Juvenile Justice Act of 1977

Protect the citizenry from criminal behavior.

Provide for determining whether accused juveniles have committed offenses as defined by this chapter. Make the juvenile offender accountable for his or her criminal behavior.

Provide for punishment commensurate with the age, crime, and criminal history of the juvenile offender. Provide due process for juveniles alleged to have committed an offense. Provide necessary treatment, supervision, and custody for juvenile offenders.

Provide for the handling of juvenile offenders by communities whenever consistent with public safety. Provide for restitution to victims of crime.

Develop effective standards and goals for the operation, funding and evaluation of all components of the juvenile justice system and related services at the state and local levels.

Provide for a clear policy to determine what types of offenders shall receive punishment, treatment, or both, and to determine the jurisdictional limitations of the courts, institutions, and community services. 

COURT INFORMATION

DIVERSION: A contract between a juvenile accused of an offense and a diversionary unit whereby the juvenile agrees to fulfill certain conditions in lieu of prosecution. (Island County assesses a $50.00 fee for diversion services.)

“Community Accountability Board” (CAB): A Board Comprised of 3 to 7 members of the local community, appointed by Superior Court, in which the juvenile offender resides.

COMMUNITY RESTITUTION: Work, without compensation, performed for the benefit of the community by the juvenile offender as punishment for committing an offense. Community restitution may be performed only for non-profit organizations or through the Island County Alternative to Detention work crew if space is available.

COMMUNITY SUPERVISION: An order of disposition by the court of an adjudicated youth not committed to Juvenile Rehabilitation. Community supervision may include: Mandatory school attendance, community-based rehabilitation/counseling, monitoring and reporting requirements, imposition of a fine, court costs, and restitution.

RESTITUTION: Financial reimbursement by the juvenile offender to the victim. ​

SEALING OF JUVENILE RECORDS: A motion and affidavit may be filed by the juvenile requesting the court to issue an order vacating its previous order and sealing the official juvenile court file, the social file, the records of the court and of any other agency in the case. Contact Juvenile Court Services for record sealing eligibility requirements.