What can I expect at the first court date, called the Fact-Finding Hearing?
  • The youth who is the subject of the ARY petition will be represented by an attorney, which is automatically appointed to them.  This attorney will check in with them prior to entering the courtroom and gather facts to prepare them for the scheduled hearing.
  • Parents and/or legal guardians are not provided an attorney to represent them in ARY court.  However, parents and/or legal guardians are always welcome to retain and bring an attorney to court with them. 
  • A Probation Officer will be assigned to monitor the case and they check in with the youth and parent prior to entering the courtroom.
  • The court will verify that the youth was personally served with the ARY petition and Notice of Hearing. If not, the hearing will require a continuance.
  • The court will inquire as to what services were offered and/or recommended to the youth and family by FRS.  If services were not completed or attempted, the youth and family will likely face a set over of the court hearing until such time that services are attempted and/or completed. 
  • Please note the time of your hearing, which is included on any Notice of Hearing you obtain or receive.
  • We appreciate your patience and understanding when you are required to wait longer than anticipated for your specific case to be called on at court.  This is in part due to the volume of cases that may be scheduled and wanting to be every family receives the time and attention necessary to be heard and supported.  Court calendars fluctuate depending upon the number of cases scheduled and the needs that arise. 

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1. Who files the At-Risk-Youth (ARY) petition?
2. How do I file an At-Risk Youth (ARY) petition?
3. How do I file a Child in Need of Services (CHINS) petition?
4. What should I do if the court order is violated?
5. Who is Family Reconciliation Services?
6. What does Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) do and are they a part of Child Protective Services (CPS)?
7. What is the goal of Family Reconciliation Services (FRS)?
8. How do I contact Family Reconciliation Services to request a Family Assessment?
9. Can Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) work with my family without an At-Risk Youth Petition being filed in court?
10. Once the Family Assessment has been completed? What do I do?
11. What can I expect at the first court date, called the Fact-Finding Hearing?