What are the different types of juvenile court hearings?

In Washington, juvenile court hearings can be divided into three main categories: delinquency hearings, dependency hearings, and termination of parental rights hearings. Delinquency hearings deal with any breaking of the law committed by a minor. During delinquency hearings, the judge will hear witness testimony and review evidence to decide whether a juvenile is responsible for the crime and what penalty, if any, should be imposed. Dependency hearings are held when it is believed that a child is not being provided for adequately by his or her parents. During these hearings, a judge will decide whether the child should remain in the home or be removed and placed into foster care or with a relative. Terminating parental rights hearings are held when a parent has neglected or abused a child. During this hearing, the judge will decide whether it is in the best interest of the child to sever the legal relationship between the parent and the child. No matter what type of hearing is held, all juvenile court proceedings are held in private, and the decisions made will be done with the best interest of the child in mind.

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What are the different types of juvenile court hearings?

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