Juvenile Justice Division Frequently Asked Questions
What does Probation do to prevent delinquent juveniles from entering the juvenile justice system?
Probation uses several programs designed to divert the less serious offender from formal court action when the community's safety is not in jeopardy. Some of the diversions include Youth Accountability Boards, Informal Probation, and a variety of other supervisions keep youngsters out trouble including family counseling, parenting classes, substance abuse, gang awareness, truancy court, mental health referral, mentoring programs, and/or restorative justice skill-building activities.
How does a youngster come to the attention of the Probation Department and Juvenile Court?
Contact begins with a referral from a law enforcement agency. Juveniles accused of committing crimes may be referred to Probation by law enforcement agencies. The behavior may range from very minor law violations to murder. Probation officers interview the minors and their families and decide whether court intervention is necessary. If the situation is serious, a petition will be filed with the court; if not, the matter may be handled informally.
What happens to juveniles when they enter the juvenile justice system?
After a juvenile has been arrested by a law enforcement officer and a decision has been made to book him/her into custody, a detention hearing is held before a judge within two to three days to determine whether he/she should continue to be held. There are different modes of custody, depending on the juvenile's past record and the severity of the crime: Juvenile Hall is a locked detention facility for youth awaiting court hearings, placement, or other dispositions including assessment or short-term incarceration. All such decisions are made by the court. Wards may be committed to Juvenile Hall for short stays as part of a sanction for delinquent behavior.
How long will a minor be held in Juvenile Hall? What happens during that time?
Average length of stay for a juvenile in detention is 24 days. Occasionally, wards awaiting placement to out-of-home facilities, such as foster homes, group homes, or the Department Justice, trial adult court, may be in custody several months. School, recreation, exercise, and work programs are provided. Medical staff on duty are available hours a day; psychologists, psychiatrists, other mental health professionals are available as required. Probation officers interview detainees before court hearings to obtain information and report recommendations and supervision treatment plans.
What happens after a juvenile becomes a court ward?
The judge has a number of options. The minor could be placed under probation supervision with certain conditions to follow, such as paying restitution and performing community service. Each case is different; circumstances vary for each minor. Youngsters may be supervised in specialized caseloads.
From www.co.monterey.ca.us/probation/Juvenile FAQ.html
