JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

In New York, a juvenile delinquent is a child between the ages of seven and sixteen that has acted in a way that would constitute a crime if the child was an adult. 

Probation and Adjustment
A case can be resolved by a probation officer without the involvement of the court. The probation officer will meet with all parties involved in the case to seek a solution without filing a petition. Resolving the case in this manner is known as adjustment.