Juvenile Court Intake

Juvenile court intake is a process of assessing referrals from law enforcement or school personnel for further action through the juvenile court process or social services system. These referrals are for actions that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult as well as truancy, runaway, and uncontrollable behavior. These referrals are assigned to a social worker in the juvenile court intake unit. The social worker is responsible for meeting with the child and parent to gather information to make a recommendation to the district attorney's office. Information regarding the family, child, school, and community will be asked during this meeting. The worker will also ask the child for information regarding this referral.

Upon receipt of a referral, the social worker will send a notice of intake inquiry to the parents and guardians unless a parent has given up their parental rights. Non-custodial parents will also receive this notice. The purpose of the intake inquiry is to gather information in order to make a decision whether the case can be closed, handled informally, or referred to court. The social worker must make a recommendation within 40 days of receiving the referral. Once a recommendation has been made, the district attorney's office has 20 days to overturn the decision, agree with the decision, or file a petition with the juvenile court judge. A juvenile can be placed on one year of supervision by the Judge for a delinquent act or for a status offense such as truancy, uncontrollable behavior, or runaway. Children placed out of their homes on a juvenile order may be placed on court ordered supervision until their 18th birthday or until they graduate from high school.

Juvenile Court - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I get help if my child is out of control at home, school, and/or in the community?

A: If you feel your child is an immediate danger to himself or others, you should contact law enforcement. If it is not an emergency, you can call the Department of Social Services and speak to the intake worker.

You should be prepared to share any pertinent information regarding your child and family in order for the intake worker to give the referral to the appropriate social work unit. You may be asked to seek services such as individual counseling, family counseling, and parenting resources in the community before a social worker may be assigned.

If a social worker is assigned, he or she will contact you regarding scheduling an intake assessment. This is a meeting with the social worker in order to better assess for services and needs for your family. Services could include helping you locate community based services; social worker assistant services; case management and coordination services; referrals to group, individual, and family counseling; filing a juvenile in need of protection and services (JIPS) petition to the court in order to place the child on a court order, and assisting with an out-of-home placements.

Q: How do I get help if I am a victim of a crime committed by a juvenile?

A: First make sure that the crime has been reported to law enforcement. Cooperate with the investigating officer and give as much information as possible regarding the type of damage and other details regarding the crime.

If you are an identified victim in the police report, you will be mailed a victim notification letter from a social worker at the department. This is your opportunity to give the social worker your opinion regarding restitution and consequences. You may contact the social worker in person, by phone, or by letter. The social worker will use this information to make an intake decision and recommend restitution if appropriate. It is important that you provide any documentation that you may have regarding the loss incurred.

If the juvenile is referred to juvenile court, you will also receive notice from the court regarding the hearing. You have the right to attend this hearing and make a statement to the court if you choose. Due to various laws and statutes affecting juveniles, there are only certain costs that are recoverable in juvenile court as well as monetary limits. If you are not satisfied regarding the action taken in juvenile court, victims do have the right to sue the parents and child in civil court. The victim must initiate this process.

Q: How do I find counseling services for my child and family?

A: If you have health insurance, you may want to check with your employer or insurance company to see which providers are covered under your policy. Other providers in the area work on a sliding fee basis, which is based on your ability to pay. If you are comfortable, you can ask friends and family members for recommendations. You can also look in the yellow pages of the phone book under "Counselors."

The Department of Social Services does not employ counselors who see clients for therapy purposes only.

Q: How do I get help if my child is refusing to go to school?

A: Speak with a teacher, administrator, or school counselor at your child's school. There may be someone who can help figure out why your child is not attending school. An evaluation for special education needs could be recommended. If your child continues to miss school, they can be cited by law enforcement or referred to social services as a habitual truant. The school must follow a certain protocol before they can refer your child to law enforcement or social services.