It is the intent of the Legislature that Article 2 of this title shall be liberally construed, to the end that its purpose may be carried out.

The purpose of the laws relating to juveniles alleged or adjudicated to be delinquent is to promote the public safety and reduce juvenile delinquency. This purpose should be pursued through means that are fair and just, that:

1. Recognize the unique characteristics and needs of juveniles;

2. Give juveniles access to opportunities for personal and social growth;

3. Maintain the integrity of substantive law prohibiting certain behavior and developing individual responsibility for lawful behavior;

4. Provide a system relying upon individualized treatment and best practice for the rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile delinquents into society;

5. Preserve and strengthen family ties whenever possible, including improvement of home environment;

6. Remove a juvenile from the custody of parents if the welfare and safety of the juvenile or the protection of the public would otherwise be endangered;

7. Secure for any juvenile removed from the custody of parents the necessary treatment, care, guidance and discipline to assist the juvenile in becoming a responsible and productive member of society; and

8. Provide procedures through which the provisions of the law are executed and enforced and which will assure the parties fair hearings at which their rights as citizens are recognized and protected.

Added by Laws 1995, c. 352, § 71, eff. July 1, 1995. Amended by Laws 2009, c. 234, § 3, emerg. eff. May 21, 2009. Renumbered from § 7301-1.2 of Title 10 by Laws 2009, c. 234, § 168, emerg. eff. May 21, 2009. Amended by Laws 2013, c. 404, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2013.