KRS 610.080: Bifurcated hearings in juvenile proceedings.

Juvenile proceedings shall consist of two (2) distinct hearings, an adjudication and a

disposition, which shall be held on separate days unless the child, after consultation with

an attorney, waives the right to a formal predisposition investigation report and moves

that the hearings be held the same day. However, if the disposition is to be commitment,

the child's waiver shall not be valid without the consent of the Department of Juvenile

Justice or the cabinet.

(1) The adjudication shall determine the truth or falsity of the allegations in the petition

and shall be made on the basis of an admission or confession of the child to the

court or by the taking of evidence.

(2) Unless otherwise exempted, upon motion by any child brought before the court on a

petition under KRS 610.010(1), or 610.010(2)(a), (b), or (c), the Rules of Criminal

Procedure shall apply. All adjudications shall be supported by evidence beyond a

reasonable doubt, unless specified to the contrary by other provisions of KRS

Chapters 600 to 6 45. For actions under KRS 610.010(2)(d) the Kentucky Rules of

Civil Procedure shall apply.