Skip to main content

KingCounty.gov is an official government website.

Official government websites use .gov
Website addresses ending in .gov belong to official government organizations in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Only share sensitive information on official, secure websites.
King County Washington home

About Juvenile Court

Juvenile Court hears your case if you are younger than 18 years old and accused of violating a law. Learn about our approach and the court process.

Our therapeutic model

  • Youth are different than adults, which is why there is a separate court for them. Judges balance accountability with help and support.
  • We use a therapeutic model, Juvenile Therapeutic Response & Accountability Court (JTRAC), which is trauma-informed.
  • All Juvenile Court Services programs and services follow JTRAC  to meet the individual needs of families.
  • Find out more about this approach by checking out our JTRAC video above or on YouTube.

Visiting

Juvenile Court, Juvenile Detention, and a variety of programs are located in the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center (CCFJC). It is a public building and everyone is welcome.

Learn more about visiting the Clark Children and Family Justice Center

When you arrive

You will pass through security screening. Everyone entering the court is required to go through a metal detector.

Security

The King County Sheriff's Office provides security screening at the main entrance. Hazardous (those that can cause harm to others, including weapons of any kind) and illegal materials are not allowed in the courthouse. State laws regarding smoking and the possession of tobacco are strictly enforced.

Help and navigation

Stop into the Resource Center on your way in or out for support or connection to resources. 

Hearings

If you receive a letter from the court, read it carefully. It will include either a number to call or a date and time to appear in court for your first hearing.

To find out when your hearing is scheduled, you should contact

Bring any court documents you may have received, which could include your court order, court summons, or any letters from the court. 

The hearing types and court processes are described in the Juvenile Legal System Family Handbook.

 

Related Topics

Forms

All the documents you may need before, during, and after the process in one place.

Programs and services

Resources that help youth and families reach their goals in partnership with our community.