Glossary of Terms
Juvenile Glossary of Terms
| Juvenile Terms | Similar Adult Terms |
|---|---|
| Adjudicated | Convicted/ Found Guilty |
| Detention | Jail |
| Disposition | Sentencing |
| Hearing | Trial |
| Petition | Indictment |
| Preliminary Hearing | Arraignment |
| Protective Custody | Arrested |
| Youth Correctional Facility | Prison |
Adjudication Hearing: A court hearing where a Judge finds a youth responsible for committing a crime. The decision is made either because the youth admits to a charge or is found responsible by a Judge through a court trial.
Ballot Measure 11: A person 15 years or older found guilty of a specific crime that requires the court to impose a minimum mandatory sentence and the person will be processed in the adult justice system.
Conditional Release: An agreement between a juvenile and juvenile department to be released from detention on certain conditions pending a hearing.
Custody: When a youth is detained by a law enforcement agency because an officer has probable cause to believe a felony or misdemeanor crime has been committed, a statute has been violated, or the youth has a warrant out for their arrest.
Detention: Temporary and safe custody, in a secure setting, of juveniles (under age 18) who require a restricted environment for their own or the community’s protection while pending legal action.
Disposition: A formal judgment of the juvenile court in electing what to do after the juvenile has been adjudicated.
District Attorney (DA): An attorney, who is employed by the county, and who is responsible for prosecuting people who are charged with a crime.
Diversion: An option for handling a case outside the jurisdiction and services of the Juvenile Court.
Felony: The most serious levels of crimes.
Formal Accountability Agreement (FAA): A voluntary agreement between a juvenile and juvenile department whereby the juvenile agrees to fulfill certain conditions in exchange for not having a petition filed against them
Home Detention Unit (HDU): A small monitoring device attached to the juvenile’s ankle which monitors location of juvenile.
Intake: The point when a Juvenile Counselor meets with a youth and family to gather information in order to assist in the decision making process.
Juvenile: A person under the age of 18, particularly one alleged to have committed an act that is a violation, or that if done by an adult would constitute a violation, of a law or ordinance of the United States or of a state, county or city.
Juvenile Court Counselor (JCC): A Juvenile Court Counselor is the same as a Juvenile Probation Officer. This person will determine how the case should be handled based on reviewing police reports, interviewing the youth and family as well as other resources. The Juvenile Court Counselor also supervises the conditions and terms of the youth’s status with the Juvenile Department and makes on-going decisions regarding treatment or service needs.
Misdemeanor: Levels of crimes that are less serious than felonies.
Oregon Youth Authority (OYA): The state agency responsible for management and administration of youth correctional facilities, state youth parole and probation services and community out-of-home placements for adjudicated youth offenders
Petition: Formal allegation(s) of dependency or acts of delinquency filed with the clerk of the juvenile court to begin the formal adjudication process.
Preliminary hearing: First court hearing in a case to give the juvenile formal notice of the charges and of his/her rights, to determine whether the juvenile has an attorney and if necessary, appoint one.
Probation: Court ordered conditions and expectations of behavior resulting from a youth being found responsible for violating the law.
Referral: A police report is sent to the Benton County Juvenile Department through the reporting law enforcement agency.
Restitution: Full, partial or nominal payment of monetary damages to a victim; can be court-ordered or agreed upon between parties.
Risk Factors: Elements that increase the likelihood of delinquency or other problematic adolescent behavior.
Status offence: An offense that is only considered an offense because a person is a minor (ie. smoking, or staying out past curfew)
Work Crew: Unpaid work as a consequence to repay the community for inappropriate behavior.
Youth Correctional Facility (YCF): State Institution operated by the Oregon Youth Authority where committed juveniles are incarcerated. Includes: Hillcrest, Maclaren, Rogue Valley, Oak Creek, Warrenton, and Eastern Oregon Youth Correctional Facility.
Youth Services Team (YST): A group of service providers meeting jointly to discuss information about youth and families and determine the most appropriate prevention/intervention strategy for a youth and family. May include mental health counselors, alcohol and drug services providers, school counselors and juvenile department staff.
If you have additional questions or would like to speak with someone, please do not hesitate to contact us.