In re Aaron J.

OPINION OF THE COURT

Anthony J. Sciolino, J.

In this juvenile delinquency proceeding under article 3 of the Family Court Act, the court is asked to dismiss the petition because the statutorily required fact-finding hearing was delayed beyond the 60-day limit delineated in Family *329Court Act § 340.1 (2). The source of the delay, occasioned by the request of respondent, is time spent in probation services for possible adjustment.

Review of statutes and reported cases provides no clear directive on how to decide this issue. Guided by legislative intent, however, which encourages adjustment of…