Which court is responsible for adjudicating status offenders?

The juvenile court is specifically designed to handle cases involving minors, particularly those who are considered status offenders. Status offenders are individuals who engage in behaviors that are considered violations of the law only because of their age, such as truancy, running away from home, or underage drinking. These courts are focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment, recognizing that young people often require different considerations and interventions compared to adults.

Juvenile courts are equipped with specialized judges and resources aimed at addressing the unique needs of youth and promoting positive outcomes, which differentiates it from other types of courts that may not have the same emphasis on rehabilitation or may primarily deal with adult offenders or family-related matters.