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1. Do I need an Attorney?

Under the Kansas Juvenile Justice Code juveniles are entitled to representation by an attorney. The juvenile and his/her parents may employ their own attorney, if not, the court will appoint an attorney to represent the juvenile.

2. What is the definition of Truancy?

Children are considered truant when they have accumulated 3 consecutive unexcused absences, 5 unexcused absences in any semester, or 7 unexcused absences in any school year.

The attendance officer at each school building has the discretion to determine if reasons offered by the child or his/her parents is sufficient or if the absence will be considered unexcused. USD 383 refers all cases of students with excessive unexcused absences to the Riley County Attorney's office.

3. What is the parents' role in a juvenile proceeding?

When juveniles are charged with criminal activity, a summons and a copy of the complaint is served on the juvenile, the parents or parent having legal custody, the person with whom the juvenile is residing, or any other person designated by the County Attorney. K.S.A. 38-1626

4. What is the procedure when a report is received from the Police Department?

Once the Riley County Police Department generates a report, the County Attorney will review the report and decide from the following alternatives:

--File formal charges--The County Attorney's office will file an arrest warrant or the juvenile and his parent(s) will receive a summons from the court directing them to appear and answer for the charges.

--Decline Prosecution

5. What services are available to parents?

When a juvenile is arrested or charged with criminal activity, they are required to participate in a Juvenile Intake Assessment through Riley County Community Corrections--Juvenile Division. Parents are encouraged to attend that assessment and provide any information to the intake worker. If needed, the family may be referred to appropriate community resources such as family and individual counseling, drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment or services offered by the Manhattan Area Department for Children and Families (DCF) office. Parents of youth involved in the juvenile justice system are encouraged to become actively involved in helping their son or daughter address and resolve their involvement with the court system. Parents seeking advice are encouraged to work with the supervising probation officers and their child's attorney to help the child successfully complete any terms or conditions of their probation or diversion. Additionally, parents are encouraged to report violations of their child's probation or diversion to the supervising officer to resolve quickly any problems before the situation worsens.