Juvenile Courts

Juvenile Court Report Card to the Community

• Juvenile Court Report Card to the Community

 

General Juvenile Court Information

• Overview of the Juvenile Court
• Juvenile Court: an Introduction for Minors and Families
• Juvenile Court Terms Glossary and Acronym Guide 
• Meet our Juvenile Court Judges
  

Watch Rights of Juvenile Defendants Video

• Rights of Juvenile Defendants Video (English) - YouTube
• Rights of Juvenile Defendants Video (Español) - YouTube

Watch Navigating the Juvenile Court - Delinquencies Video

• Navigating the Juvenile Court - Delinquencies - YouTube
• Navigating the Juvenile Court - Delinquencies (Español) - YouTube

Juvenile Court Websites

• Second District
• Third District
• Fourth District
• Fifth District

 

Child Welfare

The child welfare system is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children, particularly those who have experienced or are at risk of abuse or neglect. Click here for a look at a child’s journey through the Child Welfare System.

There are certain time requirements designated by the legislature for child welfare cases, you can review those here.  Annually, the Juvenile Courts prepare a report regarding compliance with these time requirements. To view the 2024 report, click here.

Utah’s Child welfare system is committed to continued improvement. The Court Improvement Program (CIP) coordinates these system improvement efforts.  Utah's CIP's mission is to provide timely, tangible, and measurable improved outcomes for children and families in the child-welfare system relating to safety, permanency and well-being.

 

Child Welfare Appeals

A Child Welfare Appeal is reviewed by the Court of Appeals.  It includes cases from juvenile court related to abuse, neglect, dependency proceedings, termination of parental rights, and adoptions. An appeal starts by filing a notice of appeal within 15 days of the juvenile court’s final judgment or order. The Court of Appeals bases its decision on the existing court record.  An appeal is not a new trial, and no new evidence will be accepted. The Guide to Appealing a Child Welfare Case can be found here

 

Child Welfare Mediation

Child Welfare Mediation involves the use of a neutral party who helps guide families, child welfare workers, and lawyers in working together to solve problems about the child's placement and welfare. 

 

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a program where CASA volunteers work with children involved in abuse, neglect, or dependency cases. Appointed by the court, CASA Volunteers work under the direction and as an extension of the Guardian Ad Litem Attorney. They gather information about the child and family. They visit the child regularly, attend meetings and hearings, advocate for services, and work with the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) to make recommendations in the child's best interest.

 

Child Protective Orders

Utah law allows an adult to ask for a protective order for a child who is being abused, or is in imminent danger of being abused, or has been abused by someone who is not the child's parent, stepparent, guardian, or custodian. Anyone can request a protective order of a child under 18, but the abuse must first be reported to the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) by calling (855) 323-3237.

The court can issue a temporary order the same day the petition is filed.  A hearing will be held within 21 days to determine if a final order should be granted. A protective order can restrict contact, require the respondent to stay away from designated locations, and prohibit possession of weapons. Violating the order can result in arrest or criminal charges. For additional information, click here. 

 

Emancipation

Emancipation is a legal process under Utah Code Title 80, Chapter 7, that allows a minor who is 16 years or older to ask the court for the legal rights and responsibilities of an adult before turning 18. If granted, the minor may live independently from their parents or guardians, and the parents or guardians are no longer responsible for supporting them or making decisions on their behalf.

A minor is also considered emancipated if they get married or join the military, meaning their parents are no longer legally responsible for them in those situations.

Emancipation forms and instructions are available on the Utah State Courts website.

 

Expungement of Juvenile Record

Expungement seals a delinquency case after the case is resolved. In Juvenile court, some cases may qualify for automatic expungement, while others require you file paperwork to request an expungement. Expungement seals documents and requires other affected agencies to do the same. It does not erase what happened. If you have an adult record, you may need to expunge that record before you will qualify to expunge your juvenile court record.  

For more information click the links below:

• Expunging Juvenile Records
• Expunging Adult Records

 

Guardian ad Litem (GAL)

The Office of the Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) provides court-appointed lawyers who represent the best interests of children and teens in alleged abuse, neglect, and dependency cases. The Guardian ad Litem makes sure that the child’s rights are protected, their voice is heard, and that the child’s best interests are considered.  

The Office of Guardian ad Litem also trains and keeps a list of Private Guardian ad Litem (PGAL) Lawyers who can be appointed by the court in difficult custody/visitation cases where abuse or neglect may have happened.

 

Guardianship of a Minor

Guardianship gives an adult who is not the child's parent the authority to make decisions about the child instead of the child's parents. For more information about guardianship of a minor, click here.  

 

Juvenile Justice Process

Juvenile Justice & Youth Services provides an explanation illustrating the juvenile justice process, which includes the options for Youth Services Center, Locked vs. Home Detention, JJYS Custody, and In-home Observation and Assessment.

 

Juvenile Court Petition Cover Sheet

When starting a case in juvenile court, the person filing the petition may be required to fill out a Petition Cover Sheet. This form helps court staff make sure they have all the necessary information and that everyone involved in the case is properly listed.

• 1138XX

 

Problem-Solving Courts

Problem-Solving Courts in the Juvenile Court include Juvenile Mental Health Courts, Child Welfare Recovery Courts, and Juvenile Drug Treatment Courts. These courts are found in different parts of the state and create personalized programs to help individuals with issues like drug use, and mental health challenges.  

 

Declaration of Financial Status Forms

If a parent wants the court to give them a free lawyer for their child welfare case, they must fill out a Declaration of Financial Status Form. The court uses this form to decide if the parent can get free legal help. 

• 1200JU
• 1200.5JU