Mississippi § 43-21-557 - Order of proceedings.

§ 43-21-557. Order of proceedings.

At the beginning of each adjudicatory hearing, the youth court shall: verify the name, age and residence of the child who is the subject of the cause and ascertain the relationship of the parties, each to the other; ascertain whether all necessary parties are present and identify all persons participating in the hearing; ascertain whether the notice requirements have been complied with and, if not, whether the affected parties intelligently waived compliance in accordance with Section 43-21-507; explain to the parties the purpose of the hearing and the possible dispositional alternatives thereof; and explain to the parties: the right to counsel; the right to remain silent; the right to subpoena witnesses; the right to cross-examine witnesses testifying against him; and the right to appeal. The youth court should then ascertain whether the parties before the youth court are represented by counsel. If a party before the youth court is not represented by counsel, the youth court shall ascertain whether the party understands his right to counsel. If the party wishes to retain counsel, the youth court shall continue the hearing for a reasonable time to allow the party to obtain and consult with counsel of his choosing. If an indigent child does not have counsel, the youth court shall appoint counsel to represent the child and shall continue the hearing for a reasonable time to allow the child to consult with his appointed counsel. The youth court may then inquire whether the parties admit or deny the allegations in the petition as provided in Section 43-21-553. The youth court may at any time terminate the proceedings and dismiss the petition if the youth court finds such action to be conducive to the welfare of the child and in the best interest of the state.