Iowa Code 236A.2 – Definitions
Current as of: 2023 | Check for updates
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For purposes of this chapter, unless a different meaning is clearly indicated by the context:
1. “Department” means the department of justice.
Terms Used In Iowa Code 236A.2
- Child: includes but shall not be limited to a stepchild, foster child, or legally adopted child and means a child actually or apparently under eighteen years of age, and a dependent person eighteen years of age or over who is unable to maintain the person's self and is likely to become a public charge. See Iowa Code 252A.2
- Department: means the department of human services. See Iowa Code 249L.2
- Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
- person: means individual, corporation, limited liability company, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, or any other legal entity. See Iowa Code 4.1
- Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
2. “Emergency shelter services” include but are not limited to secure crisis shelters or housing for victims of sexual abuse.
3. “Plaintiff” includes a person filing an action on behalf of an unemancipated minor.
4. “Pro se” means proceeding on one’s own behalf without legal representation.
5. “Sexual abuse” means any commission of a crime defined in chapter 709 or section 726.2 or 728.12. “Sexual abuse” also means any commission of a crime in another jurisdiction under a statute that is substantially similar to any crime defined in chapter 709 or section 726.2 or 728.12.
6. “Support services” include but are not limited to legal services, counseling services, transportation services, child care services, and advocacy services.