Section 513. Aids in Disposition

A. Social Study.

1) The court may order the preparation of a social study in any case to aid in the decision for disposition.

2) If a social study is ordered, the study shall address any educational, health care, and disability needs of the juvenile.

B. Examinations. The court may order the juvenile to undergo health psychological, psychiatric, drug and alcohol, or any other examination, as it deems appropriate to aid in the decision for disposition.

C. Victim-Impact Statement. The victim may submit a victim-impact statement to the court. If the victim has submitted a victim-impact statement, the court shall accept and consider the victim-impact statement in determining disposition.

Comment

Section 6341(e) of the Juvenile Act requires the court to receive reports and other evidence bearing on the disposition or need of treatment, supervision, or rehabilitation. In re McDonough, 430 A.2d 308 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1981).

Paragraph (C) addresses a statement submitted by the victim to the court. For the victim’s opportunity to be heard, see Rule 512(A)(2). See also Victim’s Bill of Rights, 18 P. S. § 11.201 et seq.

Official Note

Rule 513 adopted April 1, 2005, effective October 1, 2005. Amended April 29, 2011, effective July 1, 2011.

Committee Explanatory Reports:

Final Report explaining the provisions of Rule 513 published with the Court’s Order at 35 Pa.B. 2214 (April 16, 2005).

Final Report explaining the amendments to Rule 513 published with the Court’s Order at 41 Pa.B. 2413 (May 14, 2011).

The provisions of this Rule 513 amended April 29, 2011, effective July 1, 2011, 41 Pa.B. 2413. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (356687).