What does a sentencing hearing determine regarding a minor?

A sentencing hearing is a critical phase in the juvenile justice process, focused on determining the appropriate legal status and consequences for a minor who has been found to have violated the law. Specifically, one of the primary outcomes of this hearing is whether the minor should be adjudged a ward of the court. This designation implies that the juvenile court takes responsibility for the minor's welfare, often involving oversight of their rehabilitation and support services aimed at addressing the factors contributing to their behavior.

Being adjudged a ward of the court can lead to various interventions, including probation, treatment programs, or placement in a facility, emphasizing the court's proactive role in helping the minor rather than strictly punishing them.

While the other options may have relevance in different contexts, they do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of a sentencing hearing within the juvenile court system. Decisions about fines, school attendance, or family suitability may arise in other proceedings or discussions but are not the central focus of a sentencing hearing.