Title 25

SECTION 11.900

11.900 Definitions.

§ 11.900 Definitions.

For purposes of sections pertaining to the children's court:

(a) Abandon means the leaving of a minor without communication or failing to support a minor for a period of one year or more with no indication of the parents' willingness to assume a parental role.

(b) Adult means a person eighteen (18) years or older.

(c) Counsel means an attorney admitted to the bar of a state or the District of Columbia or a lay advocate admitted to practice before the Court of Indian Offenses.

(d) Custodian means one who has physical custody of a minor and who is providing food, shelter and supervision to the minor.

(e) Custody means the power to control the day-to-day activities of the minor.

(f) Delinquent act means an act which, if committed by an adult, would be designated a crime under this part or under an ordinance of the tribe.

(g) Detention means the placement of a minor in a physically restrictive facility.

(h) Guardian means a person other than the minor's parent who is by law responsible for the care of the minor.

(i) Guardian ad Litem means a person appointed by the court to represent the minor's interests before the court.

(j) Juvenile offender means a person who commits a delinquent act prior to his or her eighteenth birthday.

(k) Minor means:

(1) A person under 18 years of age,

(2) A person 18 years of age or older concerning whom proceedings are commenced in the children's court prior to his or her eighteenth birthday, or

(3) A person 18 years of age or older who is under the continuing jurisdiction of the children's court.

(l) Minor-in-need-of-care means a minor who:

(1) Has no parent or guardian available and willing to take care of him or her;

(2) Is unwilling to allow his or her parent or guardian to take care of him or her;

(3) Has suffered or is likely to suffer a physical or emotional injury, inflicted by other than accidental means, which causes or creates a substantial risk of death, disfigurement, impairment of bodily functions or emotional health;

(4) Has not been provided with adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education or supervision by his or her parent, guardian or custodian;

(5) Has been sexually abused;

(6) Has been committing delinquent acts as a result of parental pressure, guidance or approval; or,

(7) Has been committing status offenses.

(m) Status offense means an offense which, if committed by an adult, would not be designated a crime under this part or under an ordinance of the tribe.

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