CHC 767     

Art. 767.  Presence at adjudication hearing; exclusion of witnesses

A.  The child, his caretakers, counsel, the petitioner, the district attorney, authorized officials of the court, and witnesses called by the parties may be present at the adjudication hearing.

B.  The court may admit any other person who has a proper interest in the proceedings or the work of the court.

C.  On its own motion the court may, and on the request of a party the court shall, order that the witnesses, other than parties, be excluded from the courtroom or from a place where they can see or hear the proceedings, and refrain from discussing the facts of the case with anyone other than counsel in the case.  In the interest of justice, the court may exempt any witness from its order.

Acts 1991, No. 235, §7.