Alternative Custody – Placing a youth under supervision other than a secure detention center. Alternative custody includes Electronic Monitoring (EM) and Home Supervision (HS).
Assembly Bill (AB) 1950 - In 2020, this California law reduced the maximum length of most probation sentences to two years, with some exceptions, for felony cases and one year for misdemeanor cases.
Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ) - The youth admits to the offense, but the court delays judgment. If they complete required conditions (like programs or check-ins), the case can be dismissed.
DJF — Refers to the Division of Juvenile Facilities (in California). This is a state agency/facility that houses committed youth for more serious delinquency matters.
Felony Probation - Court-ordered supervision for individuals convicted of felony offenses. During this time, clients must follow specific conditions such as obeying all laws, reporting to their probation officer, and participating in required programs.
Formal/Wardship - The court declares the youth a ward of the court and provides structured supervision and services, which may include probation conditions and possible out-of-home placement.
IJC — Informal Juvenile Court: An informal juvenile court process resolving minor offenses without formal court proceedings.
Informal Supervision - The youth does not become a ward of the court. Instead, they are given conditions to follow (like counseling or school attendance) under probation supervision for a set period.
Juvenile Pending Action - The case is still being reviewed or processed by the court. Final decisions about supervision or case status have not yet been made.
NAB — Refers to a Neighborhood Accountability Board: a community-based restorative justice forum for first-time or low-risk youth, involving the youth, victims and community in crafting accountability and repair plans.
Non-Felony Probation - Court-ordered supervision for individuals convicted of misdemeanor offenses. These are generally lower-level crimes and clients must follow the terms of their conditions, including paying fines and obeying all laws.
Mandatory Supervision - Created by Assembly Bill 109, Mandatory Supervision applies to clients released from county jail after serving a portion of a split sentence (part in custody and part in the community). Clients are supervised by officers, who monitor progress and ensure they follow courtmandated conditions.
Post Adjudication – After a court has made a decision in a juvenile case, the court determines the disposition, or outcome, for the case and youth involved.
Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) - Created by Assembly Bill 109, PRCS applies to certain individuals released from state prison who have committed crimes that are non-violent, nonserious, and are not high-risk sex offenders. Probation officers supervise these clients in the community to support reintegration and ensure accountability.
Pre Adjudication – The stage in a juvenile case before the court determines whether the youth committed the alleged offense.
Pretrial - A program that monitors individuals awaiting trial who have been released from jail. Probation officers monitor these clients to ensure they return to court as required and assist with barrier removal.
Proposition (Prop) 36 - In 2024, this California law increased penalties for certain drug and theft related offenses. This proposition also introduced treatment-mandated felonies, where individuals can receive substance use treatment instead of incarceration.
Proposition (Prop) 47 - In 2014, this California law reclassified certain low-level drug and property offenses from felonies to misdemeanors.
Remand - The youth is ordered into custody, usually in juvenile detention, while waiting for a hearing or court decision.
Transitional Jurisdiction - This applies to older youth transitioning out of the juvenile system. They receive continued support and supervision to help them move into adulthood and maintain stability.