Status Offense System

The Status Offense System in juvenile justice refers to laws governing behaviors that are only considered illegal because of a person’s age, such as skipping school, running away from home, or curfew violations. Unlike criminal offenses, status offenses do not apply to adults. The system aims to address these behaviors through intervention and support rather than punishment, recognizing that young people may act out due to underlying issues. The goal is to guide youths towards positive behavior and help them navigate challenges in their lives, rather than labeling them as criminals.