What is determined during a dispositional hearing?

During a dispositional hearing, the primary focus is on deciding the appropriate course of action concerning a minor after they have been adjudicated. This hearing occurs after a finding of delinquency, meaning that the court has determined that the minor engaged in behavior that violates the law. The essential purpose of the dispositional hearing is to evaluate what intervention or support is necessary for the minor moving forward, which can include various forms of supervision, treatment options, or placement.

Making the minor a ward of the court is a significant determination made during this hearing, as it signifies that the court will have legal authority over the minor's welfare and can implement specific orders regarding their care and treatment. This decision often takes into consideration the minor's circumstances, background, needs, and the best interests of the minor.

The other options focus on aspects that may be related but do not specifically encapsulate the primary purpose of a dispositional hearing. Returning the minor home or determining educational support may be part of the broader considerations, but the fundamental decision involves whether the minor will be under the court's jurisdiction as a ward, enabling the court to provide guidance and structure for the minor's rehabilitation.