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.
Disposition 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.
Diversion: A process by which a youth is channeled from the juvenile justice
system. Examples are Informal Adjustment, Truancy Court, etc.
Intake: The process used for every youth referred to juvenile court. Intake
involves screening each youth to determine the appropriateness for release or
referral to a diversionary program or agency for nonofficial or nonjudicial
handling. This screening also identifies the presence of medical, psychiatric,
psychological, substance abuse, and educational problems or other conditions
that may have caused the youth to come to the attention of law enforcement or
intake. Intake includes initial screening of a status offender to determine the
recommended action to be taken in the best interests of the youth, the family,
and the community.
Juvenile delinquency program: Any program or activity related to juvenile
delinquency prevention, control, diversion, intervention, treatment, rehabilitation,
planning, education, training, and research.
Mediation: A process by which a neutral third person, or mediator, encourages
and facilitates the resolution of a dispute between two or more parties. It is an
informal process designed to help the disputants reach a mutually acceptable
and voluntary agreement. Decision making authority rests with the parties. The
role of the mediator includes, but is not limited to, helping the parties identify
issues, fostering joint problem solving, and exploring settlement alternatives.
Mentoring: Generally involves providing support and guidance to and spending
time on a regular basis with a youth. Mentoring activities can include participating