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1. What are the legal rights of my child in Juvenile Court?

The Supreme Court ruled that juveniles have the right:

• To know the allegations against them
• To have legal representation
• To question witnesses
• To protect themselves against self-incrimination
• To have a transcript of court proceedings on request
• To appeal

2. What are the legal rights of parents in juvenile cases?

To hire representation for themselves or their child and to be heard in court.

3. Why does my child’s attorney tell me he/she cannot speak to me when I am paying for the representation?

Any child with pending charges in Juvenile Court has the right to be represented by counsel in all stages of court proceedings. It is important for the child to be able to speak freely and honestly with his/her attorney so the attorney can provide the best counsel possible. It is also important that the attorney be able to respect the client/attorney trust by keeping conversations with the juvenile private. The attorney may only discuss general information with the parents due to this trust obligation.

4. When do parents need their own lawyer or representation?

Parents may wish to obtain their own lawyer or representation to present their position to the court and preserve their interests:

• If they are required to provide sworn testimony during a trial, depending on the nature of their testimony
• If they object to the way they are being represented to the Juvenile Court by the District Attorney or the child’s defense attorney
• If they have a hostile relationship to the child’s position

5. What costs will I be financially responsible to pay?

Parents are jointly and separately responsible for financial support of a child in a placement outside of the home until the child’s 18th birthday. This includes any secure facility, such as detention. Such placement costs are based on the state child support formulas.

6. What can the Juvenile Justice system do to help me with my child’s problems?

When a child is placed on supervision with the Division of Social Services, a variety of programs and services can be made available to the child and family in order to help the child successfully complete supervision and prevent future problems. Such programs range from diversion programs to intensive supervision, electronic monitoring and individual and family counseling services. The assigned caseworker will aid the family in evaluating their needs and obtaining services.

7. Who sets up community service work ordered by the court?

Juvenile Intake has a list of resources for community service in Kenosha County. They also keep track of the amount of community service work that has been completed. The parent(s) and child will receive a letter from Juvenile Intake regarding an appointment to discuss the community service site. Juvenile Intake will also regularly send letters reminding the child and parent(s) of the community service work obligation and the number of hours remaining.

The child and parent(s) may find their own source for community service work. For example, it could be an elderly person in the neighborhood who needs help with yard work or shoveling snow. Nursing homes, churches or other non-profit organizations are also sources for community service. 

An adult must keep track of the number of hours completed and give it to the caseworker or directly to Juvenile Intake. Forms are available for this purpose. Discuss this issue with the assigned caseworker for more information.