§ 25-69. Social Services; Additional Duties

(a)Under the supervision and direction of the judicial authority, a family relations counselor shall, where there is a motion for change of custody of a child, or where his or her knowledge of the family situation causes him or her to believe that the welfare of the child requires a hearing on a change of custody, upon direction of the judicial authority, be permitted to investigate the domestic and financial situation of the parties and report his or her findings. The judicial authority may thereafter, on its own motion if necessary, hold a hearing thereon after such notice to the parties as it deems proper.

(b)Under the supervision and direction of the judicial authority, the family relations counselor shall conduct such investigations or mediation conferences in domestic relations matters as may be directed by the judicial authority.

(c)Under the supervision and direction of the judicial authority, the family relations counselor may, where necessary, bring an application to the court for a rule requiring a party to appear before the court to show cause why such party should not be held in contempt for failure to comply with an order of the judicial authority for visitation.

(d)Family relations caseworkers, family relations counselors and support enforcement officers shall investigate all criminal matters involving family relations cases referred to them by the prosecuting attorney or by the judicial authority.