Parent Resources

Juvenile Justice System:

The juvenile justice system differs from the adult criminal system. The juvenile system concentrates on holding the youth accountable for their actions while keeping the community safe and repairing any harm that has been caused. If your child has been contacted by the police, they will not be treated exactly the same as an adult who has been contacted by the police. The terms used in juvenile court also differ from those of the adult court.

Local Case Processing:

After your child has had contact with the police, a police report is written and sent to the Juvenile Department.

Within 10 to 14 days of receiving the police report, your child will be assigned to a Juvenile Probation Counselor and a meeting will be scheduled for you and your child to meet with them to explain the process as well as help you understand your rights and options.

If your child is taken into physical custody by law enforcement and placed at a Juvenile Detention Center, the Juvenile Department will contact you as soon as practicable.

Parent Role:

Youth are usually dependent on the support of family members who have a large impact on their choices. The partnership between the parent/guardian and the Probation Counselor is vital to the youth’s success. The Probation Counselor relies on positive parent/guardian interaction to help the youth successfully navigate the Juvenile Justice process.

Right to an Attorney:

During any phase in the Juvenile Justice process, your child has the right to have an attorney represent them, at their own expense, or at the expense of their parent/guardian. Under certain circumstances, your child may qualify for a court appointed attorney. Parents/guardians are not entitled to a court appointed attorney and must hire one at their own expense if they wish to be represented. It is important for parents to understand that any attorney, whether hired or appointed to represent their child, will act in the child’s best interests and does not represent the parents.

Release of Information / Police Reports:

Oregon Revised Statutes do not allow Juvenile Departments to release police reports to parents/ guardians. Police reports may only be released to your child’s attorney.

Formal Probation:

Probation is a legal status that is imposed upon your child by a judge. A judge can impose a maximum probation term of five years that shall not extend beyond the youth’s 23rd birthday, however, the actual length of time spent on probation will depend on the seriousness of the offense, the level of supervision needed, and the youth’s compliance while on probation.

Informal Supervision:

Your child may be placed on a Formal Accountability Agreement (FAA) which is an informal agreement between the youth, youth’s parents/guardians and the Juvenile Probation Counselor. An informal agreement with the Juvenile Probation Counselor has a maximum supervision period of 18 months.

Courtroom Conduct:

• Conversations must be kept to a minimum and in hushed tones.
• Attire must be neat, clean, and conservative. Shorts, hats, and flip flops may NOT be worn in the courtroom.
• Chewing gum, food, and drinks are not allowed in the courtroom.
• Address the judge as “Your Honor” and try to make a positive impression on the court.
• Remain standing unless the judge gives you specific permission to sit down.

Record Expunction:

A youth may apply for an expunction of their Formal Juvenile Court record if five years have passed since their last police contact or Juvenile Court termination (end of probation). A youth who was on Informal supervision may have their juvenile record expunged at age 18. When their supervision is terminated, whether formal or informal, all youth are provided a closing letter further explaining this process.

Detention:

Only a Judge or the Court’s designee can authorize placement of a youth into a Juvenile Detention Facility. There are strict legal statutes outlining when a juvenile offender is eligible to be placed in detention. A parent cannot have their child placed in detention.

School:

If your child is not attending school, please start by setting up a meeting with your school’s Administrator. Communicate with them regularly and work together towards the youth’s success.

After-Hours Contact:

The Morrow County Juvenile Department is open to the public Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 pm. If you are having an emergency please call 9-1-1.

Juvenile Crime Victims:

If you are the victim of a juvenile offender, a Victim Advocate from the District Attorney’s Office, or a Juvenile Probation Counselor from the Juvenile Department will work with you and the juvenile offender to attempt to recover your losses. A victim may initiate a civil process against the juvenile offender’s parents. If you have questions regarding your rights as a victim, please contact the Juvenile Department and ask to speak with the Probation Counselor who is assigned to the juvenile offender in your case.