HERBERT R. O'CONOR, GOVERNOR. 1845

of Ms parents only when his welfare or the safety and pro-
tection of the public cannot be adequately safeguarded without
such removal; and, when such child is removed from his own
family, to secure for him custody, care, and discipline as nearly
as possible equivalent to that which should have been given by
his parents.

This provision shall be liberally construed to accomplish the
purposes herein sought.

547D. When used in this sub-heading, unless the content
clearly requires otherwise:

(a) "Court" means the Court presided over by the Magis-
trate for Juvenile Causes for Montgomery County.

(b) "Magistrate" means the person appointed as Magistrate
for Juvenile Causes for Montgomery County.

(c) "Child" means a minor under the age of 18 years who
is subject to the jurisdiction of the Court.

(d) "Adult" means a person 18 years of age or over.

547E. Except as otherwise provided, the Magistrate for
Juvenile Causes for Montgomery County shall have the follow-
ing jurisdiction and powers:

(a) He shall possess the same powers as a justice of the
peace or magistrate for criminal causes now has or may here-
after have as defined by law.

(b) He shall have exclusive jurisdiction over other justices
of the peace or trial magistrates in proceedings concerning any
child within Montgomery County, who is dependent, delin-
quent, neglected or is a minor without proper care or guardian-
ship.

(c) He shall have power to place any child found to be
delinquent, dependent or neglected, or a child without proper
care and guardianship in the custody of such person or per-
sons, juvenile institution or juvenile agency, for such period
of time as may be deemed for the best interest and welfare of
said child, if it shall appear that the present custodian or
parent is not a fit person to have the custody of such child,
or that it would be conducive to the best interest of such child
to have a change of custodian.

(d) He shall have power at any stage of the proceedings in
the case of a child who is charged with delinquency, or whose
care, commitment or custody is involved before the court, to
suspend sentence, final judgment or further proceedings for
such period of time or for an indefinite period of time, as may
be deemed necessary, and at the time of suspension of sen-
tence, final judgment or further proceedings, or subsequent
thereto, he may impose such terms and conditions as may be
deemed proper and necessary.