Juvenile

Jackson County Juvenile Court

Jackson County Juvenile Court's purpose is to assure that a minor within the court’s jurisdiction is provided with the care and services that best meets their needs.

The jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court extends to both Dependency and Delinquency matters.

Delinquency

The Juvenile Court has jurisdiction in most cases involving a youth 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 (DA), Attorney General (AG), Juvenile Department, or the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) may file a petition in the Juvenile court alleging that a youth is within the jurisdiction of the Court.

Information regarding the Juvenile Delinquency Court process is available at the Jackson County Juvenile Department website.

Folder with paper that says Juvenile Court

Dependency

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

Who is beyond the parental control;
Who is dependent for the 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

The Juvenile Court has prepared a free, downloadable Juvenile Dependency Handbook to assist parents with the Dependency process. (Manual de casos de dependencia de menores en Español)

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 Services (DHS) – Child Welfare. The DHS Hotline number for Jackson County is 1-866-840-2741.

Additional Information:

Contact the Jackson County Juvenile Clerk’s Office at 541-776-7171 ext. 35040