RULE 8.685. ADJUDICATORY HEARINGS

(a) Hearing by Judge. The adjudicatory hearing shall be
conducted by the judge without a jury utilizing the rules of
evidence. At this hearing the court shall determine whether the
allegations of the petition have been sustained.

(b) Examination of Witnesses. Any party shall have the
right to examine and cross-examine the witnesses.

(c) Presence of Parties. All parties have the right to be
present at all adjudicatory hearings. No party shall be excluded
from the hearing unless so ordered by the court for disruptive
behavior.

(d) Joint and Separate Hearings. When 2 or more children
are alleged to be children in need of services, the hearing may be
held simultaneously when the several children involved are related
to each other or involved in the same case, unless the court orders
separate hearings.

(e) Motion for Judgment of Dismissal. In all proceedings if
at the close of the evidence for the petitioner the court is of the
opinion that the evidence is insufficient as a matter of law to
warrant a finding of child(ren) in need of services, it may, and on
the motion of any party shall, enter an order dismissing the petition
for insufficiency of evidence.

(f) Findings and Orders. If the court finds that the evidence
supports the allegations of the petition, it may make a finding that
the child is in need of services as provided by law. In all cases the
court shall enter a written order specifying the facts upon which the
findings are based. If the predisposition and other reports required
by law are unavailable, or by order of the court, any portion of the
disposition hearing may be reset within a reasonable time. If the
case is continued the court may refer the case to appropriate
agencies for additional study and recommendation. The court may
order the child into a suitable placement under such reasonable
conditions as the court may direct.