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Youth Justice

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What is Youth Justice?

Youth Justice receives and processes referrals from Law Enforcement and Schools, for children ages 10-17. Referrals are reports of delinquent behavior that would be considered a crime or status offense if the youth were an adult. Legal caregivers of youth 10-17 can also request services for a youth alleged to be in need of protection or services as defined in Wisconsin's State Statute 938, Juvenile Justice Code.

After We Receive a Referral

When we receive a referral, typically from law enforcement and/or a school, a licensed Social Worker through Marathon County Social Services will request a meeting with the child and legal caregiver of the child to discuss the referral received. The meeting will assist the Social Worker in determining if further action is necessary based on the delinquent action that resulted in the referral, the youths risk for future delinquent behavior, and an evaluation of the families need for supports/services to prevent further delinquent behavior.

Possible Meeting Outcomes

Various options may apply depending on the specific situation with your child. Community resources are provided depending on child/family need.

One of the following decisions will be made based on the child’s risk level and family engagement:

  • The Social Worker may determine no further formal supervision services are necessary by Marathon County Social Services.
  • A Deferred Prosecution Agreement is agreed upon, which could be in effect for up to 1 year. This is a form of informal supervision by a social worker which removes the need to involve the Court, if conditions are followed.
  • A referral to the District Attorney who will review the alleged charges and make a determination if a petition will be filed, which requires that the youth appear in Court. The youth and family are assigned a Social Worker.

Goals of Youth Justice Services

Youth Justice provides accountability and rehabilitation services to youth and their families to ensure victim and community safety. Marathon County Social Services provides services to aid youth in understanding their behaviors, making healthier and safer choices. Marathon County Social Servicesbelieves engaging the whole family unit in services is imperative to the youths success.

The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families provides a diagram of the Community Based Juvenile Justice System.

FAQs

  • How do I get help if my child is out of control at home, school or in the community?

    If you feel your child is a danger to himself or others, you should contact law enforcement. If it is not an emergency, you can call the Social Services and speak to the general access worker about services that are available in the community.

  • What do I do if my child does not go to school?

    If your child is refusing to go to school, immediately contact a teacher, administrator, or counselor at your child’s school and request assistance. You should expect an offer for the following to occur by the school:

    • To meet with you to discuss your child’s truancy.
    • An opportunity for educational counseling for your child to determine whether a change in the child’s curriculum could resolve the truancy issue.
    • An evaluation of your child to determine whether learning problems may be a cause of the truancy and, if so, what steps can be taken to overcome the learning problems.
    • An evaluation to determine whether social problems may be a cause of the child’s truancy and what appropriate actions or referrals should be taken.

    If your child continues to miss school, he/she can be cited by law enforcement and ordered to appear in Truancy Court, or referred to Social Services as a habitual truant.

  • Is there a cost involved?

    The Department does not charge for services that the Department directly provides. Families may be involved in community services such as individual and/or family counseling that would be a parental financial responsibility. Family medical insurance may cover this cost. Parents will be responsible for Court costs and costs associated with the Secure and Shelter facilities if their child is placed there. The court also has the responsibility per state statute to order payment for legal representation of the youth if the parents have not retained private legal representation. If the youth is placed outside of the parental home in a foster home, group home or in residential treatment the parents will be referred to the Marathon County Child Support Agency to determine their child support obligation while the child is out of the home.

  • Do I need to get an attorney?

    The Social Services cannot advise you with regard to this decision. You should know that:

    • Parents may hire an attorney at their own expense.
    • If the youth desires to be represented by an attorney, the court may appoint a Public Defender.
    • If in disposing of your child’s case the court is considering a placement in out of home care e.g. foster care, the child will need to be represented by an attorney.

  • Are my youth records kept confidential?

    Specific laws govern the release of information about a youth. Generally, those statutes state to what agency or person the information may be released in order to provide services, protect the community or prosecute a case. The Department will often ask that you sign a release in order to facilitate communication, but in certain circumstances such as a Court Order, a release is not necessary.

  • How do I get help if I’m the victim of an offense committed by a youth?

    If Law Enforcement refers a youth responsible for a crime to Social Services and that youth is a resident of Marathon County, you will receive a victim information packet by mail, which includes the following:

    • A brochure informing you of your rights (Victim Notification and Juvenile Court Process).
    • A form requesting information about your loss and asking you to describe the effect this crime had on you. (This form needs to be completed and returned to Social Services as notification of your intent to collect damages).
    • Social Services can assist victims with the direct collection of restitution.

    Note that youth under age fourteen are limited by law to a maximum restitution assessment of $250.