WSB/3/9
Sponsored by Elizabeth McReynolds of West High School
This legislation was filed in the Childrens Services category
Presented as part of the YIG Volunteer 2024 conference
| 1 | BE IT ENACTED BY THE TENNESSEE YMCA YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT |
| 2 | |
| 3 | Section 1: Terms in this act shall be defined as follows: |
| 4 | Exclusion of parties: Removal of both parents during a testimony |
| 5 | Protection of dependents: An examination of the child is conducted in a manner that accounts for |
| 6 | age, and developmental level. |
| 7 | Dependent: Adolescent |
| 8 | Testimony: spoken statement by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by an |
| 9 | authorized public official |
| 10 | Neglect/Abuse: Failure to act the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious |
| 11 | physcial/emotional harm, sexual abuse, or exploitation. Or failure to act which presents imminent |
| 12 | risk or harm. |
| 13 | Proceedings: Case, controversy, or lawsuit |
| 14 | |
| 15 | Section 2: When the child is called for a testimony regarding the parental care, both parties must |
| 16 | exit the courtroom. For time permitted, they will be asked to abide outside the public door or |
| 17 | placed in a room nearby with the supervision of a Bailiff. The parties’ counsel shall remain present |
| 18 | during the child’s testimony. Following, the court shall inform any party who is not represented by |
| 19 | counsel and shall appoint counsel if requested by an indigent party who is entitled to an attorney. |
| 20 | |
| 21 | Section 3: The court shall continually put the welfare of the child foremost above other factors |
| 22 | during testimonies and take appropriate measures deemed for according to the situation. |
| 23 | |
| 24 | Section 4: There would be no cost towards the court, parties, or counsel regarding this act. |
| 25 | |
| 26 | Section 5: All laws or parts of laws in conflict with this are hereby repealed. |
| 27 | |
| 28 | Section 6: This act shall take effect June 1st, 2024, the public welfare requiring it. |
| 29 |