Definitions of Common Juvenile Justice Terms
Adjudicated delinquent: A youth who has been found by a judge in juvenile court to have committed a violation of the criminal law, that is, a delinquent act. The judge can formally adjudicate the youth as an initial step before imposing a disposition (a sentence or punishment), or the judge can decide not to adjudicate the youth and instead impose conditions that, if met, will result in dismissal of the charges.
Adjudicatory hearing: The fact finding (trial) phase of a juvenile case in which a judge receives and weighs evidence before deciding whether a delinquency or status offense has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Delinquent act: Any act committed by a youth that would be a criminal violation if committed by an adult.
Delinquent juvenile: A youth who has been found responsible for having committed a delinquent act – the equivalent of being found guilty of a criminal offense.
Detention: In custody (secure, non-secure, or home confinement) while awaiting an adjudication hearing, disposition, or commitment placement.
Detention hearing: A judicial hearing generally required to be held within 72 hours of a youth being taken into custody, at which point the court determines whether (1) there is probable cause to believe that the youth has committed a delinquent act or a court order exists that requires the continued detention of the youth, and (2) continued detention is required pending an adjudicatory hearing.
Dispositional hearing: The hearing in a juvenile case (like a sentencing hearing in criminal court) at which the court receives a predisposition report containing information and recommendations to help determine the appropriate sanction. These sanctions can include probation, commitment to the custody of the state's department of juvenile justice, or community-based sanctions.
Status offenses: Non-criminal offenses only applicable to children – for example, being truant, running away from home, possessing alcohol or cigarettes, or violating curfew.