Process & Terminology

The New York City Law Department's Family Court Division investigates, and prosecutes where appropriate, youth ages 7 to 17 who are arrested for juvenile delinquency. The Family Court system is focused on rehabilitation. Youth can be held accountable for their actions and receive appropriate rehabilitative services. The Law Department seeks to balance the need for protection of the community with the needs and the best interests of the youth (also known in Family Court proceedings as the respondent). The Division's work also includes providing information to victims of youth crime on available community-based services, including counseling, crisis intervention, and safety planning.

You may have questions about the juvenile delinquency process. The Family Court process and terminology are different from adult criminal court. Refer to the information below for an overview of Family Court stages and terms.

If you are a victim or a witness you may contact the Assistant Corporation Counsel assigned to your case. You may also visit our resource page for victim information.

Get an overview of juvenile delinquency proceedings

Process & Terminology

Process & Terminology

General Stages of the Family Court Process

Parties

Common Forms and Court Documents