Mississippi Criminal Law BlogYouth Court is a specialized court system in Mississippi that deals with cases involving children and teenagers. The Youth Court system is made up of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers, and social workers who all work together to provide services to juveniles who have been referred to the court. In Mississippi, there are two types of Youth Court cases: delinquency cases and child protection cases.
Delinquency
Delinquency cases involve juveniles who have committed a delinquent act or a status offense. Delinquent acts are activities that would be considered a crime if they were committed by an adult. This could include things like theft, burglary, drug offenses, assault, and vandalism. In these cases, the juvenile is accused of breaking the law and is charged with a delinquent act. Status offenses are things that would not be considered a crime if committed by an adult. The most common status offenses are truancy (skipping school), underage drinking, and running away from home, but this also includes things like “disturbing the family peace” and breaking curfew.
In all Youth Court cases, the court focuses on the best interests of the juvenile. The court may order counseling, drug and alcohol treatment, community service, or other services to help the juvenile address any underlying issues that may have led to their involvement in the delinquent act.
In addition to providing services to juveniles, the Youth Court system in Mississippi also works to prevent juvenile delinquency. The court may provide education and prevention programs to schools and community organizations to help educate young people about the dangers of delinquent behavior and provide them with the tools they need to make positive choices.
Child Protection
Child protection cases, on the other hand, involve juveniles who have been neglected, abused, or abandoned by their parents or guardians. In these cases, the court is tasked with ensuring the safety and well-being of the child while also providing services to the family to address any issues that may have led to the abuse or neglect.
In child protection cases, the Youth Court may take a range of actions to ensure the safety and well-being of the child and provide services to the family to address any underlying issues. For example, the Youth Court might appoint a Guardian ad Litem to represent the best interests of the child. The Guardian ad Litem is an independent party who will investigate the case, provide recommendations to the court, and ensure that the child’s voice is heard.
If the child is in immediate danger, the Youth Court may order the child to be temporarily removed from the home and placed in the care of a relative, foster parent, or group home. After a child has been temporarily removed from their home, the Youth Court will work with the family to develop a plan for reunification. This may involve setting specific goals for the family to work toward and providing services to help them meet those goals. These services may include counseling, parenting classes, substance abuse treatment, and other types of support. In extreme cases, the Youth Court may terminate the parental rights of one or both parents if they are deemed unfit or unable to provide a safe and stable home for the child. This may result in the child being placed for adoption or in long-term foster care.
Overall, the Youth Court in Mississippi takes a holistic approach to child protection cases, focusing on the best interests of the child and providing services to the family to help them address any underlying issues that may have led to the child’s situation. By doing so, the court aims to ensure the safety and well-being of the child while also promoting family stability and preventing future involvement in the child welfare system.
Do I Need an Attorney for My Youth Court Case?
If you are a parent who is being investigated for child abuse or neglect in a child protection case, or if your child has committed a delinquent act or a status offense, you will need an attorney. If you are not able to afford an attorney, the Youth Court will provide an attorney to represent you or your child. These public defenders are trained and experienced in representing people in the Youth Court system and are dedicated to ensuring that the juvenile’s rights are protected throughout the legal process.
If you would like to hire your own attorney, consider speaking with an experienced attorney that handles both family law and criminal law. The attorneys at Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. have experience with Youth Court cases and are prepared to handle Youth Court cases both for delinquency and child protection. Our firm can handle your case with a balance of compassion and confidence to guide you through one of the most difficult times a person can go through. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn about your options. Please also see us on mississippi-lawyers.com and view our reviews on avvo.com, superlawyers.com, and martindale.com.