Juvenile Court Guide offers youth in-depth look at juvenile court process

Answers common questions asked by youth and their parents regarding the local juvenile justice system

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA— A new publication released January 29th by the Charlottesville/Albemarle Commission on Children and Families (CCF) is designed to make the juvenile court system less confusing for Charlottesville and Albemarle youth and their parents.

The Juvenile Court Guide is a product of the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee, a CCF workgroup dedicated towards developing and implementing recommendations for the juvenile justice system that reduce delinquency rates, increase the number of youth who are rehabilitated and support youth in making positive changes in their lives.

The Guide is targeted towards local youth who may be entering the Juvenile Justice System, and their parents. It is written to reflect what Charlottesville area youth will actually experience in the system. Legally accurate, balanced and objective, the Guide provides a chronological overview of the entire juvenile justice system.

From diversion services to detention hearings, foster care and community service, the Guide is an essential resource that local youth and their parents can use to navigate the complicated and sometimes confusing juvenile justice system. A helpful glossary is included which contains complete descriptions of terms used.

To obtain a copy of the Juvenile Court Guide, contact Rory Carpenter, Juvenile Justice Coordinator for CCF, at 970-3054. Free copies are also available at several area locations, including the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and local public libraries. To download an electronic version of the entire Guide, go online to www.ccfinfo.org.