Youth Engagement UnitThe goal of the Youth Engagement Unit is to provide a continuum of services for youth, who are at risk of or involved in delinquent or criminal activity, designed to reduce the number of youth referred to the criminal justice system, delinquent or criminal activity by youth, and delinquent or criminal recidivism by youth. For more information on Youth Engagement services, practices and contacts,
please visit the Youth Engagement page.
Letter of Interest The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), Community Services Bureau, is seeking proposals from community organizations for a life skills program that addresses substance awareness for youth and young adults. The Youth Diversion Program provides pre-arrest diversion opportunities for youth who commit first-time misdemeanor offenses. Letters of Interest must be received by
February.
To apply, fill out this online form from SeamlessDocs.
FAQs
Question - What is a delinquent juvenile?Answer - A delinquent juvenile is one who has reached the age of six but is not yet 16 years of age and is alleged to have committed a crime, infraction, motor vehicle law violation or local ordinance.
Question - What constitutes an "undisciplined juvenile" under North Carolina law?
Answer -
- A juvenile who is 6 years of age and under 16 and is:
- Unlawfully absent from school; or
- Regularly disobedient to and beyond the disciplinary control of the juvenile's parent, guardian, or custodian; or
- Regularly found in places where it is unlawful for a juvenile to be; or
- Has run away from home for more than 24 hours.
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NOTE: A juvenile may be reported "missing" to law enforcement without a time limitation.
- A juvenile who is 16 or 17 years of age is undisciplined for the same behavior described above except for the absence from school.
- When a juvenile reaches the age of 16, North Carolina law does not require school attendance.
- No police report is needed.
- The parent or guardian should be instructed by the officer to call the Department of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention at 704-330-4338 to request an appointment regarding a juvenile exhibiting undisciplined behavior (not criminal law violation, but behavior issues in the home). Business hours are Monday through Friday 0800 to 1700 hours except holidays. Either request to speak with an Intake counselor or leave a message for an Intake counselor if they call after hours.
- The Intake counselor will set up a time for the parent or guardian to come to their office to address the issue.
Question - Is there a criminal offense in North Carolina for Contributing to delinquency?Answer - Yes. North Carolina has a criminal statute prohibiting:
"Contributing to delinquency and neglect by parents and others." It states the following:
- Person to be charged must be at least 16 years of age and;
- Knowingly or willfully,
- Cause, encourage or aid any juvenile to be in a place or condition,
- Or to commit an act whereby the juvenile could be adjudicated delinquent, undisciplined, abused or neglected.
- It is not required that the juvenile actually be adjudicated in order for the person to be charged.
- A violation of this statute is a Class 1 misdemeanor.