Frequently Asked Questions

What is emancipation?

Most minors, juveniles between the ages of 8 and 18, are under the control of their parents, stepparents or guardian. Under certain circumstances, a minor 16 may petition to be emancipated. For more information about Emancipation please visit NRS129.080
Can I request my child to be placed on Probation?

No. However we do have voluntary services available. Please fill out the online referral or call 775-325-7801.
What are status offenses?

Status offenses are offenses that would not apply to an adult such as, Runaway, CHINS (Child in Need of Supervision), Incorrigible, Curfew and Truancy.

Arrested

What happens after my child has been arrested?

Please visit our Case Process page.
What time and date is court held?

We have several types of court hearings at the Jan Evans Juvenile Justice Center.

Detention Hearings:

If a youth was arrested and detained they are required by law to have a hearing before the Juvenile Court within 72 hours excluding Weekends and Holidays. Generally, detention hearings are the following business day. This hearing is to determine if they will remain detained in Wittenberg Hall or if they can be released or released on house arrest or electronic monitoring.

Juvenile Court Hearing and Trials:

All other court hearings or trials are set by the Juvenile Court. If you have lost your paperwork, contact your assigned probation officer at 325-7800. It is your responsibility to attend your court hearing. Court appearance is mandatory. If you have questions about your appearance or you have a conflict, contact your attorney.

Public Defender’s Office Alternate Public Defender’s Office

Juvenile Traffic Court:

If a youth has received a citation for a minor traffic offense, they will be summoned to appear with at least one Parent or Guardian before the Juvenile Traffic Master. The summons sent to you will have the date and time you need to appear at Juvenile Traffic Court. If you have lost your paperwork, contact our Juvenile Traffic Office at 775 325-
Will my child be required to appear in court if they receive a citation?

Please see our Case Processing page for more information about citations and referrals.

Courts and Records

Can I request a copy of my juvenile record?

The Department of Juvenile Services, upon completion of a Release of Juvenile Legal History form, can only provide the legal history to the requesting person, if they are 18 years or older. If the requestor is under the age of 18 the youth's parents or legal guardians need to complete the form. Forms are available at Jan Evans Juvenile Justice Center. All forms must be notarized prior to or at time of submission (free notary services are available at Juvenile Services). Please allow up to two weeks to process these requests.

If you need more detailed juvenile records, such as police reports you will need to contact the Self Help Center at washoecourts.com to request a court order for release of this information.
How do I request public records?

Public records requests may be made by phone, mail, in person, or by filling out this online form.
My child was arrested, may I request a copy of the police report?

Due to confidentiality, police reports cannot be released by this Department. You may, however, contact the arresting agency to request a copy.
What happens to my juvenile record?

Most juvenile records are confidential and cannot be accessed by others. Juvenile records can be sealed under certain circumstances. Juvenile records are typically sealed when the juvenile reaches the age of 18 except in special limited circumstances pursuant to Nevada Revised Statutes 62H.140 – 62H.170.

Detention

What happens after my child has been authorized for released?

Once your child has been released, you will be contacted to set an appointment with either a Case Manager or Probation Officer. For more information, please see our Case Processing Page.
How do I communicate with my child while detained?

Information can be found on the Contacting your detained child page.
Are medical services available to my child while in detention?

Once your child is detained, you will be asked to sign a Health Consent Waiver which authorizes a health assessment by our medical staff. For more information, please visit our Wittenberg Medical Page.
Can I bring my child on a tour of Wittenberg?

Due to the confidential nature of our facility, tours are not available for the general public.

Resources and Information

Where can I get help with my child?

Our Department offers assistance to parents through voluntary services at 775-325-7801 or through our online referral.
What resources are available to my family?

There are many resources available in the community to help families and children. Please visit our Helpful Resources Page for more information.
What is the juvenile court process?

The Juvenile Court operates under the direction of the Second Judicial District Court, Family Division Juvenile Services provides probation supervision, case management, detention, and community services to juveniles ages 10 to 18 referred by law enforcement for status and delinquent offenses in Washoe County. Our juvenile justice approach is balanced by supporting positive juvenile and family development, community safety, holding juveniles accountable, and providing victim restoration services.

Please see Case Process page for more specific information.
How can my child get a work permit?

Information regarding juvenile work permits can be located in Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 609.240-690.250. If your child's employer requires a Juvenile Work Permit, please contact the Family Self Help Center at 775 325-6731 or visit their website Washoe County Resource Center.
Can I request that my child participate in work program?

A referral is required by a law enforcement agency to be placed on Work Program. However, if you would like to talk to one of our staff, please visit voluntary services page to fill out the online referral form or call 775-325-7801.