Juvenile
Juvenile cases include matters involving juvenile dependency and juvenile delinquency. Court employees are available to assist you; however, they are prohibited by law from providing legal advice.
NOTICE: Juvenile cases involving dependency and delinquency are strictly confidential. No information will be provided over the phone. Parties seeking information must appear in person at the Courthouse.
Only individuals with a legal right to access juvenile case information, such as the juvenile’s mother, father, or legal guardian, may obtain details. Identification will be required.
Juvenile Dependency
Juvenile dependency cases address family situations where allegations of abuse or neglect have been made, prompting the Juvenile Court to intervene to protect the children involved. Whenever possible, the Court seeks to preserve and strengthen families so children can be safely raised in their own homes. If this is not possible, the Court focuses on ensuring children are placed in a permanent home in a timely manner—whether through reunification with rehabilitated parents, adoption, legal guardianship, or a long-term foster care arrangement. Placement and responsibility for the child are typically managed by Child Protective Services.
The California Welfare and Institutions Code, starting at Section 300, outlines the legal requirements, processes, and objectives of Dependency Court.
Objectives of Dependency Court:
- Protect the health and safety of minor children.
- Preserve families whenever possible.
- Provide appropriate placement for children, such as with a relative, foster family, group home, or adoptive parent, if determined to be in their best interest.
Juvenile Delinquency
The Welfare and Institutions Code, starting at Section 602, defines the court's jurisdiction over misdemeanors and felonies committed by minors (individuals under 18 years of age). For certain serious crimes, the law allows juveniles to be tried as adults in the Adult Criminal Court.
Parents or guardians have the right to receive a copy of the delinquency petition, which outlines the delinquent acts the child is accused of committing. The petition does not prove the minor committed the acts; there will be opportunities during court hearings to present evidence regarding the minor’s involvement in the alleged criminal acts.
For families who cannot afford legal representation for their child, the Court will appoint an attorney. This attorney represents the child only and does not provide representation for the parents or guardians.
Objectives of Delinquency Court:
- Protect the minor.
- Provide guidance to the minor.
- Punish minors who commit delinquent acts.
- Ensure the safety of the community.
If a minor becomes a ward of the Delinquency Court, the Court will issue orders for the parents, guardians, and the minor. The minor may be allowed to live at home under Court supervision or may be placed outside the home in an unlocked or locked facility. Factors considered in this decision include the child's age, the seriousness of the offense, and the minor’s history of delinquency.
For more information, visit the California Courts' Self-Help page: Guide to Juvenile Justice Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is preferable for a parent or guardian to accompany the minor in court. If you are unable to attend the hearing with the minor, you should contact the court in advance to explain your absence.
Contact the Probation Department at (530) 283-6200. For a small fee, they will prepare all the paperwork for you and file it with the court.
Additional information on the process can be found on the California Courts' Self-Help page Guide to sealing juvenile court records.
Your child has a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney for your child, the Court will appoint an attorney to represent him or her.
In dependency cases, parents have a right to an attorney. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, the Court will appoint an attorney to represent you. Please note, if your child has an attorney, the attorney represents your child and not you.
You may be held responsible for various fees, including attorney fees for yourself or your child, fees for probation department services, and costs associated with your child’s placement in a state facility such as the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice, Juvenile Hall, or an out-of-home placement.