Rule 2 Purpose and Construction

These Rules are intended to provide for the just determination of every proceeding in which a child is alleged to be delinquent or in need of supervision. They embrace the principle that each child is an individual entitled, in his own right, to appropriate elements of due process of law, and also adopt the principle that, when a child is removed from his own home, the Family Court will secure for him custody, care and discipline as nearly as possible equivalent to that which should have been provided for him by his parents. These Rules shall be construed to secure simplicity in procedure, fairness in administration and the elimination of unjustifiable expense and delay. If practicable, feasible, and lawful, all cases concerning the same or immediate family or household members and any subsequent case(s) shall be processed consistent with the one family, one judge provision of the District of Columbia Family Court Act of 2001. If no procedure is specifically prescribed by these Rules, the Family Court may proceed in any lawful manner not inconsistent with these Rules or with any applicable statute.