Juvenile Justice in California

The juvenile justice system in California is administered through a combination of state juvenile corrections agencies and county-operated juvenile courts and probation departments, each focused on rehabilitation and preventing future offending by youth.

Juvenile Justice locations are available in 14 cities across California. They are spread across 13 counties.

Cities with the highest concentration include Orange, San Leandro, Sacramento, which have the largest juvenile court caseloads and the most comprehensive array of diversion and intervention programs for youth.

Parents and guardians of youth involved in the California juvenile justice system should engage proactively with their child's probation officer, attend all court hearings, and explore available diversion programs that could prevent formal adjudication on the youth's record.

Parents in California whose child is involved with the juvenile justice system should familiarize themselves with their state's expungement and sealing laws, which may allow juvenile records to be cleared once the youth reaches adulthood and meets other eligibility requirements.

Browse Juvenile Justice by county across California to find the nearest location.