Juvenile Justice Terminology Glossary (A–Z) | Spanish-English
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Juvenile Justice
A System Apart: Juvenile Justice operates on a fundamentally different philosophy than adult criminal court: the doctrine of parens patriae (the state as parent). While the adult system focuses on punishment, the juvenile system is rooted in rehabilitation and the best interest of the child.
For the legal interpreter, this difference translates into a completely different vocabulary. A minor is not "arrested" but taken into custody. They are not "convicted" but adjudicated delinquent. Using adult terminology in this setting is not just technically incorrect; it can be legally misleading.
A
Adjudicated DelinquentMenor declarado delincuente / Menor adjudicado delincuente
Definition: Court finding that the juvenile committed the offense.
Notes: NOT a conviction; juvenile records have different rules.
Notes: NOT a conviction; juvenile records have different rules.
Adjudication HearingAudiencia de adjudicación (juvenil)
Definition: Hearing where the judge determines whether the juvenile committed the alleged offense.
Notes: Equivalent to a “trial,” but without a jury.
Notes: Equivalent to a “trial,” but without a jury.
Aftercare SupervisionSupervisión postliberación
Definition: Supervision following release from a juvenile facility.
Notes: Similar to parole for adults.
Notes: Similar to parole for adults.
Age of MajorityEdad de mayoría de edad
Definition: Age at which an individual legally becomes an adult (usually 18).
Alternative DispositionDisposición alternativa (juvenil)
Definition: Noncustodial sanctions such as counseling, community service, or diversion.
Attendance OrderOrden de asistencia escolar
Definition: Court order requiring a minor to attend school consistently.
B
Behavioral ContractContrato de comportamiento (juvenil)
Definition: Written agreement outlining expectations and consequences for the juvenile.
Best Interest of the Child StandardNorma del interés superior del menor
Definition: Legal principle requiring decisions to prioritize a child’s wellbeing.
Boot Camp ProgramPrograma tipo campamento militar (juvenil)
Definition: Short-term, highly structured correctional program emphasizing discipline.
Burden of Proof (Clear and Convincing)Carga de la prueba – clara y convincente
Definition: Higher standard used in parental rights, abuse, and removal hearings.
Bypass HearingAudiencia de exención / Audiencia de bypass
Definition: Hearing seeking judicial approval for actions minors cannot legally take without parental consent.
C
Child Protective Services (CPS)Servicios de Protección Infantil (CPS)
Definition: Agency responsible for investigating abuse/neglect allegations.
Citation (Juvenile)Citatorio / Multa juvenil
Definition: Written notice requiring a minor to appear in court.
Community Service RequirementRequisito de servicio comunitario
Definition: Mandatory unpaid work imposed as punishment or diversion.
Competency EvaluationEvaluación de competencia (juvenil)
Definition: Assessment of minor’s ability to understand and participate in court.
Consent DecreeDecreto de consentimiento
Definition: An agreement that resolves a dispute between two parties without admission of guilt.
Court-Ordered CounselingConsejería ordenada por el tribunal
Definition: Mandatory therapy such as anger management or substance treatment.
Curfew ViolationViolación del toque de queda
Definition: Violation of a law prohibiting minors from being in public during certain hours.
Custodial DetentionDetención en custodia (juvenil)
Definition: Placement in a secure juvenile facility while case is pending.
D
Delinquency PetitionPetición de delincuencia juvenil
Definition: Formal charging document filed in juvenile court.
Dependency CaseCaso de dependencia / Tutela estatal
Definition: Case where state intervenes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
Detention HearingAudiencia de detención (juvenil)
Definition: Hearing determining whether a juvenile must remain detained.
Disposition HearingAudiencia de disposición
Definition: The sentencing stage of the juvenile justice process.
Diversion ProgramPrograma de desvío (juvenil)
Definition: Alternative program avoiding formal prosecution.
Duress (Juvenile)Coacción (contexto juvenil)
Definition: Defense claiming the minor acted due to threat or pressure.
E
Educational NeglectNegligencia educativa
Definition: Failure of parent/guardian to ensure child attends school.
Electronic MonitoringMonitoreo electrónico (juvenil)
Definition: Use of ankle monitors or GPS instead of detention.
Emancipated MinorMenor emancipado
Definition: Legal recognition that a minor is independent from parental control.
Expungement of Juvenile RecordsExpurgación de antecedentes juveniles
Definition: Legal removal or sealing of juvenile court records.
Extended Juvenile Jurisdiction (EJJ)Jurisdicción juvenil extendida (EJJ)
Definition: Hybrid sentence allowing both juvenile and adult sanctions.
F
Failure to AppearFalta de comparecencia (juvenil)
Definition: Minor fails to appear in required court hearing.
Family Preservation ServicesServicios de preservación familiar
Definition: Support services designed to keep children safely at home.
Fitness HearingAudiencia de aptitud / Audiencia de transferencia
Definition: Hearing to determine whether juvenile should be tried as an adult.
Formal ProbationLibertad condicional formal (juvenil)
Definition: Supervision requiring regular meetings, conditions, and monitoring.
Foster Care PlacementColocación en hogar de crianza
Definition: Temporary placement of a child with licensed foster parents.
G
Gang AffiliationAfiliación a pandillas (juvenil)
Definition: Association or involvement of a minor with a criminal gang.
Graduated SanctionsSanciones graduales
Definition: Tiered system of punishments increasing in severity for violations.
Group Home PlacementColocación en hogar grupal
Definition: Residential placement for minors needing structured supervision.
Guardian ad Litem (GAL)Tutor ad litem
Definition: Court-appointed advocate representing the best interests of a minor.
H
Habitual TruantAusentista habitual / Menor con ausencias crónicas
Definition: Minor who repeatedly fails to attend school without valid excuses.
Hearings OfficerFuncionario de audiencias (tribunal juvenil)
Definition: Judicial officer who conducts preliminary juvenile hearings.
High-Risk Youth AssessmentEvaluación de jóvenes de alto riesgo
Definition: Screening identifying minors at high risk of reoffending or harm.
Home DetentionDetención domiciliaria (juvenil)
Definition: Restriction requiring youth to remain at home except for approved activities.
I
Independent Living Skills ProgramPrograma de habilidades para la vida independiente
Definition: Program teaching youth aging out of foster care how to live independently.
Informal ProbationLibertad condicional informal (juvenil)
Definition: Low-level supervision without formal adjudication.
In Loco ParentisEn lugar de los padres
Definition: Legal responsibility of a person to take on parental functions.
Institutional PlacementColocación institucional (juvenil)
Definition: Placement in a secure juvenile correctional facility.
Intake OfficerOficial de admisión (juvenil)
Definition: Officer who decides whether to detain, dismiss, or divert the case.
Intervention ServicesServicios de intervención (juvenil)
Definition: Early services designed to prevent deeper system involvement.
J
Juvenile Court JurisdictionJurisdicción del tribunal juvenil
Definition: Legal authority of the court over minors based on age and offense.
Juvenile Intake PacketPaquete de admisión juvenil
Definition: Set of forms completed at the beginning of a juvenile case.
Juvenile Justice SystemSistema de justicia juvenil
Definition: Legal system designed to handle offenses committed by minors.
Juvenile Petition AmendmentEnmienda de la petición juvenil
Definition: Modification of allegations or charges filed against a minor.
Juvenile Rights AdvisementAdvertencia de derechos para menores
Definition: Notification of rights given to minors in simplified language.
K
Key Decision PointsPuntos clave de decisión (sistema juvenil)
Definition: Stages where major decisions are made—intake, detention, adjudication.
Kinship CareCuidado por parientes
Definition: Placement of a child with relatives instead of foster parents.
L
Least Restrictive Placement (LRP)Colocación de mínima restricción
Definition: Requirement that minors are placed in the least confining environment.
Legal Custody (Juvenile)Custodia legal (contexto juvenil)
Definition: Court-ordered authority granting responsibility for a minor’s welfare.
Level of Supervision AssessmentEvaluación del nivel de supervisión
Definition: Tool determining how much monitoring a juvenile requires.
Life Skills TrainingEntrenamiento en habilidades para la vida
Definition: Educational programs teaching coping and social skills.
M
Mandatory CounselingConsejería obligatoria (juvenil)
Definition: Required therapy such as anger, family, or substance counseling.
Minor in Need of SupervisionMenor que necesita supervisión (MINS/PINS)
Definition: Youth exhibiting ungovernable behavior (truancy, runaway).
Multidisciplinary Team (MDT)Equipo multidisciplinario (MDT)
Definition: Group of professionals evaluating and planning services for a minor.
N
Needs AssessmentEvaluación de necesidades (juvenil)
Definition: Analysis identifying social and psychological needs.
Neglect PetitionPetición de negligencia (tribunal juvenil)
Definition: Allegation that a minor is not receiving proper care.
Non-Secure DetentionDetención no segura
Definition: Residential setting without physical locks but still supervised.
Notice to Parents/GuardiansNotificación a padres/tutores (caso juvenil)
Definition: Required notice informing families of hearings and allegations.
O
Offense Gravity ScorePuntaje de gravedad del delito (juvenil)
Definition: Numerical rating indicating the seriousness of a juvenile offense.
Out-of-Home PlacementColocación fuera del hogar
Definition: Placement of a minor in foster care, group homes, or facilities.
Overnight DetentionDetención nocturna
Definition: Temporary holding of a minor in a juvenile facility overnight.
Override RecommendationRecomendación de excepción / Recomendación modificada
Definition: Manual adjustment overriding an automated risk score.
P
Parens PatriaeParens patriae / Padre de la patria
Definition: Doctrine granting state authority to act as guardian for minors.
Parent-Child Reunification ServicesServicios de reunificación familiar
Definition: Court-ordered services to restore the parent-child relationship.
Petition for TransferPetición de transferencia al tribunal de adultos
Definition: Formal request to move a juvenile case into adult criminal court.
Pick-Up OrderOrden de detención juvenil
Definition: Court order authorizing law enforcement to take a minor into custody.
Probation RevocationRevocación de la libertad condicional (juvenil)
Definition: Termination of probation due to violations.
Protective CustodyCustodia protectora (juvenil)
Definition: Temporary removal of a minor from unsafe conditions.
Q
Qualified Immunity (Staff)Inmunidad calificada (personal de centros juveniles)
Definition: Legal protection shielding staff from liability unless rights are violated.
Quarterly Review HearingAudiencia de revisión trimestral
Definition: Scheduled review assessing progress, placement, and compliance.
R
ReferralRemisión / Derivación
Definition: Process by which a juvenile is brought to the attention of the system.
Residential Treatment Center (RTC)Centro de tratamiento residencial (RTC)
Definition: Therapeutic placement combining housing and mental health treatment.
Restorative Justice ProgramPrograma de justicia restaurativa (juvenil)
Definition: Program focusing on accountability, restitution, and repairing harm.
Risk Assessment Instrument (RAI)Instrumento de evaluación de riesgo (RAI)
Definition: Tool measuring risk of reoffending or failing to appear.
Runaway PetitionPetición por fuga de hogar
Definition: Court process addressing minors who repeatedly run away.
S
School-Based OffenseDelito cometido en la escuela
Definition: Offense occurring on school grounds or during school events.
Secure DetentionDetención segura
Definition: Confinement in a locked facility for juveniles.
Shelter Care FacilityCentro de cuidado provisional
Definition: Non-secure temporary placement for minors awaiting hearings.
Status OffenseInfracción de estatus
Definition: Conduct illegal only because the minor is underage.
Substance Abuse AssessmentEvaluación de abuso de sustancias (juvenil)
Definition: Screening to evaluate drug/alcohol use and treatment needs.
Suspend Custody OrderOrden de suspensión de custodia
Definition: Temporary halt of a custody order due to emergency findings.
T
Temporary Shelter Care HearingAudiencia de cuidado provisional temporal
Definition: Hearing determining if a child should remain in temporary shelter.
Termination of Parental RightsTerminación de derechos parentales
Definition: Permanent legal severance of parent-child relationship.
Transition Plan (Aging Out)Plan de transición
Definition: Plan developed for youth approaching adulthood while in care.
Treatment Foster CareCuidado terapéutico en hogar de crianza
Definition: Foster care providing enhanced behavioral and clinical support.
Truancy CourtTribunal de ausentismo escolar
Definition: Specialized docket handling chronic school absences.
U
Unauthorized AbsenceAusencia no autorizada (juvenil)
Definition: Leaving placement or failing to return without permission.
Unfit for Juvenile Court (Finding)No apto para el tribunal juvenil
Definition: Judicial determination that juvenile should be tried as an adult.
V
Violation of a Court Order (VCO)Violación de una orden judicial (VCO)
Definition: Breach of a court-imposed requirement (school, curfew).
Voluntary Placement AgreementAcuerdo de colocación voluntaria
Definition: Parent voluntarily agrees to place child in state care temporarily.
W
Waiver to Adult CourtRenuncia a la jurisdicción juvenil / Transferencia
Definition: Process of transferring a juvenile case to criminal court.
Ward of the CourtPupilo del tribunal / Menor bajo la tutela judicial
Definition: Court assumes full responsibility for the minor’s care.
X
X-ray Intake ScreeningRevisión por rayos X en admisión
Definition: Medical imaging to detect internal injuries or contraband.
Y
Youth Court / Teen CourtTribunal juvenil comunitario
Definition: Alternative program where peers impose sanctions.
Youth Risk Assessment ToolHerramienta de evaluación de riesgo juvenil
Definition: Standardized tool measuring risk factors for reoffending.
Z
Zero-Day Detention PolicyPolítica de detención de cero días
Definition: Policy discouraging or prohibiting detention for low-level offenses.
Zone Restriction OrderOrden de restricción por zonas
Definition: Court-imposed ban from certain locations (schools, neighborhoods).
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