Party Status

Subd. 1. Parties Generally. Parties to a juvenile protection matter shall include: (a) the child's guardian ad litem; (b) the child's legal custodian; (c) in the case of an Indian child, the child's parents, the child's Indian custodian, and the Indian child's tribe through the tribal representative; (d) the petitioner; (e) any person who intervenes as a party pursuant to Rule 34; (f) any person who is joined as a party pursuant to Rule 35; and (g) any other person who is deemed by the court to be important to a resolution that is in the best interests of the child. Subd. 2. Habitual Truant, Runaway, and Sexually Exploited Child. In addition to the parties identified in subdivision 1, in any matter alleging a child to be a habitual truant, a runaway, or a sexually exploited child, the child, regardless of age, shall also be a party. In any matter alleging a child to be a habitual truant, the child's school district may be joined as a party pursuant to Rule 35. Subd. 3. Termination of Parental Rights Matters and Permanent Placement Matters. In addition to the parties identified in subdivision 1, in any termination of parental rights matter or permanent placement matter the parties shall also include: (a) the child's parents, including any noncustodial parent and any adjudicated or presumed father; (b) any person entitled to notice of any adoption proceeding involving the child; (c) the responsible social services agency when the agency is not the petitioner; and (d) any other person who is deemed by the court to be important to a resolution that is in the best interests of the child. Published by the Revisor of Statutes under Minnesota Statutes, section 3C.08, subdivision 1. JUVENILE COURT 244 MINNESOTA COURT RULES Subd. 4. Relatives Recommended as Permanent Custodians. Relatives have the right to participate as parties in permanency proceedings where required by Minnesota Statutes, section 260C.163, subdivision 2.