Juvenile court is part of the superior court. It deals with 3 kinds of cases:
Juvenile Delinquency: cases involving children that do things that would be crimes if they were done by adults.
Juvenile Status Offenses: cases involving children that do things that are only against the law because they are done by children. For example, cutting school or running away from home.
Juvenile Dependency (Abuse and Neglect): cases where there may be abuse or neglect in the home. The juvenile court's job is to protect the children in the family.
What can the court do?
The juvenile court can make orders in delinquency and dependency cases. For example, these orders can:
-Take children from their homes;
-Send children to live with relatives or in foster care or group homes;
-Cancel a parent's rights;
-Create new parental rights;
-Work with other agencies to get the services the child needs; or
-Send delinquent children to a locked facility, like a detention hall, a ranch, or the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice.
If the court takes a child from their home, a government agency is responsible for the child. The agency is in charge of the child's health, education, and care. The court can also order the agency to assist the parents in making their home safe for the child.
Should I have a lawyer?
Juvenile cases are very serious. They can change your life and your child's life. Know your rights and how the court works. Talk to an Attorney for help.
In a delinquency case, the child has the right to a lawyer.
In a dependency (abuse or neglect) case, the parent has the right to a lawyer. And, most times, the court will get a lawyer for the child. If the court does not get a lawyer for you, you can get a lawyer yourself.
If you find yourself in Dependency Court you will need the assistance of an Orange County Juvenile attorney call today for a free consultation 714-971-8000.
