What does it mean if a juvenile is adjudicated delinquent?

Adjudication of delinquency is a legal determination that a juvenile has committed an act that violates the law. When a juvenile is adjudicated delinquent, it is essentially the juvenile court's equivalent of a guilty verdict. This process involves the court examining evidence and determining whether the juvenile engaged in behavior that falls under the definition of delinquency, which often includes acts that would be considered crimes if committed by an adult.

This adjudication does not imply the juvenile will face the same consequences as an adult offender might; the juvenile justice system often emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment. However, the term "adjudicated delinquent" is specifically associated with a formal finding of wrongdoing, indicating that the juvenile has been found to engage in illegal behavior after due process in court and is, therefore, accountable for their actions.

In contrast, other outcomes such as being released without charges, being placed into foster care, or simply receiving a warning do not involve this formal legal finding and do not carry the same implications for the juvenile's record or future interventions.