Withholding Adjudication

Subd. 1. Generally. When it is in the best interests of the child to do so, the court may withhold an adjudication that the child is in need of protection or services. The court may withhold adjudication for a period not to exceed 90 days from the finding that the statutory grounds set forth in the petition have been proved. During the withholding of an adjudication, the court may enter a disposition order pursuant to Rule 51. Subd. 2. Further proceedings. At a hearing, which shall be held within 90 days following the court's withholding of adjudication, the court shall either: (a) dismiss the matter without an adjudication if both the child and the child's legal custodian have complied with the terms of the continuance; or (b) adjudicate the child in need of protection or services if either the child or the child's legal custodian has not complied with the terms of the continuance. If the court enters an adjudication, the court shall proceed to disposition pursuant to Rule 51. 2019 Advisory Committee Comment