§ 7B-2055.  Responsibilities of the Division of Juvenile Justice.

(a) Notwithstanding Articles 30 and 31 of Subchapter III of this Chapter, if a victim has requested to be notified of the juvenile's release pursuant to G.S. 7B-2053, at least 45 days before releasing to post-release supervision a juvenile who was committed to the Division of Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety for placement in a youth development center, the Division shall notify the victim as requested. The notification shall include only the juvenile's initials, offense, date of commitment, projected release date, and any no-contact release conditions related to the victim.

(b) When determining whether a juvenile is ready for release pursuant to G.S. 7B-2514, the Division shall provide the victim an opportunity to be reasonably heard by the Division and shall consider the victim's views regarding release of the juvenile. If the Division determines that the juvenile is ready for release, the victim's views shall be considered during the post-release supervision planning conference process.

(c) Notwithstanding Articles 30 and 31 of Subchapter III of this Chapter, if a victim has requested in writing to be notified of the juvenile's escape pursuant to G.S. 7B-2053, within 24 hours of the time the juvenile escapes from a youth development center or from secure custody, the Division shall notify the victim. If, pursuant to G.S. 7B-3102, disclosure of information about the escaped juvenile will be released to the public, the Division may provide to the victim the same information that will be released to the public, but the Division shall make a reasonable effort to notify the victim prior to releasing the information to the public. The Division shall notify the victim within 24 hours of the juvenile's return to custody, even if the juvenile is returned to custody before the notification of escape is required.

(d) When a form is included with the final disposition and commitment pursuant to G.S. 7B-2053(h), or when the victim has otherwise filed a written request for notification with the Division, the Division shall notify the victim of the procedure for alleging a failure of the Division to notify the victim as required by this section. (2019-216, s. 10; 2021-180, s. 19C.9(ee).)