Juvenile Proceedings
Juvenile records are confidential!
The jurisdiction of Juvenile Court Records includes the following cases applicable to a child eighteen (18) years and under.
The Juvenile Department maintains the official records pertaining to all juvenile court pleadings and petitions in accordance with statutory requirements, giving special consideration to the confidential nature of these records.
The Juvenile Department works closely with Children and Family Services, the Judiciary, State Attorneys, Public Defender, Department of Juvenile Justice, law enforcement, and other agencies in carrying out its mission. The Juvenile Department dockets all cases, attends court hearings, and maintains all of the required court records.
The following chapters govern Juvenile Proceedings:
- Florida Statute 39: Proceedings Relating to Children
- Florida Statute 985: Delinquency, Interstate Compact on Juveniles
Dependency
All matters relating to juveniles, who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected, surrendered for the purpose of adoption or who are persistent runaways, habitually truant, or ungovernable.
See Florida Statute 39.0132 regarding the confidentiality of Dependency records.
Delinquency
All matters relating to juveniles who have committed a violation of Florida Law.
See Florida Statute 985.04 regarding the confidentiality of Delinquency records.
Who Can Access Case Information?
Information can not be given out over the telephone. You must appear in person with proper identification to receive information. The following people are authorized to receive information concerning a case.
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Child
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State Attorney
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Parent of Child: As Long as Parental Rights Are Still Intact
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Attorney for Parent And/or Child: After Notice of Appearance Is Filed with the Clerk
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Law Enforcement Officer: Only as to the Offenses They Are Charged/Arrested On
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Counselor with the Department of Juvenile Justice or Children and Family Services
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Public Defender
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Corrections Officer
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Guardian or Legal Custodian of the Child
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Member of Parole Commission
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Guardian Ad Litem
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Assistant Attorney General Attorneys