Social Study in the United States

Social Study in the context of Juvenile and Family Law

Definition ofSocial Study, published by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges: The report prepared by a probation officer or social caseworker for the judge’s consideration at a dispositional hearing. Such reports review the minor’s behavior and family history and frequently contain material that would be inadmissible in most judicial proceedings because of hearsay, lack of verifkation, etc. In many states, specific statutes permit their admission into evidence. Social studies may not be received by the court until after the petition has been adjudicated and jurisdiction established. Also called “social history,” “social report,” or “probation report.”