The Juvenile Department

The Juvenile Department of the Clerk of Circuit Court’s Office is comprised of two sub-departments. They are Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Dependency. Juvenile Delinquency handles criminal court cases involving people under the age of 18. Juvenile Dependency handles court cases involving abuse or neglect of children under the age of 18.

The Juvenile Department is one area of the courts and is not associated with the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Children and Families, or any other agency dealing with juveniles.

All juvenile records are confidential. As mandated by Florida law, we cannot give out any information over the phone or on the internet about any juvenile cases. To view a court file, the authorized person must appear in person with a proper picture I.D.

• Child
• Parent(s) listed on the Juvenile Arrest or Complaint Affidavit
• Parent(s) listed on the Shelter and/or Dependency Petition
• Attorney for parent and/or child: after Notice of Appearance is filed with the Clerks Office
• Law enforcement officer: only as to the offense they were charged or arrested on
• Department of Juvenile Justice
• Department of Children and Families
• State Attorney
• Public Defender
• Parole Commission
• Department of Corrections
• Guardian or legal custodian of child listed on the Juvenile Arrest or Complaint Affidavit
• Guardian ad litem
• Government agencies such as recruiting officers may receive limited information if there is a written consent by the applicant for us to search our records.

The Juvenile Department works closely with the Judiciary, State Attorneys, Public Defender, Department of Juvenile Justice, law enforcement and other agencies in carrying out its mission. The Juvenile Department upon receiving the proper paperwork, creates a file, maintains all required records and provides a wide variety of customer service.

The Juvenile Department is located on the second floor of the Constitutional Building located at 100 East Ocean Boulevard in Stuart. The office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Additional Information:

• Click here read the Frequently Asked Questions of our Juvenile Division
• Click here for other agencies dealing with Juvenile issues

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q

What is a Delinquent Act?

A

A “child who has been found to have committed a delinquent act” means a child who, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 985, Florida Statutes, is found by a court to have committed a violation of the law or to be in direct or indirect contempt of court.

Q

I Have Moved. What do I Need to Do?

A

It is the Juveniles/Parents responsibility to keep the Clerk’s Office informed of their correct address.

Q

Where Do I Make Restitution Payments?

A

Restitution payments are made through the Juvenile Division located in the Clerk of Circuit court. A check is then forwarded to the victim. A $3.50 Clerk fee is charged for each restitution payment. The court fees are also collected by the Juvenile Division. Payments are accepted through the mail or in person. Checks or money orders should have your name and complete case number. Payments may also be made over the telephone using a major credit card. The credit card company will charge a service fee.

Q

How Do I Change My Court Date?

A

In order to reschedule your court date, you must contact your attorney. The Clerk’s Office is not authorized to reschedule your court date.

Other Agencies Dealing with Juvenile Issues