DMR.1.3.120 Informal Disposition

(a) Upon referral of any child who is or may be a child in need of care under Section DMR.1.5.010 of this ordinance, the Child Welfare Director or Assistant Child Welfare Director may investigate the circumstances, counsel the child, discuss the situation with the parents or guardians, arrange for services to be voluntarily accepted by the child or parents, or institute any other informal, voluntary arrangements designed to further the best interest of the child. At any time that the Child Welfare Director or Assistant Child Welfare Director deems it appropriate, proceedings may be instituted under any other subchapter of this ordinance.

(b) The Child Welfare Director or Assistant Child Welfare Director and affected parties, including the child if twelve (12) years of age or older, may upon mutual consent petition the Children's Court to institute peacemaking proceedings in any case where a child could be subject to a petition under any other subchapter of this ordinance. Peacemaking shall occur pursuant to the direction of the Children's Court under rules and procedures established, formally or informally, by the peacemaker or peacemakers appointed by the Tribal Court, provided that at any time that the Child Welfare Director or Assistant Child Welfare Director deems it appropriate, proceedings may be instituted under any other subchapter of this ordinance.