1. In each proceeding conducted pursuant to the provisions of this title, the juvenile court may:

(a) Receive all competent, material and relevant evidence that may be helpful in determining the issues presented, including, but not limited to, oral and written reports; and

(b) Rely on such evidence to the extent of its probative value.

2. The juvenile court shall afford the parties and their attorneys an opportunity to examine and controvert each written report that is received into evidence and to cross-examine each person who made the written report, when reasonably available.

3. In any proceeding involving a child for which the court has access to records relating to the custody of the child or the involvement of the child with an agency which provides child welfare services, the juvenile court may review those records to assist the court in determining the appropriate placement or plan of treatment for the child.

4. Except when a record described in subsection 3 would otherwise be admissible as evidence in the proceeding, the juvenile court shall not use a record reviewed pursuant to subsection 3 to prove that the child committed a delinquent act or is in need of supervision or for any purpose other than a purpose set forth in subsection 3. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 5, such records must not be disclosed or otherwise made open to inspection unless the records are admitted as evidence and used to determine the disposition of the case.

5. The juvenile court shall afford the parties and their attorneys an opportunity to examine and address any record reviewed by the juvenile court pursuant to subsection 3.

(Added to NRS by 2003, 1059; A 2011, 1000; 2017, 747)