The Juvenile Court Services Division provides several essential functions within the juvenile justice system. This division provides intake screening services for all youth referred by law enforcement agencies for alleged violations of the law, including both in-custody and out of custody referrals; conducts preliminary investigations to determine if further referrals to the District Attorney and Court are necessary; provides Juvenile Court Officers (JCOs) to participate in Juvenile Court Hearings; conducts investigations and prepares comprehensive reports for the Juvenile Court to assist in Court decisions and outcomes; participates in collaborative court programs such as Juvenile Recovery Court (JRC) and the Youth Development Court (YDC), supervises youth on the Pre-Detention and Pre-Disposition Program (PPP), and monitors diversion and administrative cases.
Preventing youth from entering the juvenile justice system has a meaningful impact on their overall development and success. For decades, the Probation Department has been actively engaged in diverting youth from the system and toward receiving support at home and within the community through local service providers and other support systems.
