Rule 26-2. Persons in Attendance at Hearings

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, any judge hearing a juvenile matter may, during such hearing, exclude from the courtroom in which such hearing is held any person whose presence is, in the court's opinion, not necessary, except that in delinquency proceedings, any victim or a victim's next of kin shall not be excluded unless, after hearing from the parties and the victim or a victim's next of kin and for good cause shown, which shall be clearly and specifically stated on the record, the judge orders otherwise.

(b) Any judge hearing a juvenile matter, in which a child or youth is alleged to be uncared for, neglected or abused or in which a child or youth is the subject of a petition for termination of parental rights, may permit any person whom the court finds has a legitimate interest in the hearing or the work of the court to attend such hearing. Such person may include a party, foster parent, relative related to the child or youth by blood or marriage, service provider or any person or representative of any agency, entity or association, including a representative of the news media. The court may, as a condition of participation, for the child's or youth's safety and protection and for good cause shown, prohibit any person or representative of any agency, entity or association, including a representative of the news media, who is present in court from further disclosing any information that would identify the child or youth, the custodian or caretaker of the child or youth or the members of the child's or youth's family involved in the hearing.

Committee Notes

amended June 14, 2024, to take effect Jan. 1, 2025.)