S-17-0531 In re Interest of Nicholas K.
Separate Juvenile Court for Douglas County, Judge Elizabeth Crnkovich
Attorneys: Lauren J. Micek (Public Defender’s Office for Nicholas K.) --- waiver by State to file brief
Criminal: Disposition
Proceedings below: Nicholas was adjudicated under § 43-247(3)(b)(2), specifically alleging that Nicholas, by reason of being wayward or habitually disobedient, was uncontrolled by his parent. After a dispositional hearing, the court ordered that he be placed in a group home level of care.
Issues: The court abused its discretion in committing the juvenile to a group home level of care when less restrictive placement alternatives existed, available community resources were not exhausted, and maintaining the juvenile in the parental home did not present a significant risk to the juvenile or community.