It's Your Right To Protect Your Child

Adjudicate - To remove a case through judicial decision. Many juvenile justice cases are heard without the assistance of a jury. In such cases the judge will hear the case and prescribe the best course of action, thus "removing" it from the court.

Confidentiality protection - A youth's records may be made available to schools, youth agencies, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, victims, and the public only under certain, specified circumstances. Juvenile confidentiality is guarded by each state's provisions.

Consent decree - A youth who has admitted to committing delinquent acts may have his case dismissed by fulfilling obligations to the court and the injured party. These obligations are set out in a consent decree and often include restitution, mandatory curfew, increased school attendance, and rehabilitation.

Disposition hearing - Scheduled if a youth has been found delinquent by the juvenile court. The probation officer, prosecutor, and juvenile are permitted to propose disposition strategies. Recommendations frequently include drug rehabilitation, limited (weekend) confinement, restitution, and residential placement.

Informal disposition - Held when a youth admits guilt to a crime in an informal juvenile hearing. During the disposition, the requirements of the court are laid out in a consent decree.

Status offender - A juvenile who has committed an act that is only considered a law violation because of his or her status as a juvenile. Some examples of status offenses are underage alcohol consumption, truancy from school, general "ungovernability," violation of curfew, and running away from home.

Statutory exclusion - State juvenile courts do not have jurisdiction over certain cases. If a youth has been accused of committing a crime outside of the juvenile court's jurisdiction, he or she will deal directly with the criminal court. No transfer of the case through the Juvenile Justice System will be necessary.

Waiver petition - A prosecutor or intake officer may petition the court to allow a case normally under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court to be heard in criminal court.

Youthful offender - "Youthful offender" status may be given to a juvenile being tried in the criminal justice system. The status usually guarantees that the proceedings will not be open to the public and that after turning 21 the youth's criminal record will be cleared, provided court requirements have been met.