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Glossary - J

Many child welfare terms are subject to interpretation. The Glossary identifies commonly held definitions for terms that can be found on the Child Welfare Information Gateway website. It defines common acronyms and includes links to information on major Federal legislation and related child welfare terms. The Glossary will be updated as new terminology emerges in the field, as new legislation is enacted, and as child welfare terms take on new meaning.

jurisdiction [of a court]
The specific type of a case a court is designated to hear. For example, criminal courts hear criminal cases, and civil courts often hear adoption cases. Geographical factors also have implications for a court's jurisdiction.

juvenile and family court
Court that specializes in areas such as child maltreatment, domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, divorce, child custody, and child support. These courts were established in most States to resolve conflict and to otherwise intervene in the lives of families in a manner that promotes the best interest of children.

juvenile delinquency
Antisocial or criminal behavior by children or adolescents.

Updated on January 11, 2008