Rule 5:17-3.Disposition

Last amended December 31, 1983 · Current through September 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026

In one sentenceRule 5:17-3 continues the hearing to disposition once a crisis is found, lets the court order any family member contributing to it into services, and requires reasons for whatever it orders.

Full Text of Rule 5:17-3

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If it finds that juvenile-family crisis exists, the court shall continue the hearing to determine the appropriate disposition, and shall consider the recommendations submitted by intake services, family members and any other interested parties. The court shall make such disposition as it deems appropriate, including requiring the juvenile, parent, guardian or family member contributing to the crisis to participate in appropriate programs and services consistent with the disposition. If the court, however, concludes that an out-of-home placement is necessary, further proceedings shall be taken pursuant to R. 5:18 insofar as applicable. The court shall state its reasons for any disposition made and in the event of the failure of any person to comply with a dispositional order, it may proceed against such person for the enforcement of litigant's rights.

End

Amendment History

New Jersey publishes each rule’s amendment record in a “Note” beneath the rule. It is reproduced verbatim below; a “Source” line names the former rule the current one grew out of, and “R. (1969)” citations refer to the earlier numbering it replaced.

Note: Source--new. Adopted December 20, 1983, to be effective December 31, 1983.

Plain-English Summary

Finding a crisis does not end the hearing; it continues to disposition. The court considers the recommendations of intake services, of family members, and of any other interested party.

What it can order is deliberately broad and pointedly not limited to the juvenile. The court may make such disposition as it deems appropriate, including requiring the juvenile, a parent, a guardian or a family member contributing to the crisis to participate in appropriate programmes and services. A crisis that was caused in part by an adult can be addressed by an order directed at that adult.

Where out-of-home placement is necessary, the case moves to the placement rules instead. Two obligations close the rule: the court states its reasons for any disposition, and if anyone fails to comply with a dispositional order it may proceed against them for enforcement of litigant's rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the court order a parent into a programme?

Yes. The disposition may require the juvenile, a parent, guardian or family member contributing to the crisis to participate in appropriate programs and services.

What if the juvenile cannot stay at home?

If the court concludes an out-of-home placement is necessary, further proceedings are taken under Rule 5:18 insofar as applicable.

What happens if someone ignores the order?

The court may proceed against that person for the enforcement of litigant's rights.

Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the official New Jersey Rules of Court, Part V (N.J. Ct. R. 5:17-3). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of New Jersey. The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified September 8, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: crisis dispositionordering servicesfamily crisis orderenforcement of litigant's rights