Conn. Practice Book § 31a-15 (2026)

Sec. 31a-15 whom shall be a physician specializing in psychia- try, selected by the judicial authority who have personally examined the child or youth within ten days of the hearing, stating that in their opinion the child’s or youth’s mental condition necessitates placement in a designated hospital for mental ill- ness. If, after such hearing, the judicial authority finds by clear and convincing evidence that the child or youth suffers from a mental disorder, as defined in General Statutes § 17a-75, is in need of hospitalization for treatment and such treatment is available as the least restrictive alternative, the judicial authority shall make an order for commit- ment for a definite period not to exceed six months to a designated hospital for mental illness of chil- dren. No child or youth shall be committed as mentally deficient pursuant to General Statutes § 46b-140 except in accordance with procedures of General Statutes § 17a-274 (b), (g), and (h). (Adopted June 24, 2002, to take effect Jan. 1, 2003; amended June 14, 2024, to take effect Jan. 1, 2025.)