(a) When a child reasonably believed to come within section 571-11(2) is referred to the court or other designated agency, informal adjustment shall be provided to the child by an intake officer duly authorized by the family court only where the facts reasonably appear to establish prima facie jurisdiction and are admitted and where a consent is obtained from the child’s parent, guardian, or legal custodian, and the child, if of sufficient age and understanding. Informal adjustment under this section may include, among other suitable methods, programs, and procedures, listed in section 571-31.4(c), except section 571-31.4(c)(1), and provided that placement with shelter facilities under section 571-31.4(c)(9) shall be on a nonsecure basis unless the child is processed under subsection (b).
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Terms Used In Hawaii Revised Statutes 571-31.5

  • Court: means one of the family courts as herein established. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 571-2
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Informal adjustment: means the effort by intake officers, the courts, or others to provide a child referred to them or brought before them, and where appropriate that child's family, opportunity and aid before and in lieu of formally processing the child under this chapter. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 571-2
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Shelter: means the temporary care of children in physically unrestricting facilities pending court disposition. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 571-2
(b) In the event resources and services for informal adjustment are not available, have failed, are reasonably believed to fail if attempted, or are unable to respond to the needs of the child or family, the intake officer shall proceed with formal action, or take such action as is otherwise allowed under this chapter.

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