Juvenile Dependency Court handles matters involving minors under the age of 18 which have been a victim of abuse or neglect by their parents or guardians. The Dept. of Children’s Services investigates a complaint and decides whether or not the child is in immediate danger. If the child is removed from the home, DCS has 48 hours to file a petition with the Juvenile Court.

When the parents arrive at Juvenile Court, sign in at the clerk’s window. The court will appoint an attorney to represent the children. If a parent has retained an attorney, please inform the clerk or the bailiff. If the family cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for your child and each parent.

The attorney will discuss the petition with their client. If you have any questions, please discuss them with your attorney.

Because of the confidentiality of all Juvenile matters, the court will only call one case into the courtroom at a time. Therefore, the wait to go into the courtroom may be lengthy. It is best NOT to bring small children with you to court, unless the court or attorney has specifically requested to have the child present.

The dress code at Juvenile Court is strictly enforced. Shorts, tank tops, or bare feet are NOT permitted.

All bags, purses, back pack, etc. are subject to search by security prior to entering the courtroom.

Most forms used by Juvenile Court are located on the Judicial Counsel website. The following is a list of the most commonly used forms at Juvenile Court.

INFORMATION BROCHURES: JV-050, JV-055, JV-060

NOTIFICATION OF MAILING ADDRESS: JV-140: Parents use this form to designate a mailing address, residential address or confidential address.

PETITION FOR DISCLOSURE OF JUVENILE COURT RECORDS - JV-570: This form is used whenever a person other than the minor or parent/guardian is requesting to inspect or obtain copies from a Juvenile Court file.

PETITION TO OBTAIN REPORT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY/JUVENILE – JV-575 – This form is used whenever a person is requesting a police report involving a minor that was taken into custody.

NOTICE TO APPEAL (JUVENILE) – JV-800: Notice to appeal form.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE WRIT PETITION AND REQUEST FOR RECORD - JV-820

PETITION FOR EXTRAORDINARY WRIT – JUVENILE DEPENDENCY JV-825

San Bernardino County Juvenile Court limits access to juvenile court records in accordance with T.N.G. v Superior Court (1971) 4 C3d 767, 94 CR 813, and Welfare and Institution Code Section 827.

Availability of these records is restricted to certain court personnel, the minor, parents or guardian, attorneys involved in the case, and other persons designated by the Presiding Judge of Juvenile Court. Photo identification is required.

Other interested persons and the news media may petition the San Bernardino County Juvenile Court for access to specific juvenile court records or to attend specific juvenile court hearings.

Petitions to Inspect and Receive Copies of Juvenile Records (WIC Section 827) are available at the Juvenile Court, 900 E. Gilbert St. San Bernardino, CA 92415-0942. There is no charge for the form.

The completed petition can be mailed to the above address or delivered to Juvenile Court. The attorneys involved in the Juvenile Court case will be notified and given an opportunity to respond to the petition. If an objection is received, the court will set the petition for a hearing.

If no objection is received, after reviewing the petition, the Presiding Judge of Juvenile Court will either grant or deny the request. The petitioner is then notified and can make arrangements to come in and view the file. Copies can be obtained at a rate of .50¢ per page. Certification is available for an additional $15.00. The court does not charge the minor for copies. Juvenile court records may not be obtained or inspected by civil or criminal subpoena.

San Bernardino Juvenile Dependency Court
860 East Gilbert St.
San Bernardino, CA 92415- 0955
Information: (909) 387-7005