Juvenile Division Delinquency Unit

The Delinquency Unit serves as the Juvenile Office's front line in dealing with youth involved or allegedly involved in committing law violations and status offenses. Deputy Juvenile Officers within the unit are assigned referrals concerning youth who while less than 17 years of age committed or are suspected of committing an offense. The role of the Deputy Juvenile Officer is to conduct follow-up case investigation and make disposition plans for the referral.

Intake and Case Assignment: Referrals are received from law enforcement agencies, schools, parents, victims, and concerned citizens. The case is initially reviewed by a Supervisor within the unit who assigns the referral to a Deputy Juvenile Officer for further investigation. The Legal Department may also assist the Deputy Juvenile Officer throughout the intake process.

Investigation: The Deputy Juvenile Officer assigned gathers case information by reviewing reports, interviewing victims, witnesses, and suspects. The referring law enforcement agency may also be involved in the follow-up investigation.

Follow-up Investigation: The Deputy Juvenile Officer assigned will follow-up on any information received previously that could assist the Juvenile Officer with the investigation.

Screening and Assessment: The Deputy Juvenile Officer will gather information to assist in the completion of the Missouri Risk/Needs Assessment Instrument which will aid the Deputy Juvenile Officer in making case disposition.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Screening Instruments are also used to help Deputy Juvenile Officers identify potential needs for further mental health assessments and/or treatment for the youth.

Case Disposition: After reviewing the facts of the case, obtaining necessary assistance from the legal department, and considering the youth's risk/needs and other mental health screening instruments, the Deputy Juvenile Officer will determine whether the case should be handled in an informal or formal manner.

Informal (Without Court Action)

An informal agreement between the Parent, Juvenile and Juvenile Officer that holds the youth accountable for his/her actions, addresses issues of community safety and the treatment needs of the juvenile. Possible informal resources include the following: Informal Probation Supervision, Teen Court, Victim/Offender Mediation, Girls Program, Summer Program, and a variety of services provided through various counselors.

Formal (With Court Action)

A petition is filed and the case is heard by the Juvenile Court Judge. If a youth is found to have committed the offense in the petition; the court will decide what services and/or sanctions to impose on the youth. Services available for youth include Formal Probation Supervision, Residential or Day Treatment Services through the Greene County Youth Academy, The Evening Reporting Center or commitment to the Division of Youth Services.

Useful information and tips prior to your appearance at the Juvenile Office
Office and Court check in process: All persons entering the Juvenile Court will be subjected to security screening. All personal belongings will be subject to search by security personnel prior to entering the Juvenile Court building.

Formal Court hearing dress code: The dress code at Juvenile Court is strictly enforced. Shorts, tank tops, bare midriffs, flip-flops and bare feet are NOT permitted.

Cell phone, pages, and other electronic devices: All individuals are required to turn off or set to silent all electronic devices that emit sounds that may interrupt court proceedings.

Juvenile Court: Upon entering the Juvenile Office Building for your scheduled Intake appointment or hearing, you must first check-in with the reception desk.