The purpose of the Washington 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. Juvenile matters are confidential. If you are inquiring about a case you must be a party to the case and show picture identification before any information will be shared.
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 control of his/her parents;
- 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
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.
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.