{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/16.1-280.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/16.1-280.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/16.1-280.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/16.1-280.html"}],"law_id":76101,"edition_id":1,"section_id":76101,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-280","catch_line":"Commitment of juveniles with mental illness or intellectual disability","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 16.1-178.2; 1960, c. 103; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1977, c. 559; 1978, c. 739; 1981, c. 487; 1988, c. 826; 1990, c. 975; 1994, cc. 859, 949; 2009, cc. 813, 840; 2010, cc. 778, 825; 2012, cc. 476, 507.","full_text":"When any juvenile court has found a juvenile to be in need of services or delinquent pursuant to the provisions of this law and reasonably believes such juvenile has mental illness or intellectual disability, the court may commit him to an appropriate hospital or order mandatory outpatient treatment in accordance with the provisions of Article 16 (\u00a7 16.1-335 et seq.) or admit him to a training center in accordance with the provisions of \u00a7 37.2-806 for observation as to his mental condition. No juvenile shall be committed pursuant to this section or Article 16 (\u00a7 16.1-335 et seq.) to a maximum security unit within any state hospital where adults determined to be criminally insane reside. However, the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services may place a juvenile who has been certified to the circuit court for trial as an adult pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-269.6 or 16.1-270 or who has been convicted as an adult of a felony in the circuit court in a unit appropriate for the care and treatment of persons under a criminal charge when, in his discretion, such placement is necessary to protect the security or safety of other patients, staff, or the public. The Commissioner shall notify the committing court of any placement in such unit. The committing court shall review the placement at 30-day intervals.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":273154,"text":"When any juvenile court has found a juvenile to be in need of services or delinquent pursuant to the provisions of this law and reasonably believes such juvenile has mental illness or intellectual disability, the court may commit him to an appropriate hospital or order mandatory outpatient treatment in accordance with the provisions of Article 16 (\u00a7 16.1-335 et seq.) or admit him to a training center in accordance with the provisions of \u00a7 37.2-806 for observation as to his mental condition. No juvenile shall be committed pursuant to this section or Article 16 (\u00a7 16.1-335 et seq.) to a maximum security unit within any state hospital where adults determined to be criminally insane reside. However, the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services may place a juvenile who has been certified to the circuit court for trial as an adult pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-269.6 or 16.1-270 or who has been convicted as an adult of a felony in the circuit court in a unit appropriate for the care and treatment of persons under a criminal charge when, in his discretion, such placement is necessary to protect the security or safety of other patients, staff, or the public. The Commissioner shall notify the committing court of any placement in such unit. The committing court shall review the placement at 30-day intervals.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13006,"edition_id":1,"name":"Disposition","identifier":"9","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12701,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:08","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:08","permalink":{"id":161781,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13006,"identifier":"9","token":"16.1\/11\/9","url":"\/16.1\/11\/9\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12701,"edition_id":1,"name":"Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts","identifier":"11","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12700,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":160945,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12701,"identifier":"11","token":"16.1\/11","url":"\/16.1\/11\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12700,"edition_id":1,"name":"Courts Not of Record","identifier":"16.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":160919,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12700,"identifier":"16.1","token":"16.1","url":"\/16.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":61839,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278","catch_line":"Cooperation of certain agencies, officials, institutions and associations","url":"\/16.1-278\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278","metadata":false},{"id":71042,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.1","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/16.1-278.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.1","metadata":false},{"id":82666,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.10","catch_line":"Traffic infractions","url":"\/16.1-278.10\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.10","metadata":false},{"id":81073,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.11","catch_line":"Mental illness and intellectual disability","url":"\/16.1-278.11\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.11","metadata":false},{"id":63604,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.12","catch_line":"When judicial consent in lieu of parental consent authorized","url":"\/16.1-278.12\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.12","metadata":false},{"id":65268,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.13","catch_line":"Work permits; petitions for treatment, etc","url":"\/16.1-278.13\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.13","metadata":false},{"id":75260,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.14","catch_line":"Criminal jurisdiction; protective orders; family offenses","url":"\/16.1-278.14\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.14","metadata":false},{"id":78408,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.15","catch_line":"Custody or visitation, child or spousal support generally","url":"\/16.1-278.15\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.15","metadata":false},{"id":61778,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.16","catch_line":"Failure to comply with support obligation; payroll deduction; commitment","url":"\/16.1-278.16\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.16","metadata":false},{"id":63607,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.17","catch_line":"Pendente lite support","url":"\/16.1-278.17\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.17","metadata":false},{"id":83584,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.17:1","catch_line":"Formula for determination of pendente lite spousal support","url":"\/16.1-278.17_1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.17_1","metadata":false},{"id":59856,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.18","catch_line":"Money judgments","url":"\/16.1-278.18\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.18","metadata":false},{"id":74062,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.19","catch_line":"Attorney fees","url":"\/16.1-278.19\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.19","metadata":false},{"id":59979,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.2","catch_line":"Abused, neglected, or abandoned children or children without parental care","url":"\/16.1-278.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.2","metadata":false},{"id":54079,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.3","catch_line":"Relief of care and custody","url":"\/16.1-278.3\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.3","metadata":false},{"id":86609,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.4","catch_line":"Children in need of services","url":"\/16.1-278.4\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.4","metadata":false},{"id":62708,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.5","catch_line":"Children in need of supervision","url":"\/16.1-278.5\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.5","metadata":false},{"id":74489,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.6","catch_line":"Status offenders","url":"\/16.1-278.6\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.6","metadata":false},{"id":80876,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.7","catch_line":"Commitment to Department of Juvenile Justice","url":"\/16.1-278.7\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.7","metadata":false},{"id":54722,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.7:01","catch_line":"Department to give notice of the receipt of certain persons","url":"\/16.1-278.7_01\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.7_01","metadata":false},{"id":87505,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.7:02","catch_line":"Department to give notice of Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry requirements to certain persons","url":"\/16.1-278.7_02\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.7_02","metadata":false},{"id":62824,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.8","catch_line":"Delinquent juveniles","url":"\/16.1-278.8\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.8","metadata":false},{"id":67041,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.8:01","catch_line":"Juveniles found delinquent of first drug offense; screening; assessment; drug tests; costs and fees; education or treatment programs","url":"\/16.1-278.8_01\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.8_01","metadata":false},{"id":74546,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.9","catch_line":"Delinquent children; loss of driving privileges for alcohol, firearm, and drug offenses; truancy","url":"\/16.1-278.9\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.9","metadata":false},{"id":72132,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-279","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/16.1-279\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-279","metadata":false},{"id":62456,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-279.1","catch_line":"Protective order in cases of family abuse","url":"\/16.1-279.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-279.1","metadata":false},{"id":76101,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-280","catch_line":"Commitment of juveniles with mental illness or intellectual disability","url":"\/16.1-280\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-280","metadata":false},{"id":58560,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-281","catch_line":"Foster care plan","url":"\/16.1-281\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-281","metadata":false},{"id":56077,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-282","catch_line":"Foster care review","url":"\/16.1-282\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-282","metadata":false},{"id":55053,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-282.1","catch_line":"Permanency planning hearing for children in foster care","url":"\/16.1-282.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-282.1","metadata":false},{"id":56299,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-282.2","catch_line":"Annual foster care review","url":"\/16.1-282.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-282.2","metadata":false},{"id":75076,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-283","catch_line":"Termination of residual parental rights","url":"\/16.1-283\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-283","metadata":false},{"id":74001,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-283.1","catch_line":"Authority to enter into voluntary post-adoption contact and communication agreement","url":"\/16.1-283.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-283.1","metadata":false},{"id":85194,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-283.2","catch_line":"Restoration of parental rights","url":"\/16.1-283.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-283.2","metadata":false},{"id":55428,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-283.3","catch_line":"Review of voluntary continuing services and support agreements for former foster youth","url":"\/16.1-283.3\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-283.3","metadata":false},{"id":61757,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-284","catch_line":"When adult sentenced for juvenile offense","url":"\/16.1-284\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-284","metadata":false},{"id":54157,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-284.1","catch_line":"Placement in secure local facility","url":"\/16.1-284.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-284.1","metadata":false},{"id":59506,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-285","catch_line":"Duration of commitments","url":"\/16.1-285\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-285","metadata":false},{"id":75164,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-285.1","catch_line":"Commitment of serious offenders","url":"\/16.1-285.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-285.1","metadata":false},{"id":70403,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-285.2","catch_line":"Release and review hearing for serious offender","url":"\/16.1-285.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-285.2","metadata":false},{"id":84274,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-286","catch_line":"Cost of maintenance; approval of placement; semiannual review","url":"\/16.1-286\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-286","metadata":false},{"id":78593,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-287","catch_line":"Transfer of information upon commitment; information to be furnished by and to local school boards","url":"\/16.1-287\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-287","metadata":false},{"id":86549,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-288","catch_line":"Protection of religious affiliations","url":"\/16.1-288\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-288","metadata":false},{"id":70444,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-289","catch_line":"Review of order of commitment","url":"\/16.1-289\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-289","metadata":false},{"id":67111,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-289.1","catch_line":"Motions to reconsider orders for participation in continuing programs","url":"\/16.1-289.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-289.1","metadata":false},{"id":65314,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-290","catch_line":"Support of committed juvenile; support from estate of juvenile","url":"\/16.1-290\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-290","metadata":false},{"id":54758,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-290.1","catch_line":"Payment for court-ordered counseling, treatment or programs","url":"\/16.1-290.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-290.1","metadata":false},{"id":66947,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-290.2","catch_line":"Certain information to be made available to certain defendants found not guilty","url":"\/16.1-290.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-290.2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":62456,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-279.1","catch_line":"Protective order in cases of family abuse","url":"\/16.1-279.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-279.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":58560,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-281","catch_line":"Foster care plan","url":"\/16.1-281\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-281","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/16.1-280\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 11 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1960, chapter 103; in 1974, chapters 44 and 45; in 1977, chapter 559; in 1978, chapter 739; in 1981, chapter 487; in 1988, chapter 826; in 1990, chapter 975; in 1994, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?941+ful+CHAP0859\">859<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?941+ful+CHAP0949\">949<\/a>; in 2009, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?091+ful+CHAP0813\">813<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?091+ful+CHAP0840\">840<\/a>; in 2010, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?101+ful+CHAP0778\">778<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?101+ful+CHAP0825\">825<\/a>; in 2012, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?121+ful+CHAP0476\">476<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?121+ful+CHAP0507\">507<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":72657,"section_number":"16.1-269.6","catch_line":"Circuit court hearing; jury; termination of juvenile court jurisdiction; objections and appeals","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-269.6\/"},{"id":85877,"section_number":"16.1-270","catch_line":"Waiver of jurisdiction of juvenile court in certain cases","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-270\/"},{"id":74549,"section_number":"16.1-335","catch_line":"Short title","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-335\/"},{"id":56013,"section_number":"37.2-806","catch_line":"Judicial certification of eligibility for admission of persons with intellectual disability","order_by":null,"url":"\/37.2-806\/"}],"permalink":{"id":161887,"object_type":"law","relational_id":76101,"identifier":"16.1-280","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-280","url":"\/16.1-280\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/16.1-280\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-280","dublin_core":{"Title":"Commitment of juveniles with mental illness or intellectual disability","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 16.1-280","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>When any <span class=\"dictionary\">juvenile court<\/span> has found a juvenile to be in need of services or delinquent pursuant to the provisions of <span class=\"dictionary\">this law<\/span> and reasonably believes such juvenile has mental illness or intellectual disability, <span class=\"dictionary\">the court<\/span> may commit him to an appropriate hospital or <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> mandatory outpatient treatment in accordance with the provisions of Article 16 (\u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Short title\" href=\"\/16.1-335\/\">16.1-335<\/a> et seq.) or admit him to a training center in accordance with the provisions of \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Judicial certification of eligibility for admission of persons with intellectual disability\" href=\"\/37.2-806\/\">37.2-806<\/a> for observation as to his mental condition. No juvenile shall be committed pursuant to this section or Article 16 (\u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Short title\" href=\"\/16.1-335\/\">16.1-335<\/a> et seq.) to a maximum security unit within any state hospital where <span class=\"dictionary\">adults<\/span> determined to be criminally insane reside. However, the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services may place a juvenile who has been certified to the <span class=\"dictionary\">circuit<\/span> court for <span class=\"dictionary\">trial<\/span> as an <span class=\"dictionary\">adult<\/span> pursuant to \u00a7&nbsp;<a class=\"law\" title=\"Circuit court hearing; jury; termination of juvenile court jurisdiction; objections and appeals\" href=\"\/16.1-269.6\/\">16.1-269.6<\/a> or <a class=\"law\" title=\"Waiver of jurisdiction of juvenile court in certain cases\" href=\"\/16.1-270\/\">16.1-270<\/a> or who has been convicted as an <span class=\"dictionary\">adult<\/span> of a <span class=\"dictionary\">felony<\/span> in the <span class=\"dictionary\">circuit<\/span> court in a unit appropriate for the care and treatment of persons under a criminal charge when, in his discretion, such placement is necessary to protect the security or safety of other patients, staff, or the public. The Commissioner shall notify the committing court of any placement in such unit. The committing court shall review the placement at 30-day intervals.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCOMMITMENT OF JUVENILES WITH MENTAL ILLNESS OR INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY (\u00a7\n16.1-280)\n\nWhen any juvenile court has found a juvenile to be in need of services or\ndelinquent pursuant to the provisions of this law and reasonably believes such\njuvenile has mental illness or intellectual disability, the court may commit him\nto an appropriate hospital or order mandatory outpatient treatment in accordance\nwith the provisions of Article 16 (\u00a7 16.1-335 et seq.) or admit him to a\ntraining center in accordance with the provisions of \u00a7 37.2-806 for observation\nas to his mental condition. No juvenile shall be committed pursuant to this\nsection or Article 16 (\u00a7 16.1-335 et seq.) to a maximum security unit within\nany state hospital where adults determined to be criminally insane reside.\nHowever, the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services may\nplace a juvenile who has been certified to the circuit court for trial as an\nadult pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-269.6 or 16.1-270 or who has been convicted as an\nadult of a felony in the circuit court in a unit appropriate for the care and\ntreatment of persons under a criminal charge when, in his discretion, such\nplacement is necessary to protect the security or safety of other patients,\nstaff, or the public. The Commissioner shall notify the committing court of any\nplacement in such unit. The committing court shall review the placement at\n30-day intervals.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 16.1-178.2; 1960, c. 103; 1974, cc. 44, 45; 1977, c. 559;\n1978, c. 739; 1981, c. 487; 1988, c. 826; 1990, c. 975; 1994, cc. 859, 949;\n2009, cc. 813, 840; 2010, cc. 778, 825; 2012, cc. 476, 507.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}