouraging the emotional and developmental growth of the child; (vii) "Residual parental rights and duties" means those rights and duties remaining with the parents after legal custody, guardianship of the person or both have been vested in another person, agency or institution. Residual parental rights and duties include but are not limited to: (A) The duty to support and provide necessities of life; (B) The right to consent to adoption; (C) The right to reasonable visitation unless restricted or prohibited by court order; (D) The right to determine the minor's religious affiliation; and (E) The right to petition on behalf of the minor. 14-13-102. Access and standards. (a) Subject to subsections (b) and (d) of this section, a child in an out-of-home placement is entitled to engage in, to the greatest extent possible, age appropriate or developmentally appropriate activities and experiences as he would otherwise be able to experience in his own home. A child with a disability or special needs in an out-of-home placement shall have the same access to age appropriate or developmentally appropriate activities and experiences as the child’s nondisabled peers, even if reasonable accommodations are required. (b) Subject to subsection (d) of this section and if not in conflict with any residual parental rights and duties, applicable court order or department case plan, a caregiver shall use the reasonable and prudent parent standard when determining whether to allow a child in foster care under the responsibility of the department or in an out-of-home placement to participate in extracurricular, enrichment, cultural or social activities. (c) Under the reasonable and prudent parent standard, a caregiver shall give consideration to the following when deciding whether to allow a child to participate in an activity or experience: (i) A parent or custodian’s wishes, when appropriate; (ii) The child’s age, maturity and development level to ensure the child's overall health and safety; (iii) The potential risk factors and appropriateness of the activity or experience; (iv) The best interest of the child based on information known by the caregiver; (v) The child’s wishes; (vi) The importance of encouraging the child’s emotional and developmental growth; (vii) The importance of supporting the child in developing skills to successfully transition to adulthood; (viii) The importance of providing the child with the most family like living experience possible; and (ix) Any special needs or accommodations that the child may need to safely participate in the activity or experience. (d) A caregiver may provide or withhold permission for children in his care to participate in and experience age appropriate or developmentally appropriate activities and experiences. A caregiver's ability to grant or withhold permission: (i) Shall not override or conflict with a parent’s residual parental rights and duties to make decisions regarding his child’s participation in activities and experiences or with rights as determined by court order; (ii) Shall be exercised using the reasonable prudent parent standard; (iii) Shall not conflict with any applicable court order or department case plan; (iv) May be exercised without the prior approval of the department if exercising caregiver authority is consistent with the department case plan. 14-13-103. Limitation of liability. (a) A caregiver shall not be liable for harm caused to a child as the result of his participation in an activity or experience approved by the caregiver if the caregiver complies with the requirements of W.S. 14-13-102(d). (b) In addition to the liability protection provided under subsection (a) of this section, this section shall not remove or limit any other applicable liability protection conferred upon caregivers by any other law. 14-13-104. Obligations of the department of family services. (a) As a condition of certification for foster care, the department shall require the implementation of standards and training meant to assure compliance with the reasonable and prudent parent standard. To meet this requirement, the department shall provide information and education concerning: (i) The developmental stages of the child's cognitive, emotional, physical and behavioral capacities; (ii) Whether to allow a child to engage in extracurricular, enrichment, cultural or social activities including sports, field trips and overnight activities lasting one (1) day or longer; and (iii) The signing of permission slips and arranging transportation for the child to and from extracurricular, enrichment, cultural and social activities. (b) At certification and recertification reviews, the department shall verify that caregivers providing out-of-home placement promote and protect the ability of a child to participate in age appropriate or developmentally appropriate activities and experiences. (c) The department shall develop standards and a process by which individuals employed by facilities providing out-of-home placements are designated to make decisions for children under the reasonable and prudent parent standard.