Don’t let one bad choice impact your child’s future.

A juvenile adjudication, which is the legal term for a finding of guilt in a juvenile court, can have significant consequences on a child’s future. While juvenile court proceedings are designed to be rehabilitative rather than punitive, the outcome can still impact various aspects of a child’s life, including:

1. Educational Opportunities: Juvenile adjudications can affect a child’s access to certain educational opportunities. Some schools may have policies that restrict enrollment or participation in extracurricular activities for students with a juvenile record. Additionally, a juvenile adjudication could make it challenging to gain admission to certain colleges or universities.
2. Employment Prospects: When applying for jobs, employers may inquire about an individual’s criminal history, including juvenile adjudications. Having a juvenile record could limit job options, especially in fields that require background checks or working with vulnerable populations.
3. Professional Licensing: Certain professions require licenses or certifications that involve background checks. A juvenile adjudication may create barriers to obtaining licenses in fields such as law, healthcare, finance, or education.
4. Housing Opportunities: Some landlords and housing providers conduct background checks before renting to tenants. Having a juvenile record may make it more challenging to secure housing, especially in competitive rental markets.
5. Military Service: A juvenile adjudication can affect a child’s eligibility to join the military. Certain offenses may disqualify individuals from enlisting, depending on the severity of the charges.
6. Immigration Status: For non-U.S. citizens, a juvenile adjudication could have immigration consequences, potentially leading to deportation or denial of entry into the country.
7. Public Assistance and Benefits: Some juvenile adjudications can impact eligibility for certain public assistance programs or benefits.
8. Voting and Civil Rights: In some jurisdictions, certain juvenile offenses can result in the loss of the right to vote or other civil rights, at least temporarily.
9. Social Stigma: A juvenile adjudication can carry social stigma and may affect a child’s self-esteem and relationships with others.

It’s important to note that juvenile records are often subject to confidentiality laws, and in many cases, they may be sealed or expunged once a person reaches a certain age or successfully completes their rehabilitation. The laws regarding confidentiality, sealing, or expungement of juvenile records vary significantly by jurisdiction, so it’s crucial to consult with a legal professional to understand the specific rules and options available in a particular area.

Additionally, some jurisdictions have implemented “youthful offender” or diversion programs that aim to provide a second chance and limit the long-term impact of juvenile offenses. These programs focus on rehabilitation and may prevent formal adjudications or provide a path for record expungement after successful completion.