Court of Common Pleas-Juvenile – Pittsburgh, PA

Allegheny County Juvenile Court

The Juvenile Section of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Family Division, is located at the Family Law Center (using the Juvenile Court entrance on Fifth Avenue). This specialized court is dedicated to handling cases involving minors, focusing on the principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ). The court’s mission is to balance community protection, offender accountability, and competency development for youth. 🧸

Case Types and Services

• Delinquency Proceedings: Adjudicating cases where juveniles are accused of committing acts that would be considered crimes if committed by an adult.
• Dependency Cases: Handling matters involving child abuse, neglect, and ensuring the safety and permanent placement of children.
• Juvenile Probation: Supervising youth to ensure compliance with court orders and providing rehabilitation services.

Facility and Security

Access to the Juvenile Court is strictly controlled to protect the privacy of minors. Visitors must enter through the dedicated Juvenile Court Entrance and undergo rigorous security screening. 👮‍♂️ Prohibited items include all weapons, cameras, and recording devices. Due to the sensitive nature of these cases, many hearings are closed to the general public, restricted only to involved parties and their guardians.

Resources

The court works closely with Children, Youth and Families (CYF) and various community organizations to support families. Legal representation is often required, and public defenders or court-appointed counsel are available for eligible parties. The facility is equipped to handle sensitive family matters with discretion and care. 🤝