Presumption of Public Access to Hearings

Absent exceptional circumstances, hearings in juvenile protection matters are presumed to be accessible to the public. Hearings, or portions of hearings, may be closed to the public by the court only in exceptional circumstances. The closure of any hearing shall be noted on the record and the reasons for the closure given. Closure of all or part of a hearing shall not prevent the court from proceeding with the hearing or issuing a decision. An order closing a hearing or portion of a hearing to the public shall be accessible to the public.