About the Juvenile Court

The Juvenile Court was established to assist, protect and restore, if possible, as secure law-abiding member of society, those juveniles whose well-being is threatened. Each child coming within the jurisdiction of the Court receives the care, guidance and control that will be conducive to his or her welfare and the best interests of the state.

The Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over juvenile matters and is the sole court for initiating action concerning any child under 17 years of age:

  • Who is alleged to be delinquent (except in capital offenses);
  • Who is alleged to be unruly;
  • Who is alleged to be in need of treatment or commitment as a mentally ill or special needs child;
  • Who is alleged to have committed a juvenile traffic offense;
  • Who is under 18 years of age and is alleged to be a dependent child;

The Court has jurisdiction involving any proceedings:

  • For obtaining judicial consent to the marriage, employment or enlistment in the armed services of any person if such consent is required by law; transfer of juveniles through Interstate Compact;
  • For the termination of the legal parent-child relationship, excluding adoption; prior notice to a parent of guardian relative to an un-emancipated minor’s decision to seek an abortion.

The Juvenile Court has an annual caseload of over 2200 petitions that must be processed and prepared for hearings. Collecting restitution for victims, handling traffic fines, and insuring that indigent juveniles have legal counsel is a routine part of the Court’s daily function.

The Court also provides a probation staff of six (6) who counsel and coordinate the treatment of each juvenile under the jurisdiction of the Court. A variety of community-based programs are offered.

Judge presiding over the Juvenile Court is The Honorable Herbie L. Solomon. Judge Ingrid Patrice Driskell serves as Associate Judge. The court can be reached at 229.431.2162.