Juvenile justice agencies handle the processing, adjudication, and rehabilitation of youth who have committed delinquent acts, with the primary goal of rehabilitation rather than punishment. These offices include juvenile courts, detention centers, probation departments, and diversion programs designed to address the root causes of youth offending.
There are 52 states with Juvenile Justice locations across the United States. The juvenile justice system processes approximately 750,000 delinquency cases annually, with a significant proportion diverted from formal court proceedings through community-based programs.
Juvenile Justice in the United States
Browsing by state helps parents, guardians, and youth service providers find juvenile courts, probation offices, and diversion programs in their area to connect youth with the appropriate level of intervention and support.
Common Services
- Juvenile delinquency case intake and initial assessment
- Juvenile court proceedings and diversion program referrals
- Probation supervision and community service coordination
- Youth detention facility placement and educational services
Parents whose child is involved in the juvenile justice system should consult with a juvenile defense attorney before any court hearings. Many jurisdictions have public defenders available for juveniles, and understanding your child's rights is critical to achieving the best outcome.
For official information, visit Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
About Juvenile Justice
Juvenile justice systems are administered at the state and county level, with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) providing federal funding, research, and policy guidance. The focus on rehabilitation distinguishes juvenile proceedings from adult criminal courts in every state.
Common Services
- Restorative justice and victim-offender mediation programs
- Mental health assessments and therapeutic treatment referrals
- School reintegration and truancy intervention programs
- Youth gang intervention and prevention programming
Community organizations interested in partnering with the juvenile justice system for mentoring, tutoring, or vocational programs should contact the county juvenile probation department to explore formal partnership and referral arrangements.
For official information, visit OJJDP Youth Prevention Programs.