Juvenile Court

The purpose of the Linn County Juvenile Court is to assure that a minor within the Court’s jurisdiction is provided with the care and services that best meets his/her needs.

The jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court extends both to “dependent” and “delinquent” matters.

The Linn County Circuit Court has available a booklet which explains the functions of the Juvenile Court and the various steps associated with court action. This booklet is available from the Linn County Juvenile Department or from the Linn County Circuit Court.

DELINQUENCY INFORMATION

The juvenile court has jurisdiction in most cases involving a person who is under 18 years of age and who has committed an act which is a violation of a law or ordinance. The District Attorney, Attorney General, Juvenile Department, or Oregon Youth Authority may file a petition in the juvenile court alleging that a youth is within the jurisdiction of the court.

Refer to ORS 419C for specifics.

DEPENDENCY INFORMATION

Dependency petitions involve a person who is under 18 years of age. Situations in which a dependency petition may be filed, include a child:

– who is beyond the control of his/her parents,
– who is dependent for care and support on a public or private child-caring agency,
– whose parents have abandoned, neglected, or abused the child, or
– who has run away from home.

Any person may file a petition in the juvenile court alleging that a child is within the jurisdiction of the court, although petitions are usually filed by the Department
of Human Service Child Welfare Division .

Refer to ORS 419B.100 - ORS 419B.268 for some specifics.