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Common Questions
about Juvenile Cases
What is a Juvenile? A
person, who is not married, emancipated or a member of the armed forces
of the United States
and within the age specified for delinquent and undisciplined juveniles,
or abused neglected or dependent juveniles.
Are Juvenile Records open to the
public and can I get information about a juvenile? No.
All juvenile records are confidential and can only be examined by the
juvenile, the juvenile’s parents, guardian, custodian, or by court order.
Who can come to court? Juvenile
courtrooms are closed. Other than
court personnel, you and your child will only be allowed in the courtroom
at the time the case is heard.
How long will the court hearing
last? Juvenile Court is held
Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM or until all calendared
cases are heard. You should appear on time and remain until your case is
heard by the judge.
Who can provide a note for
school? For
undisciplined/delinquency cases contact the Office of Juvenile Justice.
For abuse/neglect/dependency cases contact the Guardian Ad Litem Office.
The Clerk of Court is prohibited by law from providing this information.
Delinquent/Undisciplined
Who brings a court action in a
delinquent/ undisciplined juvenile case? The
Office of Juvenile Justice determines if the allegations are serious
enough to file a complaint with the court or should be diverted.
Where do I go for assistance with
a Delinquent or Undisciplined Juvenile? You must contact law
enforcement or the Office of Juvenile Justice located in the courthouse.
What does the District Attorney’s
Office Do? Prosecutes the juvenile action in court. That 0ffice is located on the fourth
floor in the courthouse.
What is a Juvenile Court
Counselor? The person responsible for intake services,
and court supervision services, such as probation, and post-release
supervision, of juveniles.
If my child is charged with a
crime what should I do? Your child will be given a court appointed
attorney. You should consult with
that attorney concerning any questions you may have.
What is detention? The
confinement of a juvenile in a secured facility operated by the state.
Can I put my child in detention? No.
Only an order issued by a judge can put a child in detention.
Emancipation
What does it mean to be
emancipated? A juvenile 16 years of age or older can
conduct personal and business affairs as an adult. The parent is relieved of all legal
duties and obligations owed to the juvenile and are divested of all
rights with respect to the petitioner.
Can I emancipate my child?
No. The child who 16 years of age
or older must petition the court.
Is a child emancipated when married? Yes.
Does emancipation require a court
hearing? Yes. A copy of the petition
and summons to appear must be served on the juvenile’s parents.
Is Emancipation revocable? No. A
final decree of emancipation will be provided to the juvenile.
Abuse/Neglect/Dependency
Where do I report child abuse,
neglect or dependency? Contact the Department of Social Services
Who brings a court action in an
Abuse/Neglect/Delinquent juvenile case? The Department of Social
Services investigates the incident and determines if a complaint should
be filed with the court.
What does a Guardian Ad Litem
(GAL) do? Serves as an advocate for an abused, neglected, or dependent child
in the court.
If I am charged with having an
abused, neglected or dependent child what should I do? You will be given a court appointed
attorney. You should consult with
that attorney concerning any questions you may have.
Is a child removed from the home
immediately? When immediate removal is determined to be
necessary for the protection of the juvenile, the Department of Social
Services may assume temporary custody of the juvenile.
What is temporary custody? The
taking of physical custody and providing personal case and supervision
until a court order for nonsecure custody can be obtained.
What is a nonsecure custody
order? An order issued by a judge directing authority to assume custody
of the juvenile.
Can a social worker take a child
into custody without a court order? Yes. On a temporary basis
until a hearing by a judge can take place.
Termination
Of Parental Rights
What is Termination of Parental
Rights? The termination of the legal relationship between a juvenile’s
biological or legal parent or parents.
Does Termination of Parental
Rights require a court hearing? Yes. A
petition must be filed with the court and served on the parties.
Is Termination of Parental Rights
revocable? No. A final decree will be issued by the
judge.
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