1. (a) At a dispositional hearing under this chapter, the person that prepared the predispositional report or a probation officer described in subsection (b):

   1. (1) must be present; and

   2. (2) must present testimony when requested to explain how the individuals participating in the conference described in IC 31-37-17 :

      1. (A) examined the available options; and
      2. (B) recommended the options that most closely coincide with the guidelines provided in IC 31-37-17-4 .

2. (b) A probation officer other than the person who prepared the predispositional report may satisfy the requirements of subsection (a) if the probation officer has knowledge of:

   1. (1) a conference held under IC 31-37-17-1.1 ; and
   2. (2) the report and recommendations made under IC 31-37-17-1 .

As added by P.L.55-1997, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.142-2007, SEC.9.