HERBERT R. O'CONOR, GOVERNOR. 1449

ner and may be adjourned from time to time. Steno-
graphic notes or other transcript of the hearings shall not
be required unless the Judge so orders. The general pub-
lic shall be excluded and only such persons admitted as
have a direct interest in the case.

420(K). In any case concerning a child, if the Judge
determines that the child is not within the jurisdiction of
the court or that the child is not in need of care or treat-
ment within the provisions or intent of this sub-title, the
Judge shall dismiss the case. If the Judge determines that
the child is within the jurisdiction of the court and is in
need of care or treatment within the provisions and intent
of this sub-title by reason of dependency or neglect, the
judge shall commit the child to the State Department of
Public Welfare. The State Department of Public Welfare
shall have sole power to decide the type of care or treat-
ment to be given such child*, including placing such child in
a home of relatives, in a boarding home, or in a private or
public institution or agency, provided such private or pub-
lic institution or agency shall meet the standards adopted by
the State Department of Public Welfare. In all other cases
in which the Judge determines that the child is within the
Jurisdiction of the Court and is in need of care or treat-
ment within the provisions or intent of this Sub-title the
Judge shall have the right to place the child for such period
of time as the Judge in his own discretion shall determine,
but not beyond the minority of the child

(1) on probation, or

(2') in a public or private institution or agency, or

(3) commit the child to the State Department of Public
Welfare for such placement as said Department believes to
be for the best interest of the child; provided, however, that
after any such placement or commitment as aforesaid the
State Department of Public Welfare shall have the right to
transfer the child to another public or private institution or
agency, or to reduce the term of any such placement or
commitment or to return the child to its parent or guardian,
if said Department deems such to be for the best interest
of the child, and so certifies in writing to the Judge. Place-
ment in a private or public institution of any child com-
mitted to the State Department of Public Welfare shall be
made only where the State Department of Public Welfare
is unable otherwise to insure the proper care of the child.
The State Department of Public Welfare shall have the
sole power to determine the length of time during the
minority of the child during which any commitment to it