HERBERT R. O'CONOR, GOVERNOR. 967

48J. All cases under this sub-title concerning children
shall be heard separately from cases concerning adults. Hear-
ings shall be conducted in an informal manner and may be
adjourned from time to time. Stenographic notes or other
transcript of the hearings shall not be required unless the Judge
so orders.

48K. 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 treatment within the pro-
visions or intent of this sub-title, the Judge shall dismiss the
case. In all cases in which the Judge determines that the
child is within the jurisdiction of the Court and is in need of
care or treatment 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 de-
termine, but not beyond the minority of the child:

(1) on probation, or

(2) in the custody of a public or private institution or
agency or in the custody of a person selected by said Judge;
provided, however, that after any such placement as aforesaid
the Judge shall have the right to transfer the child to another
public or private institution or agency or to another person,
or to reduce the term of any such placement or to return the
child to its parent or guardian, if said Judge deems such to be
for the best interest of the child. The agency, institution or
person having custody shall submit semi-annually to the
Judge a report on each child so committed by the Judge. Said
report shall set forth particulars as to the type and length of
care and treatment already given, and contemplated, with
respect to such child, with reasons therefor.

No adjudication by the Judge upon the status of any child
shall operate to impose any civil disabilities, nor shall any
child be deemed a criminal by reason of such adjudication.
The proceedings with reference to a child or any evidence given
before the Judge shall not be admissible as evidence against the
child in any case or proceedings in any other court.

48L. Whenever the Judge, under Section 48K, places a
child in the custody of someone other than the child's parents
or in the custody of an agency or institution, the Judge may
after giving the parent a reasonable opportunity to be heard,
order that such parent shall pay in such manner as the court
may direct, such sum as will cover in whole or in part the sup-
port of such child and if such parent shall wilfully fail or
refuse to pay such sum, the Judge may proceed against him as
for contempt.

48M. The Judge may cause any person within the jurisdic-
tion of the Court, under Section 48C of this sub-title, to be ex-