Determination and order of the Court

§ 16–2308. Determination and order of the Court (a) When the court finds that the child comes within the provisions of thus subchapter and section 11–1551, it may by order duly entered: (1) place the child on probation or under supervision in his own home or in the custody of a relative or other fit person, upon such terms as the court determines; (2) commit the child to the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia or its authorized representative; or to the National Training School for Boys if in need of such care as is given in the school; or to a qualified suitable private institution or agency willing and able to assume the education, care, and maintenance of the child without expense to the public; or (3) make such further disposition of the child as may be provided by law and as the court deems to be best for the best interests of the child. Paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of this subsection do not authorize the removal of the child from the custody of his parents unless his welfare and the safety and protection of the public can not be adequately safeguarded without the removal. (b) In committing a child to custody other than that of its parent, the court may, after giving the parent a reasonable opportunity to be heard, adjudge that the parent shall pay in such manner as the court directs a sum that will cover in whole or in part the support of the child. If the parent willfully fails or refuses to pay the sum, he may be proceeded against as provided by law for cases of desertion or failure to provide subsistence. (c) When the court commits a child to an institution or agency, it shall transmit with the order of commitment a summary of its information concerning the child. (d) An adjudication upon the status of a child in the jurisdiction of the court does not operate to impose any of the civil disabilities ordinarily imposed by conviction, and a child is not deemed a criminal by reason of an adjudication. An adjudication is not deemed a conviction of a crime, and a child may not be charged with or convicted of a crime in any court, except as provided by section 11–1553. The disposition made of a child, or evidence given in the court, is not admissible as evidence against the child in any case or proceeding in any other court, and the disposition, or evidence, or adjudication, does not operate to disqualify a child in any future civil-service examination, appointment, or application for public service under either the Government of the United States or of the District of Columbia.