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Family Law - Juvenile Delinquency Court
GENERAL
INFORMATION ABOUT DELINQUENCY CASES
The purposes of the delinquency court are to protect, to give guidance
and to punish children who commit delinquent acts and to protect
the community. If your child becomes a ward of the court as a juvenile
delinquent, the court will make orders for you and your child so
that your child and the community will be protected. As a ward of
the delinquency court:
- Your child may be allowed to live in your home under court supervision;
or
- Your child may be placed outside of your home in an unlocked
or locked facility, depending upon your child's age, the seriousness
of the offense, and your child's history of delinquency.
What
should I do as a parent?
All your parental responsibilities continue when your child receives
a citation. You may want to contact a lawyer for assistance.
If your child is placed in a group home or committed to a probation
camp or the California Youth Authority, do your best to maintain
contact with your child and support the positive activities he or
she does there. Understand what is happening in your child's life
so that you can prepare for his or her return. Explore ways of creating
a protective and supportive environment for your child's return
to school or work. Develop strategies to hold your child accountable
for his or her behavior.
Contact your child's parole agent or probation officer to ask for
referrals to community organizations that can assist you, such as
parent groups or counseling. Your school district and local hospital
or mental health department may also offer programs.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR CHILD
IS ARRESTED?
- Your county's probation department will probably get in touch
with you and ask your child to come in for a meeting with a probation
officer. You will receive a Notice to Appear (a specific date
and time you must show up at the probation department).
In very serious cases, your child may receive a Notice to Appear
directly in juvenile court.
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