Section 401. Introduction to Chapter Four

Under these rules and the Juvenile Act, 42 Pa.C.S. § 6301 et seq., a determination for each case requires separate and distinct findings. First, the court is to hold an adjudicatory hearing, governed by Rule 406 or receive an admission from the juvenile of the allegations, governed by Rule 407. Second, after hearing the evidence or receiving an admission, the court is to rule on the offenses pursuant to Rule 408, stating with particularity the grading and counts of each offense. Third, after ruling on the offenses or entering its findings, the court is to determine if the juvenile is in need of treatment, supervision, or rehabilitation pursuant to Rule 409. After the court has made these findings and if the court finds that the juvenile is in need of treatment, supervision, or rehabilitation, the court is to hold a dispositional hearing as provided for in Rule 512 and is to enter a dispositional order pursuant to Rule 515. Nothing in these rules precludes the court from making these determinations at the same proceeding as long as the requirements of Rules 406 through 409 are followed.

Official Note

Rule 401 adopted April 1, 2005, effective October 1, 2005.