Rule 31a-15. Mentally Ill Children and Youth

No child or youth shall be committed by a judicial authority as mentally ill pursuant to General Statutes § 46b-140 until such a study has been made and a sworn report filed with the judicial authority or in lieu thereof without the sworn certificate of at least two impartial physicians, one of whom shall be a physician specializing in psychiatry, selected by the judicial authority who have personally examined the child or youth within ten days of the hearing, stating that in their opinion the child's or youth's mental condition necessitates placement in a designated hospital for mental illness. If, after such hearing, the judicial authority finds by clear and convincing evidence that the child or youth suffers from a mental disorder, as defined in General Statutes § 17a-75, is in need of hospitalization for treatment and such treatment is available as the least restrictive alternative, the judicial authority shall make an order for commitment for a definite period not to exceed six months to a designated hospital for mental illness of children. No child or youth shall be committed as mentally deficient pursuant to General Statutes § 46b-140 except in accordance with procedures of General Statutes § 17a-274 (b), (g), and (h).

Committee Notes

(Amended June 14, 2024, to take effect Jan. 1, 2025) (Adopted June 24, 2002, to take effect Jan. 1, 2003; amended June 14, 2024, to take effect Jan. 1, 2025.)