Mercer County Court System
FAQs: Juvenile Probation
FAQs
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| Q. | How does my child get involved with the Juvenile Probation Department? | ||
| A. | The child must commit a delinquent act in order to be referred to the Juvenile Probation Department for court intervention and/or services. The term “delinquent act” means an act designated a crime (a misdemeanor or felony) under the law of this Commonwealth or of another state if the act occurred in that state, or under Federal law or local ordinances, or an act which constitutes indirect criminal contempt under Title 23 Pa. C.S. Ch. 61 (relating to protection from abuse. | ||
| Q. | What is a delinquent child? | ||
| A. | A delinquent child is a child ten years of age or older, but under the age of 18, whom the Court has found to have committed a delinquent act and is in need of treatment, supervision or rehabilitation. | ||
| Q. | What can happen to my child if he/she is found guilty of a delinquent act? | ||
| A. | Once found guilty of a delinquent act, the Court can either place the child on probation to remain in the community subject to specific terms and conditions, or remove the child from the home and commit him/her to one of many types of out-of-home placements such as a foster home, group home, institution or secure institution. | ||
| Q. | How is removal from the home and placement in a facility determined? | ||
| A. | The Courts decide the most appropriate disposition (sentence) for all delinquent children. This decision is based on the type of crime committed, prior record, MH / D & A evaluations, school performance and the Juvenile Probation Department’s social investigation which assesses the child’s behavior at home, in school and in the community. The length of time in out-of-placement depends on the child’s successful completion of outlined treatment goals as determined by the Court. A review hearing is held before the Court every six months, sooner if necessary, to determine the continued appropriateness of placement. | ||
| Q. | How long can my child be involved with the Juvenile Probation Department? | ||
| A. | A child can be kept under Juvenile Court jurisdiction up until age 21. | ||
| Q. | Does my child need an attorney? | ||
| A. | Yes. Juvenile Court is a legal proceeding and an attorney represents the child’s interests and ensures the protection of the child’s rights. | ||
| Q. | Can my child go to jail? | ||
| A. | Yes. A child will go directly to jail if he/she commits the crime of murder; is 15 years of age or older at the time of the alleged conduct, and commits one of the following crimes with a deadly weapon:
A delinquent child can also be transferred to criminal proceedings if he/she is 14 years of age or older, has committed a felony offense, the transfer serves the public interest and the child is not amenable to treatment, supervision or rehabilitation. |
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| Q. | What can I do if my child is under the age 18 and is out of parental control, truant and/or a run away, but has not committed a delinquent act or is under the age of 10? | ||
| A. | These types of behavioral problems are not considered delinquent acts and therefore, do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Probation Department. You need to contact the Intake Department at Mercer County Children and Youth Services at (724) 662-2703 for services. | ||
| Q. | Is the child or parent responsible to pay any fines, costs, fees and/or restitution if found guilty of a delinquent act? | ||
| A. | Both the child and parent can be held responsible to pay any fines, costs, fees and restitution by the Court. |