Adults and children have similar rights and procedures when they are being deprived of their freedom and liberty. However, children enjoy a few statutory rights that are not applicable to adults.

Children are required to obey his or her parents, attend school, and obey all laws.

However, children are not entitled to bail or a jury trial. All juvenile trials are held before a juvenile judge acting in the role of jurors.

When a child is taken into temporary custody by a police officer, the detaining agency has four options:

1. Release the child

2. Deliver the child to a public or private shelter.

3. Prepare a written notice to appear.

4. Take the child to a probation officer.

Parental Notification

When a police officer takes a child to a probation officer at juvenile hall, that officer has a duty to notify your child's parent or guardian pursuant to California Welfare and Institution Code Section 627 (a).