Juvenile Department
The Juvenile Department envisions a community free from crime, where every child is empowered to reach his or her full potential with the loving support of a functional, safe and permanent family.
The mission of the Juvenile Department is to fairly and impartially decide cases and administer justice through the comprehensive delivery of services to children and families, victims of crime and the community so that: children reach their full potential; victims of crime are restored; and families and the community function in the best interest of children.
Adoptions
One of the services the Juvenile Department oversees is adoption related cases.
Dependency
A dependency is a decision by the Juvenile Department that a child is in need of effective care and control and that all parents are unable or unwilling to provide proper care and control.
CASA
Within Maricopa County’s juvenile court, the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Maricopa County program recruits, trains and supports citizen-volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in courtrooms and in their communities all while helping find permanency for child(ren) as quickly as possible.
Guardianship
Any person interested in the welfare of a minor may petition the court for appointment of a Title 14 guardian.
Delinquency
The Juvenile Department has delinquency jurisdiction over children and juveniles from age 8 until their 18th birthday. There are video's below that can give you more information on the delinquency process.
Learn More About Juvenile Delinquency Court
Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)
Do you need to consult with the Juvenile Department Presiding Judge regarding a potential Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) matter tied to Maricopa County, Arizona? If so, please outreach email the Juvenile Department public inbox at juveniledept@jbazmc.maricopa.gov.
Emancipation
On August 12, 2005, an Arizona law went into effect that permits minors who are at least 16 but not yet 18, to apply to be emancipated or to be declared legally an adult. The minor must prove they are financially self-sufficient and able to provide their own food, housing and medical care without parental assistance.
Attorney Page
This is the Attorney's page with helpful documents.
Effective Nov. 8, 2021, juvenile court proceedings will be open for observation in the assigned courtroom. Livestreaming will no longer be offered for juvenile hearings. Instead, courtrooms will be available, even if the proceeding is being held remotely, for interested parties to attend in person to preserve both access to and confidentiality of these hearings.
Juvenile Presiding Judge
Lori Bustamante
Paula Collins
Juvenile Court Administrator
Contact the Juvenile Department
If you are a parent and need information about accessing JAX click here.
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