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HomeWelfare and Institutions CodeDiv. 2Pt. 1Ch. 2Art. 5§ 280 Probation Officer Court Duties

§ 280 Probation Officer Court Duties

Welfare and Institutions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 280 Probation Officer Court Duties

Key Takeaways

  • •A probation officer must be in court to help and represent a kid when the court decides if the kid needs protection or help.
  • •The probation officer has to give the court information and help the court needs about the kid’s case.
  • •If the court orders it, the probation officer must take care of the kid before and after the court hearing.
  • •The probation officer must write a report about the kid’s situation, including what they think is the best way to help the kid.

Example

A 12-year-old kid is in court because their parents aren’t taking care of them properly.

The probation officer must be in court to help the kid and tell the judge what’s going on. They also have to write a report about the kid’s life and suggest what should happen, like if the kid should stay with their parents or go to a foster home.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 280 Probation Officer Court Duties

Except where waived by the probation officer, judge, or referee and the minor, the probation officer shall be present in court to represent the interests of each person who is the subject of a petition to declare that person to be a ward or dependent child upon all hearings or rehearings of his or her case, and shall furnish to the court such information and assistance as the court may require. If so ordered, the probation officer shall take charge of that person before and after any hearing or rehearing. It shall be the duty of the probation officer to prepare for every hearing on the disposition of a case as provided by Section 356, 358, 358.1, 361.5, 364, 366, 366.2, or 366.21 as is appropriate for the specific hearing, or, for a hearing as provided by Section 702, a social study of the minor, containing such matters as may be relevant to a proper disposition of the case. The social study shall include a recommendation for the disposition of the case. (Amended by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1485, Sec. 2.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

probationsocial studydutyporthearingdispositioninformationrecommendation

Related Statutes

  • § 224.2 Indian Child Inquiry Duty
  • § 636.1 Minor Detention Case Plan
  • § 275 County Probation Payment Records
  • § 355 Juvenile Court Jurisdiction Hearing
  • § 366.21 Juvenile Court Review Hearings

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Welfare and Institutions Code. Section 280.
View Official Source