The Juvenile/Family Court unit of the Probation Department deals with Juvenile Delinquency and PI.N.S. (Persons in Need of Supervision) behaviors. Juvenile Delinquency proceedings occur when an individual under the age of 16 and over the age of 7 commits an offense or engages in behavior which would be considered a criminal offense committed by an adult.

P.I.N.S. behavior is constitued by truancy, runaway behavior, alcohol or drug use, disrespecting ones parents or legal guardians, etc.

P.I.N.S. petitions can be filed by local schools, parents or guardians.

In the case of either Juvenile Delinquency or P.I.N.S. petitions cases may be handled outside of Family Court depending on the seriousness of the charge and the willingness of the youths to cooperate with informal sanctions.

The Juvenile / Family Court unit works closely with treatment agencies and service providers in the County to match juveniles up with any appropriate counseling or supportive services which they may be in need of.