Question:What ages does the Juvenile Division work with?

Answer:The Juvenile Division has jurisdiction over youths under the age of 17. Anyone committing a crime who is 17 years or older at the time the crime is committed, are dealt with in the adult court systems.

Question: Who reimburses the court for costs of care and services the court provides?

Answer: The parents of the youth are responsible for reimbursing the court for any services or placements.

Question: How much do court-ordered placements cost?

Answer: It depends on the type of placement. Foster Care is typically $60 to $100 per day. Non-Secure detention is typically $120-$150 per day. Fully secure detention is typically $150-200 per day. Residential Treatment Centers are typically $150-200 per day, with some placements costing up to $300 per day.

Question: Who is responsible for paying restitution?

Answer: The supervisory parent at the time the crime was committed is required to pay restitution.

Question: Do I have to reimburse the Court for a Court-Appointed Attorney?

Answer: Yes. If your child is appointed an attorney, the parents are responsible for reimbursing the court for the cost of that attorney.

Question: Is my juvenile record sealed/expunged when I am 18?

Answer: No. A juvenile adjudication is not automatically expunged at age 18. There are some exceptions, but in most cases the adjudication is not expunged until the age of 30. 

Question: I committed the crime in Kent County. Why am I going to Montcalm County Juvenile Court?

Answer: Juveniles are given due process by the Juvenile Court in the county where the juvenile resides.

Question: At what age can I be charged as an adult?

Answer: You can be charged as an adult at the age of 14 if the crime you commit is serious.

Question: Can parents be ordered to comply with terms along with the child?

Answer: Yes. Parents are also under the jurisdiction of the court when their child is on probation. A parent who refuses to comply with the court order may be held in contempt and be subject to jail time or fines or both. 

Question: I know of a child who is being neglected or abused. How do I report it?

Answer: Call the State of Michigan Department of Human Services at (989) 831-8400. You can also call 1-800-942-4357. The DHS Website has additional information regarding child protective services.

Question: I have other questions that are not on this list. Who can I call?

Answer: Only Attorneys can give legal advice. The staff at the juvenile office will assist you the best we can, but please understand that many questions can not be answered by us because it is considered legal advice.