The Youth Parole Authority. The Youth Parole Authority provides a formal hearing procedure that defines a youth’s obligations during secure care and parole. The adult equivalent is Utah’s Board of Pardons and Parole. When your child goes to secured care (which is reserved for the most serious offenses) the Youth Parole Authority determines when the minor child gets out.
Juvenile Adjudications. Juveniles have adjudications. Adults have criminal convictions. A conviction is not the same as an adjudication. Adjudication means a finding by the court, incorporated in a judgment or decree, that the facts alleged in the petition have been proved.
Juvenile Disposition. Juvenile courts have dispositions. Adult have criminal sentences. Both disposition and sentencing hearings are where judges give out probation, jail and prison sentences.
Detention. Juveniles detention is the equivalent to the adult county jail. By Utah law juveniles under 18 years cannot be mixed with adults in the county jail.
Secured Care. Youths are ordered to a secure care facility by a Utah Juvenile Court Judge. Upon commitment, the Youth Parole Authority assumes responsibility. Once committed, youths are assessed to determine their rehabilitative needs and areas of focus to reduce their risk of reoffending. The length of stay in the facility and parole dates are decided by the Youth Parole Authority. Adults go to prison and the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole determine when adults sent to prison are released.
Utah Rules of Juvenile Procedure. The Utah Rules of Juvenile Procedure govern proceedings in Utah Juvenile Courts. Utah R. Juv. P. 2 states that the Utah Juvenile Rules are inclusive, meaning that the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure apply, only when not inconsistent. The Utah Rules of Criminal Procedure also apply, but only when specifically noted. Adult criminal court has the Utah Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Pleas. Juveniles enter denials, admissions, or pleas of no contest. In adult criminal court guilty, not guilty, no contest and some guilty but mentally ill pleas are entered.
Petitions. Juvenile courts are petitioned alleging juvenile delinquencies or child welfare matters. Adult crimes are prosecuted by information or citation.
Types of Utah Juvenile Cases.
(1). Child Welfare. Utah Juvenile Courts hear civil cases concerning child abuse and neglect and enter dispositional orders after trials of abuse against parents or guardians. Adverse adjudications against you in child welfare place you on the Central Information Management and, or in addition to, Licensing Information System. Both are private government mandated registries tracking child abuse cases and perpetrators.
(2). Delinquency. Adult crimes that if committed by children under 18 years are called delinquencies.
(3). Ungovernability. Means the condition of a child who is beyond the control of the parent, guardian, or lawful custodian, to the extent that the child’s behavior or condition endangers the child’s own welfare or the welfare of others.
(4). Truancy Offense. A child who is habitually missing school can be brought before the juvenile court on a truancy petition.
(5). Violation of Juvenile Probation. Accusations that the juvenile violated their probationary terms.
(6). Juvenile Expungements. Juveniles non-judicial adjustments or juvenile delinquencies can be expunged just like adult convictions can be expunged.
(7). Judicial bypass procedure to authorize minor to consent to an abortion. An action for an order authorizing a minor to consent to an abortion without the consent of a parent or guardian.
(8). Adoptions. Juvenile courts have jurisdiction to conduct adoptions. Utah District Courts also have concurrent jurisdiction to conduct adoptions.