citation: WIC § 826

text:
(a) After five years from the date on which the jurisdiction of the juvenile court over a minor is terminated, the probation officer may destroy all records and papers in the proceedings concerning the minor.

The juvenile court record, which includes all records and papers, any minute book entries, dockets and judgment dockets, shall be destroyed by order of the court as follows: when the person who is the subject of the record reaches the age of 28 years, if the person was alleged or adjudged to be a person described by Section 300, when the person who is the subject of the record reaches the age of 21 years, if the person was alleged or adjudged to be a person described by Section 601, or when the person reaches the age of 38 years if the person was alleged or adjudged to be a person described by Section 602, unless for good cause the court determines that the juvenile record shall be retained, or unless the juvenile court record is released to the person who is the subject of the record pursuant to this section. However, a juvenile court record which is not permitted to be sealed pursuant to subdivision (f) of Section 781 shall not be destroyed pursuant to this section.

Any person who is the subject of a juvenile court record may by written notice request the juvenile court to release the court record to his or her custody. Wherever possible, the written notice shall include the person’s full name, the person’s date of birth, and the juvenile court case number. Any juvenile court receiving the written notice shall release the court record to the person who is the subject of the record five years after the jurisdiction of the juvenile court over the person has terminated, if the person was alleged or adjudged to be a person described by Section 300, or when the person reaches the age of 21 years, if the person was alleged or adjudged to be a person described by Section 601, unless for good cause the court determines that the record shall be retained. Exhibits shall be destroyed as provided under Section 1417 of the Penal Code. For the purpose of this section “destroy” means destroy or dispose of for the purpose of destruction. The proceedings in any case in which the juvenile court record is destroyed or released to the person who is the subject of the record pursuant to this section shall be deemed never to have occurred, and the person may reply accordingly to any inquiry about the events in the case.

(b) If an individual whose juvenile court record has been destroyed or released under subdivision (a) discovers that any other agency still retains a record, the individual may file a petition with the court requesting that the records be destroyed. The petition will include the name of the agency and the type of record to be destroyed. The court shall order that such records also be destroyed unless for good cause the court determines to the contrary. The court shall send a copy of the order to each agency and each agency shall destroy records in its custody as directed by the order, and shall advise the court of its compliance. The court shall then destroy the copy of the petition, the order, and the notice of compliance from each agency. Thereafter, the proceedings in such case shall be deemed never to have occurred.

(c) Juvenile court records in juvenile traffic matters, which include all records and papers, any minute book entries, dockets and judgment dockets, may be destroyed after five years from the date on which the jurisdiction of the juvenile court over a minor is terminated, or when the minor reaches the age of 21 years, if the person was alleged or adjudged to be a person described by Section 601. Prior to such destruction the original record may be microfilmed or photocopied. Every such reproduction shall be deemed and considered an original; and a transcript, exemplification or certified copy of any such reproduction shall be deemed and considered a transcript, exemplification or certified copy, as the case may be, of the original.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 459, Sec. 23. (AB 212) Effective October 4, 2011.)


kind: section

code: WIC

text:
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 826, at any time before a person reaches the age when his or her records are required to be destroyed, the judge or clerk of the juvenile court or the probation officer may destroy all records and papers, the juvenile court record, any minute book entries, dockets, and judgment dockets in the proceedings concerning the person as a minor if the records and papers, juvenile court record, any minute book entries, dockets, and judgment dockets are microfilmed or photocopied prior to destruction. Exhibits shall be destroyed as provided under Sections 1418, 1418.5, and 1419 of the Penal Code.

(b) Every reproduction shall be deemed and considered an original. A transcript, exemplification, or certified copy of any reproduction shall be deemed and considered a transcript, exemplification, or certified copy, as the case may be, of the original.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1981, Ch. 488, Sec. 3.)

division: 2. CHILDREN

chapter: 2. Juvenile Court Law

path: 2. CHILDREN > 2. Juvenile Court Law > 22. Wards and Dependent Children—Records


text:
(a) Any minor who is the subject of a petition that has been filed in juvenile court to adjudge the minor a dependent child or a ward of the court shall be given written notice by the clerk of the court upon disposition of the petition or the termination of jurisdiction of the juvenile court of all of the following:

(1) The statutory right of any person who has been the subject of juvenile court proceedings to petition for sealing of the case records.

(2) The statutory provisions regarding the destruction of juvenile court records and records of juvenile court proceedings retained by state or local agencies.

(3) The statutory right of any person who has been the subject of juvenile court proceedings to have his or her juvenile court record released to him or her in lieu of its destruction.

(b) In any juvenile case where a local welfare department, probation department, or district attorney is responsible for notifying the minor of the dismissal, release, or termination of the case, the agency shall provide written notice to the minor of the information specified in subdivision (a) upon the dismissal, release, or termination of the case.

(c) A written form providing the information described in this section shall be prepared by the clerk of the court and shall be made available to juvenile court clerks, probation departments, welfare departments, and district attorneys.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1981, Ch. 488, Sec. 4.)

article: 22. Wards and Dependent Children—Records


text: Juvenile case files that pertain to a child who died as the result of abuse or neglect shall be released by the custodian of records of the county welfare department or agency to the public pursuant to Section 10850.4 or an order issued pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 827.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 468, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)


text: Notwithstanding Section 827 and in order to assist with establishing eligibility for programs or services, the State Department of Social Services may provide to a person who was previously adjudged a dependent or ward of the juvenile court, was placed in foster care, and whose dependency or wardship has been dismissed, upon request by that person, the information included in the proof of dependency or wardship document described in subparagraph (E) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 391, or any information necessary to provide verification that the person was formerly a dependent or ward of the juvenile court and placed in foster care.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 215, Sec. 1. (AB 592) Effective August 17, 2015.)


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 827 and in order to support a person who is or was previously adjudged a dependent or ward of the juvenile court, placed in foster care or on probation, or taken into the custody of the county probation department, in attending an institution of higher education by assisting the person with tasks, such as applying, registering, enrolling, or obtaining financial aid or support, personnel at a county child welfare department, county probation department, or local educational agency may provide, upon request of the person, the institution of higher education with either or both of the following:

(1) A sworn attestation, as defined in paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) Section 66020.8 of the Education Code, to be used for the purposes described in subdivision (b) of Section 66020.8 of the Education Code.

(2) Information verifying that the person is or was previously adjudged a dependent or ward of the juvenile court, placed in foster care or on probation, or taken into the custody of the county probation department that may only include the following information:

(A) The applicant’s name and date of birth.

(B) The dates during which the applicant was within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, placed in foster care or on probation, or taken into the custody of the county probation department, or, if the applicant was not within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, a statement to that effect.

(C) A statement that the applicant is or was a foster youth or juvenile court ward.

(b) (1) All information received by the institution of higher education pursuant to subdivision (a) is confidential, shall only be used for the purposes specified in subdivision (a), shall only be shared among the institution of higher education’s staff who directly facilitate services for the person such as applying, registering, enrolling, or obtaining financial aid or support to the extent that the person is notified or sharing is necessary to facilitate the person’s request and, notwithstanding any other law, shall not be further disclosed or disseminated by the institution of higher education.

(2) The institution of higher education shall retain the information received pursuant to subdivision (a) in a confidential file for three years after the person’s last term of enrollment, after which the confidential file shall be destroyed.

(3) An intentional violation of the confidentiality provisions of this subdivision is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).

(4) Information obtained pursuant to this section does not in and of itself constitute eligibility for persons who would not otherwise be eligible for any service or support intended solely for persons who are or were dependents or placed in foster care.

(c) For the purposes of this section, “institution of higher education” means either of the following:

(1) A public postsecondary educational institution.

(2) A private postsecondary educational institution, including a trade or vocational school or similar program, that has been licensed or authorized to operate by the state in which it operates.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 610, Sec. 2. (AB 243) Effective January 1, 2026.)


citation: WIC § 827

text:
(a) (1) Except as provided in Section 828, a case file may be inspected only by the following:

(A) Court personnel.

(B) The district attorney, a city attorney, or city prosecutor authorized to prosecute criminal or juvenile cases under state law.

(C) The minor who is the subject of the proceeding.

(D) The minor’s parent or guardian.

(E) The attorneys for the parties, judges, referees, other hearing officers, probation officers, and law enforcement officers who are actively participating in criminal or juvenile proceedings involving the minor.

(F) (i) The county counsel, city attorney, or any other attorney representing the county child welfare agency in dependency proceedings.

(ii) The county counsel or city attorney representing the child welfare agency or probation department in connection with the administration or review of child welfare or probation services provided by the agency or department to the subject of the case file or to that person’s sibling, parent, or legal guardian.

(G) The superintendent or designee of the school district where the minor is enrolled or attending school.

(H) Members of the child protective agencies as described in Section 11165.9 of the Penal Code.

(I) The State Department of Social Services, to carry out its duties pursuant to Division 9 (commencing with Section 10000) of this code and Part 5 (commencing with Section 7900) of Division 12 of the Family Code to oversee and monitor county child welfare agencies, children in foster care or receiving foster care assistance, and out-of-state placements, Section 10850.4, and paragraph (2).

(J) (i) Authorized staff who are employed by, or authorized staff of entities who are licensed by, the State Department of Social Services, as necessary to the performance of their duties related to resource family approval, and authorized staff who are employed by the State Department of Social Services as necessary to inspect, approve, or license, and monitor or investigate community care facilities or resource families, and to ensure that the standards of care and services provided in those facilities are adequate and appropriate, and to ascertain compliance with the rules and regulations to which the facilities are subject.

(ii) The confidential information shall remain confidential except for purposes of inspection, approval or licensing, or monitoring or investigation pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500) and Chapter 3.4 (commencing with Section 1596.70) of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code and Article 2 (commencing with Section 16519.5) of Chapter 5 of Part 4 of Division 9. The confidential information may also be used by the State Department of Social Services in a criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding. The confidential information shall be available only to the judge or hearing officer and to the parties to the case. Names that are confidential shall be listed in attachments separate to the general pleadings. The confidential information shall be sealed after the conclusion of the criminal, civil, or administrative hearings, and may not subsequently be released except in accordance with this subdivision. If the confidential information does not result in a criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding, it shall be sealed after the State Department of Social Services determines that no further action will be taken in the matter. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, confidential information shall not contain the name of the minor.

(K) Members of children’s multidisciplinary teams, persons, or agencies providing treatment or supervision of the minor.

(L) A judge, commissioner, or other hearing officer assigned to a family law case with issues concerning custody or visitation, or both, involving the minor, and the following persons, if actively participating in the family law case: a family court mediator assigned to a case involving the minor pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 3160) of Chapter 11 of Part 2 of Division 8 of the Family Code, a court-appointed evaluator or a person conducting a court-connected child custody evaluation, investigation, or assessment pursuant to Section 3111 or 3118 of the Family Code, and counsel appointed for the minor in the family law case pursuant to Section 3150 of the Family Code. Prior to allowing counsel appointed for the minor in the family law case to inspect the file, the court clerk may require counsel to provide a certified copy of the court order appointing the minor’s counsel.

(M) When acting within the scope of investigative duties of an active case, a statutorily authorized or court-appointed investigator who is conducting an investigation pursuant to Section 7663, 7851, or 9001 of the Family Code, or who is actively participating in a guardianship case involving a minor pursuant to Part 2 (commencing with Section 1500) of Division 4 of the Probate Code and acting within the scope of the investigator’s duties in that case.

(N) A local child support agency for the purpose of establishing paternity and establishing and enforcing child support orders.

(O) Juvenile justice commissions as established under Section 225. The confidentiality provisions of Section 10850 shall apply to a juvenile justice commission and its members.

(P) The Department of Justice, to carry out its duties pursuant to Sections 290.008 and 290.08 of the Penal Code as the repository for sex offender registration and notification in California.

(Q) Any other person who may be designated by court order of the judge of the juvenile court upon filing a petition.

(R) A probation officer who is preparing a report pursuant to Section 1178 on behalf of a person who was in the custody of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice and who has petitioned the Board of Juvenile Hearings for an honorable discharge.

(S) (i) The attorneys in an administrative hearing involving the minor or nonminor only as necessary to meet the requirements of Sections 10952 and 10952.5.

(ii) The confidential information shall remain confidential for purposes of the administrative proceeding. The confidential information shall be available only to the judge or hearing officer and to the parties to the case. The confidential information shall be sealed after the conclusion of the administrative hearing, and shall not subsequently be released except in accordance with this subdivision.

(T) Personnel of the State Department of Social Services, to carry out the duties of the department pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 9100 of the Family Code or paragraph (3) of subdivision (e) of Section 366.26.

(U) Personnel of the Office of Youth and Community Restoration, to carry out the duties of the office pursuant to Sections 2200, 2200.2, 2200.5, and 2200.7.

(V) The attorney representing a person who is, or was, subject to juvenile proceedings under Section 300, 601, or 602.

(W) (i) An attorney representing a party in a civil proceeding filed by, or on behalf of, the person who is the subject of the juvenile case file, in which the defendant is either the child welfare agency, or probation department, or an employee of one of those entities, for use in the civil proceeding as provided in this subparagraph.

(ii) Information and copies of records from a juvenile case file received pursuant to this subparagraph may only be used in the civil proceeding and, consistent with paragraph (4), shall not be disseminated to anyone who is not entitled to access under this subparagraph or any other state law or federal law or regulation, and shall not be used or made as an attachment to any other document in any other proceeding without the prior approval of the juvenile court.

(iii) Notwithstanding any other law, and subject to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3), the immigration status of any individual in the juvenile case file, and information contained in the juvenile case file that pertains only to a sibling or to a minor who is not the subject of the juvenile case file, shall remain confidential and shall not be released pursuant to this subparagraph absent an order by the juvenile court.

(iv) Notwithstanding paragraph (4), information and copies of records from a juvenile case file may be provided to persons assisting the attorneys for the parties in the civil proceeding for their use in that proceeding without the prior approval of the court. Persons assisting the attorneys shall return all copies of records from a juvenile case file provided by an attorney pursuant to this subparagraph at the conclusion of the civil proceeding.

(v) An attorney who obtains access to a juvenile case file pursuant to this subparagraph and provides copies of records to persons assisting the attorneys for the parties in the civil proceeding for their use in that proceeding pursuant to clause (iii) shall take appropriate steps to ensure that all of the copies of the records are returned to the attorney upon conclusion of the civil proceeding. The attorney shall also take appropriate steps to ensure that all copies of records from a juvenile case file obtained pursuant to this subparagraph are destroyed upon the conclusion of the civil proceeding consistent with other applicable laws.

(vi) Any information and copies of records from a juvenile case file received pursuant to this subparagraph that is submitted to the court or attached to pleadings in a civil action by an attorney representing a party other than the person who is the subject of the juvenile case file shall be submitted to the court with a motion or application for an order by the court for the submission or pleadings to be filed under seal, unless the judicial officer presiding over the civil matter rules otherwise. The person who is the subject of the juvenile case file may object during, or upon the conclusion of, the civil proceeding to any information or copies of records being filed under seal and may request that the information or records be filed without sealing. The court shall grant the request of the person who is the subject of the case file in regards to all information or records contained in the case file, except upon a finding of unusual circumstances.

(vii) For purposes of this subparagraph, “civil proceeding” means a civil action or a government claim filed pursuant to Part 3 (commencing with Section 900) of Division 3.6 of Title 1 of the Government Code.

(2) (A) Notwithstanding any other law, and subject to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3), juvenile case files, except those relating to matters within the jurisdiction of the court pursuant to Section 601 or 602, that pertain to a deceased child who was within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 300, shall be released to the public pursuant to an order by the juvenile court after a petition has been filed and interested parties have been afforded an opportunity to file an objection. Any information relating to another child or that could identify another child, except for information about the deceased, shall be redacted from the juvenile case file prior to release, unless a specific order is made by the juvenile court to the contrary. Except as provided in this paragraph, the presiding judge of the juvenile court may issue an order prohibiting or limiting access to the juvenile case file, or any portion thereof, of a deceased child only upon a showing by a preponderance of evidence that release of the juvenile case file or any portion thereof is detrimental to the safety, protection, or physical or emotional well-being of another child who is directly or indirectly connected to the juvenile case that is the subject of the petition.

(B) This paragraph represents a presumption in favor of the release of documents when a child is deceased unless the statutory reasons for confidentiality are shown to exist.

(C) If a child whose records are sought has died, and documents are sought pursuant to this paragraph, no weighing or balancing of the interests of those other than a child is permitted.

(D) A petition filed under this paragraph shall be served on interested parties by the petitioner, if the petitioner is in possession of their identity and address, and on the custodian of records. Upon receiving a petition, the custodian of records shall serve a copy of the request upon all interested parties that have not been served by the petitioner or on the interested parties served by the petitioner if the custodian of records possesses information, such as a more recent address, indicating that the service by the petitioner may have been ineffective.

(E) The custodian of records shall serve the petition within 10 calendar days of receipt. If an interested party, including the custodian of records, objects to the petition, the party shall file and serve the objection on the petitioning party no later than 15 calendar days after service of the petition.

(F) The petitioning party shall have 10 calendar days to file a reply. The juvenile court shall set the matter for hearing no more than 60 calendar days from the date the petition is served on the custodian of records. The court shall render its decision within 30 days of the hearing. The matter shall be decided solely upon the basis of the petition and supporting exhibits and declarations, if any, the objection and any supporting exhibits or declarations, if any, and the reply and any supporting declarations or exhibits thereto, and argument at hearing. The court may, solely upon its own motion, order the appearance of witnesses. If an objection is not filed to the petition, the court shall review the petition and issue its decision within 10 calendar days of the final day for filing the objection. An order of the court shall be immediately reviewable by petition to the appellate court for the issuance of an extraordinary writ.

(3) Access to juvenile case files pertaining to matters within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 300 or Section 601 or 602 shall be limited as follows:

(A) If a juvenile case file, or any portion thereof, is privileged or confidential pursuant to any other state law or federal law or regulation, the requirements of that state law or federal law or regulation prohibiting or limiting release of the juvenile case file or any portions thereof shall prevail. Unless a person is listed in subparagraphs (A) to (P), inclusive, or (V) or (W) of paragraph (1) and is entitled to access under the other state law or federal law or regulation without a court order, all those seeking access, pursuant to other authorization, to portions of, or information relating to the contents of, juvenile case files protected under another state law or federal law or regulation, shall petition the juvenile court. The juvenile court may only release the portion of, or information relating to the contents of, juvenile case files protected by another state law or federal law or regulation if disclosure is not detrimental to the safety, protection, or physical or emotional well-being of a child, minor, or person who is directly or indirectly connected to the juvenile case that is the subject of the petition. This paragraph does not limit the ability of the juvenile court to carry out its duties in conducting juvenile court proceedings.

(B) Prior to the release of the juvenile case file or any portion thereof, the court shall afford due process, including a notice of, and an opportunity to file an objection to, the release of the record or report to all interested parties.

(C) This paragraph does not limit or repeal any other applicable legal standard or protections designed to safeguard private, confidential, or privileged information.

(4) A juvenile case file, any portion thereof, and information relating to the content of the juvenile case file, may not be disseminated by the receiving persons or agencies to a person or agency, other than a person or agency authorized to receive documents pursuant to this section. Further, a juvenile case file, any portion thereof, and information relating to the content of the juvenile case file, may not be made as an attachment to any other documents without the prior approval of the presiding judge of the juvenile court, unless it is used in connection with, and in the course of, a criminal investigation or a proceeding brought to declare a person a dependent child or ward of the juvenile court, or as authorized by subparagraph (W) of paragraph (1).

(5) Individuals listed in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (H), (I), (J), (P), (S), (T), (U), (V), and (W) of paragraph (1) may also receive copies of the case file. For authorized staff of entities who are licensed by the State Department of Social Services, the confidential information shall be obtained through a child protective agency, as defined in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (1). In these circumstances, the requirements of paragraph (4) shall continue to apply to the information received.

(6) An individual other than a person described in subparagraphs (A) to (P), inclusive, of paragraph (1) who files a notice of appeal or petition for writ challenging a juvenile court order, or who is a respondent in that appeal or real party in interest in that writ proceeding, may, for purposes of that appeal or writ proceeding, inspect and copy any records in a juvenile case file to which the individual was previously granted access by the juvenile court pursuant to subparagraph (Q) of paragraph (1), including any records or portions thereof that are made a part of the appellate record. The requirements of paragraph (3) shall continue to apply to any other record, or a portion thereof, in the juvenile case file or made a part of the appellate record. The requirements of paragraph (4) shall continue to apply to files received pursuant to this paragraph. The Judicial Council shall adopt rules to implement this paragraph.

(b) (1) While the Legislature reaffirms its belief that juvenile court records, in general, should be confidential, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this subdivision to provide for a limited exception to juvenile court record confidentiality to promote more effective communication among juvenile courts, family courts, law enforcement agencies, and schools to ensure the rehabilitation of juvenile criminal offenders as well as to lessen the potential for drug use, violence, other forms of delinquency, and child abuse.

(2) (A) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), written notice that a minor enrolled in a public school, kindergarten to grade 12, inclusive, has been found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have committed a felony or misdemeanor involving curfew, gambling, alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, carrying of weapons, a sex offense listed in Section 290 of the Penal Code, assault or battery, larceny, vandalism, or graffiti shall be provided by the court, within seven days, to the superintendent of the school district of attendance. Written notice shall include only the offense found to have been committed by the minor and the disposition of the minor’s case. This notice shall be expeditiously transmitted by the district superintendent to the principal at the school of attendance. The principal shall expeditiously disseminate the information to those counselors directly supervising or reporting on the behavior or progress of the minor. In addition, the principal shall disseminate the information to any teacher or administrator directly supervising or reporting on the behavior or progress of the minor whom the principal believes needs the information to work with the pupil in an appropriate fashion to avoid being needlessly vulnerable or to protect other persons from needless vulnerability.

(B) Any information received by a teacher, counselor, or administrator under this subdivision shall be received in confidence for the limited purpose of rehabilitating the minor and protecting students and staff, and shall not be further disseminated by the teacher, counselor, or administrator, except insofar as communication with the juvenile, the juvenile’s parents or guardians, law enforcement personnel, and the juvenile’s probation officer is necessary to effectuate the juvenile’s rehabilitation or to protect students and staff.

(C) An intentional violation of the confidentiality provisions of this paragraph is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).

(3) If a minor is removed from public school as a result of the court’s finding described in subdivision (b), the superintendent shall maintain the information in a confidential file and shall defer transmittal of the information received from the court until the minor is returned to public school. If the minor is returned to a school district other than the one from which the minor came, the parole or probation officer having jurisdiction over the minor shall so notify the superintendent of the last district of attendance, who shall transmit the notice received from the court to the superintendent of the new district of attendance.

(c) Each probation report filed with the court concerning a minor whose record is subject to dissemination pursuant to subdivision (b) shall include on the face sheet the school at which the minor is currently enrolled. The county superintendent shall provide the court with a listing of all of the schools within each school district, within the county, along with the name and mailing address of each district superintendent.

(d) (1) Each notice sent by the court pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be stamped with the instruction: “Unlawful Dissemination Of This Information Is A Misdemeanor.” Any information received from the court shall be kept in a separate confidential file at the school of attendance and shall be transferred to the minor’s subsequent schools of attendance and maintained until the minor graduates from high school, is released from juvenile court jurisdiction, or reaches 18 years of age, whichever occurs first. After that time, the confidential record shall be destroyed. At any time after the date by which a record required to be destroyed by this section should have been destroyed, the minor or the minor’s parent or guardian shall have the right to make a written request to the principal of the school that the minor’s school records be reviewed to ensure that the record has been destroyed. Upon completion of the requested review and no later than 30 days after the request for the review was received, the principal or a designee shall respond in writing to the written request and either shall confirm that the record has been destroyed or, if the record has not been destroyed, shall explain why destruction has not yet occurred.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b), liability shall not attach to a person who transmits or fails to transmit notice or information required under subdivision (b).

(e) For purposes of this section, a “juvenile case file” means a petition filed in a juvenile court proceeding, reports of the probation officer, and all other records, including any writing as defined in Section 250 of the Evidence Code, or electronically stored information relating to the minor, that is filed in that case or made available to the probation officer in making the probation officer’s report, or to the judge, referee, or other hearing officer, and thereafter retained by the probation officer, judge, referee, or other hearing officer.

(f) The persons described in subparagraphs (A), (E), (F), (H), (K), (L), (M), and (N) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) include persons serving in a similar capacity for an Indian tribe, reservation, or tribal court when the case file involves a child who is a member of, or who is eligible for membership in, that tribe.

(g) Any portion of a case file that is covered by, or included in, an order of the court sealing a record pursuant to Section 781 or 786, or that is covered by a record sealing requirement pursuant to Section 786.5 or 827.95, may not be inspected, except as specified by those sections.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 221, Sec. 1. (SB 413) Effective January 1, 2026.)


text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a city, county, or city and county may establish a computerized data base system within that city, county, or city and county that permits the probation department, law enforcement agencies, and school districts to access probation department, law enforcement, school district, and juvenile court information and records which are nonprivileged and where release is authorized under state or federal law or regulation, regarding minors under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 602 or for whom a program of supervision has been undertaken where a petition could otherwise be filed pursuant to Section 602.

(b) Each city, county, or city and county permitting computer access to these agencies shall develop security procedures by which unauthorized personnel cannot access data contained in the system as well as procedures or devices to secure data from unauthorized access or disclosure. The right of access granted shall not include the right to add, delete, or alter data without the written permission of the agency holding the data.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 343, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1997.)


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 827 or any other provision of law, written notice that a minor has been found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have committed any felony pursuant to Section 602 shall be provided by the court within seven days to the sheriff of the county in which the offense was committed and to the sheriff of the county in which the minor resides. Written notice shall include only that information regarding the felony offense found to have been committed by the minor and the disposition of the minor’s case. If at any time thereafter the court modifies the disposition of the minor’s case, it shall also notify the sheriff as provided above. The sheriff may disseminate the information to other law enforcement personnel upon request, provided that he or she reasonably believes that the release of this information is generally relevant to the prevention or control of juvenile crime.

(b) Any information received pursuant to this section shall be received in confidence for the limited law enforcement purpose for which it was provided and shall not be further disseminated except as provided in this section. An intentional violation of the confidentiality provisions of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).

(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) or (b), a law enforcement agency may disclose to the public or to any interested person the information received pursuant to subdivision (a) regarding a minor 14 years of age or older who was found by the court to have committed any felony enumerated in subdivision (b) of Section 707. The law enforcement agency shall not release this information if the court for good cause, with a written statement of reasons, so orders.

history: (History: Added March 7, 2000, by initiative Proposition 21, Sec. 30.)


text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law except Sections 389 and 781 of this code and Section 1203.45 of the Penal Code, a law enforcement agency may disclose the name of any minor 14 years of age or older taken into custody for the commission of any serious felony, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 1192.7 of the Penal Code, and the offenses allegedly committed, upon the request of interested persons, following the minor’s arrest for that offense.

history: (History: Amended March 7, 2000, by initiative Proposition 21, Sec. 31.)


text: A law enforcement agency may release the name, description, and the alleged offense of any minor alleged to have committed a violent offense, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code, and against whom an arrest warrant is outstanding, if the release of this information would assist in the apprehension of the minor or the protection of public safety. Neither the agency nor the city, county, or city and county in which the agency is located shall be liable for civil damages resulting from release of this information.

history: (History: Amended March 7, 2000, by initiative Proposition 21, Sec. 32.)


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 827 or any other provision of law, written notice that a minor has been found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have committed any felony pursuant to Section 602 shall be provided by the court within seven days to the sheriff of the county in which the offense was committed and to the sheriff of the county in which the minor resides. Written notice shall include only that information regarding the felony offense found to have been committed by the minor and the disposition of the minor’s case. If at any time thereafter the court modifies the disposition of the minor’s case, it shall also notify the sheriff as provided above. The sheriff may disseminate the information to other law enforcement personnel upon request, provided that he or she reasonably believes that the release of this information is generally relevant to the prevention or control of juvenile crime.

Any information received pursuant to this section shall be received in confidence for the limited law enforcement purpose for which it was provided and shall not be further disseminated except as provided in this section. An intentional violation of the confidentiality provisions of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).

(b) In the written notice provided pursuant to this section, a court may authorize a sheriff who receives information under this section to disclose this information where the release of the information is imperative for the protection of the public and the offense is a violent felony, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code.

history: (History: Added by renumbering Section 827.1 (as added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 422) by Stats. 1999, Ch. 996, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 2000.)


text:
(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to reaffirm its belief that records or information gathered by law enforcement agencies relating to the taking of a minor into custody, temporary custody, or detention (juvenile police records) should be confidential. Confidentiality is necessary to protect those persons from being denied various opportunities, to further the rehabilitative efforts of the juvenile justice system, and to prevent the lifelong stigma that results from having a juvenile police record. Although these records generally should remain confidential, the Legislature recognizes that certain circumstances require the release of juvenile police records to specified persons and entities. The purpose of this section is to clarify the persons and entities entitled to receive a complete copy of a juvenile police record, to specify the persons or entities entitled to receive copies of juvenile police records with certain identifying information about other minors removed from the record, and to provide procedures for others to request a copy of a juvenile police record. This section does not govern the release of police records involving a minor who is the witness to or victim of a crime who is protected by other laws including, but not limited to, Section 841.5 of the Penal Code, Section 11167 et seq. of the Penal Code, and the provisions listed in Section 7920.505 of the Government Code.

(b) Except as provided in Sections 389, 781, and 786 of this code or Section 1203.45 of the Penal Code, a law enforcement agency shall release, upon request, a complete copy of a juvenile police record, as defined in subdivision (m), without notice or consent from the person who is the subject of the juvenile police record to the following persons or entities:

(1) Other law enforcement agencies including the office of the Attorney General of California, any district attorney, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, including the Division of Juvenile Justice, and any peace officer as specified in subdivision (a) of Section 830.1 of the Penal Code.

(2) School district police.

(3) Child protective agencies as defined in Section 11165.9 of the Penal Code.

(4) The attorney representing the juvenile who is the subject of the juvenile police record in a criminal or juvenile proceeding.

(5) The Department of Motor Vehicles.

(c) Except as provided in Sections 389, 781, and 786 of this code or Section 1203.45 of the Penal Code, law enforcement agencies shall release, upon request, a copy of a juvenile police record to the following persons and entities only if identifying information pertaining to any other juvenile, within the meaning of subdivision (n), has been removed from the record:

(1) The person who is the subject of the juvenile police record.

(2) The parents or guardian of a minor who is the subject of the juvenile police record.

(3) An attorney for a parent or guardian of a minor who is the subject of the juvenile police record.

(d) (1) (A) If a person or entity listed in subdivision (c) seeks to obtain a complete copy of a juvenile police record that contains identifying information concerning the taking into custody or detention of any other juvenile, within the meaning of subdivision (n), who is not a dependent child or a ward of the juvenile court, that person or entity shall submit a completed Petition to Obtain Report of Law Enforcement Agency, as developed pursuant to subdivision (i), to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The law enforcement agency shall send a notice to the following persons that a Petition to Obtain Report of Law Enforcement Agency has been submitted to the agency:

(i) The juvenile about whom information is sought.

(ii) The parents or guardian of any minor described in clause (i). The law enforcement agency shall make reasonable efforts to obtain the address of the parents or guardian.

(B) For purposes of responding to a request submitted pursuant to this subdivision, a law enforcement agency may check the Juvenile Automated Index or may contact the juvenile court to determine whether a person is a dependent child or a ward of the juvenile court and whether parental rights have been terminated or the juvenile has been emancipated.

(C) The notice sent pursuant to this subdivision shall include the following information:

(i) The identity of the person or entity requesting a copy of the juvenile police record.

(ii) A copy of the completed Petition to Obtain Report of Law Enforcement Agency.

(iii) The time period for submitting an objection to the law enforcement agency, which shall be 20 days if notice is provided by mail or confirmed fax, or 15 days if notice is provided by personal service.

(iv) The means to submit an objection.

A law enforcement agency shall issue notice pursuant to this section within 20 days of the request. If no objections are filed, the law enforcement agency shall release the juvenile police record within 15 days of the expiration of the objection period.

(D) If any objections to the disclosure of the other juvenile’s information are submitted to the law enforcement agency, the law enforcement agency shall send the completed Petition to Obtain Report of Law Enforcement Agency, the objections, and a copy of the requested juvenile police record to the presiding judge of the juvenile court or, in counties with no presiding judge of the juvenile court, the judge of the juvenile court or the judge’s designee, to obtain authorization from the court to release a complete copy of the juvenile police record.

(2) If a person or entity listed in subdivision (c) seeks to obtain a complete copy of a juvenile police record that contains identifying information concerning the taking into custody or detention of any other juvenile, within the meaning of subdivision (n), who is a dependent child or a ward of the juvenile court, that person or entity shall submit a Petition to Obtain Report of Law Enforcement Agency, as developed pursuant to subdivision (i), to the appropriate law enforcement agency. The law enforcement agency shall send that Petition to Obtain Report of Law Enforcement Agency and a completed petition for authorization to release the information to that person or entity along with a complete copy of the requested juvenile police record to the presiding judge of the juvenile court, or, in counties with no presiding judge of the juvenile court, the judge of the juvenile court or the judge’s designees. The juvenile court shall provide notice of the petition for authorization to the following persons:

(A) If the person who would be identified if the information is released is a minor who is a dependent child of the juvenile court, notice of the petition shall be provided to the following persons:

(i) The minor.

(ii) The attorney of record for the minor.

(iii) The parents or guardian of the minor, unless parental rights have been terminated.

(iv) The child protective agency responsible for the minor.

(v) The attorney representing the child protective agency responsible for the minor.

(B) If the person who would be identified if the information is released is a ward of the juvenile court, notice of the petition shall be provided to the following:

(i) The ward.

(ii) The attorney of record for the ward.

(iii) The parents or guardian of the ward if the ward is under 18 years of age, unless parental rights have been terminated.

(iv) The district attorney.

(v) The probation department.

(e) Except as otherwise provided in this section or in Sections 389, 781, and 786 of this code or Section 1203.45 of the Penal Code, law enforcement agencies shall release copies of juvenile police records to any other person designated by court order upon the filing of a Petition to Obtain Report of Law Enforcement Agency with the juvenile court. The petition shall be filed with the presiding judge of the juvenile court, or, in counties with no presiding judge of the juvenile court, the judge of the juvenile court or the judge’s designee, in the county where the juvenile police record is maintained.

(f) (1) After considering the petition and any objections submitted to the juvenile court pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (d), the court shall determine whether the law enforcement agency may release a complete copy of the juvenile police record to the person or entity that submitted the request.

(2) In determining whether to authorize the release of a juvenile police record, the court shall balance the interests of the juvenile who is the subject of the record, the petitioner, and the public. The juvenile court may issue orders prohibiting or limiting the release of information contained in the juvenile police record. The court may also deny the existence of a juvenile police record where the record is properly sealed or the juvenile who is the subject of the record has properly denied its existence.

(3) Prior to authorizing the release of any juvenile police record, the juvenile court shall ensure that notice and an opportunity to file an objection to the release of the record has been provided to the juvenile who is the subject of the record or who would be identified if the information is released, that person’s parents or guardian if the person is under 18 years of age, and any additional person or entity described in subdivision (d), as applicable. The period for filing an objection shall be 20 days from the date notice is given if notice is provided by mail or confirmed fax and 15 days from the date notice is given if notice is provided by personal service. If review of the petition is urgent, the petitioner may file a motion with the presiding judge of the juvenile court showing good cause why the objection period should be shortened. The court shall issue a ruling on the completed petition within 15 days of the expiration of the objection period.

(g) Any out-of-state entity comparable to the California entities listed in paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (b) shall file a petition with the presiding judge of the juvenile court in the county where the juvenile police record is maintained in order to receive a copy of a juvenile police record. A petition from that entity may be granted on an ex parte basis.

(h) Nothing in this section shall require the release of confidential victim or witness information protected by other laws including, but not limited to, Section 841.5 of the Penal Code, Section 11167 et seq. of the Penal Code, and the provisions listed in Section 7920.505 of the Government Code.

(i) The Judicial Council, in consultation with the California Law Enforcement Association of Record Supervisors (CLEARS), shall develop forms for distribution by law enforcement agencies to the public to implement this section. Those forms shall include, but are not limited to, the Petition to Obtain Report of Law Enforcement Agency. The material for the public shall include information about the persons who are entitled to a copy of the juvenile police record and the specific procedures for requesting a copy of the record if a petition is necessary. The Judicial Council shall provide law enforcement agencies with suggested forms for compliance with the notice provisions set forth in subdivision (d).

(j) Any information received pursuant to subdivisions (a) to (e), inclusive, and (g) of this section shall be received in confidence for the limited purpose for which it was provided and shall not be further disseminated. An intentional violation of the confidentiality provisions of this section is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).

(k) A court shall consider any information relating to the taking of a minor into custody, if the information is not contained in a record that has been sealed, for purposes of determining whether an adjudication of the commission of a crime as a minor warrants a finding that there are circumstances in aggravation pursuant to Section 1170 of the Penal Code or to deny probation.

(l) When a law enforcement agency has been notified pursuant to Section 1155 that a minor has escaped from a secure detention facility, the law enforcement agency shall release the name of, and any descriptive information about, the minor to a person who specifically requests this information. The law enforcement agency may release the information on the minor without a request to do so if it finds that release of the information would be necessary to assist in recapturing the minor or that it would be necessary to protect the public from substantial physical harm.

(m) For purposes of this section, a “juvenile police record” refers to records or information relating to the taking of a minor into custody, temporary custody, or detention.

(n) For purposes of this section, with respect to a juvenile police record, “any other juvenile” refers to additional minors who were taken into custody or temporary custody, or detained and who also could be considered a subject of the juvenile police record.

(o) An evaluation of the efficacy of the procedures for the release of police records containing information about minors as described in this section shall be conducted by the juvenile court and law enforcement in Los Angeles County and the results of that evaluation shall be reported to the Legislature on or before December 31, 2006.

(p) This section shall only apply to Los Angeles County.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 615, Sec. 433. (AB 474) Effective January 1, 2022. Operative January 1, 2023, pursuant to Sec. 463 of Stats. 2021, Ch. 615.)


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 827, the child welfare agency is authorized to permit its files and records relating to a minor, who is the subject of either a family law or a probate guardianship case involving custody or visitation issues, or both, to be inspected by, and to provide copies to, the following persons, if these persons are actively participating in the family law or probate case:

(1) The judge, commissioner, or other hearing officer assigned to the family law or probate case.

(2) The parent or guardian of the minor.

(3) An attorney for a party to the family law or probate case.

(4) A family court mediator assigned to a case involving the minor pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 3160) of Chapter 11 of Part 2 of Division 8 of the Family Code.

(5) A court-appointed investigator, evaluator, or a person conducting a court-connected child custody evaluation, investigation, or assessment pursuant to Section 3111 or 3118 of the Family Code or Part 2 (commencing with Section 1500) of Division 4 of the Probate Code.

(6) Counsel appointed for the minor in the family law case pursuant to Section 3150 of the Family Code. Prior to allowing counsel appointed for the minor in the family law case to inspect the file, the court clerk may require counsel to provide a certified copy of the court order appointing him or her as the counsel for the minor.

(b) If the child welfare agency files or records, or any portions thereof, are privileged or confidential pursuant to any other state law, except Section 827, or federal law or regulation, the requirements of that state law or federal law or regulation prohibiting or limiting release of the child welfare agency files or records, or any portions thereof, shall prevail.

(c) A social worker may testify in any family or probate proceeding with regard to any information that may be disclosed under this section.

(d) Any records or information obtained pursuant to this section, including the testimony of a social worker, shall be maintained solely in the confidential portion of the family law or probate file.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 352, Sec. 21. (AB 939) Effective January 1, 2011.)


text:
(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(1) It is the intent of the Legislature to ensure quality care for children and youth who are placed in the continuum of foster care settings.

(2) Attracting and retaining quality caregivers is critical to achieving positive outcomes for children, youth, and families, and to ensuring the success of child welfare improvement efforts.

(3) Quality caregivers strengthen foster care by ensuring that a foster or relative family caring for a child provides the loving, committed, and skilled care that the child needs, while working effectively with the child welfare system to reach the child’s goals.

(4) Caregivers who are informed of the child’s educational, medical, dental, and mental health history and current needs are better able to meet those needs and address the effects of trauma, increasing placement stability and improving permanency outcomes.

(5) Sharing necessary information with the caregiver is a critical component of effective service delivery for children and youth in foster care.

(b) Therefore, consistent with state and federal law, information shall be provided to a caregiver regarding the child’s or youth’s educational, medical, dental, and mental health history and current needs.

(c) This section is declaratory of existing law and is not intended to impose a new program or higher level of service upon any local agency. It is intended, however, that this restatement of existing law should engender a renewed sense of commitment to engaging foster parents in order to provide quality care to children and youth in foster care.

(d) No later than January 1, 2017, the department shall consult with representatives of the County Counsels’ Association of California, County Welfare Directors Association of California, and stakeholders to develop regulations or identify policy changes necessary to allow for the sharing of information as described in this section.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 773, Sec. 52. (AB 403) Effective January 1, 2016.)


text:
(a) (1) Records contained in a juvenile delinquency case file may be accessed by a law enforcement agency, probation department, court, the Department of Justice, or other state or local agency that has custody of the case file and juvenile record for the limited purpose of complying with data collection or data reporting requirements that are imposed under the terms of a grant or by another state or federal law. However, personally identifying information contained in a juvenile delinquency case file accessed under this subdivision shall not be released, disseminated, or published by or through an agency, department, court, or individual that has accessed or obtained information from the juvenile delinquency case file.

(2) Upon request of the chief probation officer, the juvenile court may authorize a probation department to access and provide data contained in juvenile delinquency case files and related juvenile records in the possession of the probation department for the purpose of data sharing or conducting or facilitating research on juvenile justice populations, practices, policies, or trends, if both of the following requirements are met:

(A) The court is satisfied that the research, evaluation, or study includes a sound methodology for the appropriate protection of the confidentiality of an individual whose juvenile delinquency case file is accessed pursuant to this subdivision.

(B) Personally identifying information relating to the individual whose juvenile delinquency case file is accessed pursuant to this subdivision is not further released, disseminated, or published by the probation department or by or through a program evaluator, researcher, or research organization that is retained by the department for research or evaluation purposes.

(3) For the purposes of this subdivision, “personally identifying information” has the same meaning as specified in subdivision (b) of Section 1798.79.8 of the Civil Code.

(b) (1) If information from a juvenile delinquency case record is being released for the purposes of human subject research, as defined in Part 46 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the probation department shall, after receiving authorization from the court but prior to the release of any information, enter into a formal agreement with the entity or entities conducting the research or evaluation that specifies what may and may not be done with the information disclosed.

(2) All human subject research governed by Part 46 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations shall be conducted in compliance with the protections set forth therein.

(c) The probation department shall not disclose any dependency information contained in a juvenile delinquency case record that pertains to a child who is currently receiving, or has previously received, public social services administered by the State Department of Social Services unless it has complied with the requirements for disclosure of that information set forth in Section 10850.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 462, Sec. 1. (SB 462) Effective January 1, 2018.)


text: Notwithstanding Section 827, a county welfare or probation department may disseminate information from the juvenile case file to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as necessary for the county welfare or probation department to carry out its duties required by paragraph (3) of subdivision (j) of Section 11166 of the Penal Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 46, Sec. 7. (AB 161) Effective July 2, 2024.)


text:
(a) Notwithstanding Section 827, whenever the juvenile court of a county has made a determination pursuant to subdivision (a), (b), or (f) of Section 305.5 that a child custody proceeding of an Indian child is to be transferred to the jurisdiction of a tribal court the child case file shall be transferred to the tribe.

(b) If an Indian child is under the jurisdiction of a Title IV-E tribe or a Tribal Title IV-E agency, federal law requires the safeguarding of information as set forth in 45 C.F.R 205.50.

(c) In all other transfers, the juvenile court shall order the release of the child’s case file provided that the tribe agrees to maintain the documentation confidential consistent with state and federal law.

(d) As used in this section, a “child case file” means information including the juvenile case file retained by the juvenile court and the child welfare agency files or records retained by the county. For Title IV-E tribes or a Tribal Tile IV-E agency that information includes, but need not be limited to, the documentation set forth in 45 C.F.R. 1356.67.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 772, Sec. 14. (SB 1460) Effective January 1, 2015.)


text:
(a) (1) Notwithstanding Section 827.9, a law enforcement agency in this state shall not release a copy of a juvenile police record if the subject of the juvenile police record is any of the following:

(A) A minor who has been diverted by police officers from arrest, citation, detention, or referral to probation or any district attorney, and who is currently participating in a diversion program or has satisfactorily completed a diversion program.

(B) A minor who has been counseled and released by police officers without an arrest, citation, detention, or referral to probation or any district attorney, and for whom no referral to probation has been made within 60 days of the release.

(C) A minor who does not fall within the jurisdiction of the juvenile delinquency court under current state law.

(2) A law enforcement agency shall release, upon request, a copy of a juvenile police record described in paragraph (1) to the minor who is the subject of the juvenile police record and their parent or guardian only if identifying information pertaining to any other juvenile, within the meaning of subdivision (d), has been removed from the record.

(b) (1) The law enforcement agency in possession of the juvenile police record described in subdivision (a) shall seal the applicable juvenile police record and all other records in its custody relating to the minor’s law enforcement contact or referral and participation in a diversion program as follows:

(A) Any juvenile police record created following a law enforcement contact with a minor described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) shall be considered confidential and deemed not to exist while the minor is completing a diversion program, except to the law enforcement agency, the service provider, the minor who is the subject of the police record, and their parent or guardian. The diversion service provider shall notify the referring law enforcement agency of a minor’s satisfactory completion of a diversion program within 30 days of the minor’s satisfactory completion. The law enforcement agency shall seal the juvenile police record no later than 30 days from the date of notification by the diversion service provider of the minor’s satisfactory completion of a diversion program.

(B) Any juvenile police record created following a law enforcement contact with a minor described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) shall be sealed no later than 60 days from the date of verification that the minor has not been referred to probation or any district attorney. Verification shall be completed within six months of the decision to counsel and release the minor.

(C) Any juvenile police record created following a law enforcement contact with a minor described in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) shall be sealed immediately upon verification that the minor does not fall within the jurisdiction of the juvenile delinquency court under current state law.

(D) Upon sealing of the records under this subdivision, the offense giving rise to the police record shall be deemed to not have occurred and the individual may respond accordingly to any inquiry, application, or process in which disclosure of this information is requested or sought.

(2) A law enforcement agency that seals a juvenile police record pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) shall notify the applicable diversion service provider and the Department of Justice immediately upon sealing of the record. Any records in the diversion service provider’s custody relating to the minor’s law enforcement contact or referral and participation in the program shall not be inspected by anyone other than the service provider, and shall be released only to the minor who is the subject of the record and their parent or guardian, as described in subdivision (c).

(3) If the minor is a dependent of the juvenile court, the law enforcement agency shall notify the minor’s social worker that the juvenile police records have been sealed and that any such records in the social worker’s custody relating to the minor’s law enforcement contact or referral and participation in a diversion program shall also be sealed.

(4) (A) A law enforcement agency shall notify a minor in writing that their police record has been sealed pursuant to paragraph (1). If the law enforcement agency determines that a minor’s juvenile police record is not eligible for sealing pursuant to paragraph (1), the law enforcement agency shall notify the minor in writing of its determination.

(B) An individual who receives notice from a law enforcement agency that they are not eligible for sealing under paragraph (1) may request reconsideration of the law enforcement agency’s determination by submitting to the law enforcement agency a petition to seal a report of a law enforcement agency and any documentation supporting their eligibility for sealing under paragraph (1). For purposes of this subparagraph, a sworn statement by the petitioner shall qualify as supporting documentation.

(5) Police records sealed under paragraph (1) shall not be considered part of the “juvenile case file,” as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 827.

(6) (A) Any police record that has been sealed pursuant to this section may be accessed, inspected, or utilized by the prosecuting attorney in order to meet a statutory or constitutional obligation to disclose favorable or exculpatory evidence to a defendant in a criminal case in which the prosecuting attorney has reason to believe that access to the record is necessary to meet the disclosure obligation.

(B) (i) A prosecuting attorney shall not use information contained in a record sealed pursuant to this section for any purpose other than those provided in subparagraph (A).

(ii) Once the case referenced in subparagraph (A) has been closed and is no longer subject to review on appeal, the prosecuting attorney shall destroy any records obtained pursuant to this subparagraph.

(c) (1) Diversion service provider records related to the provision of diversion services to a minor described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) shall not be considered part of a “juvenile case file,” as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 827, and shall be kept confidential except to the minor who is the subject of the record or information and their parent or guardian. This section does not require the release of confidential records created, collected, or maintained by diversion service providers in the course of diversion service delivery.

(2) (A) If any other state or federal law or regulation grants access to portions of, or information relating to, the contents of a diversion service provider record related to diversion, the requirements of that state or federal law or regulation governing access to the record or portions thereof shall prevail.

(B) The release of any diversion service provider records related to diversion by any party with access under applicable California state or federal laws shall be governed by those applicable state or federal laws, and shall otherwise be prohibited.

(3) Diversion service providers shall release diversion service provider records to the minor who is the subject of the record, or their parent or guardian, upon receiving a signature authorization by the minor, parent, or guardian and using existing internal confidentiality procedures of the service provider.

(d) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Juvenile police record” refers to records or information relating to the taking of a minor into custody, temporary custody, or detention.

(2) With respect to a juvenile police record, “any other juvenile” refers to additional minors who were taken into custody or temporary custody, or detained and who also could be considered a subject of the juvenile police record.

(3) “Diversion” refers to an intervention that redirects youth away from formal processing in the juvenile justice system, including, but not limited to, counsel and release or a referral to a diversion program as defined in Section 1457.

(4) “Diversion service provider” refers to an agency or organization providing diversion services to a minor.

(5) “Diversion service provider record” refers to any records or information collected, created, or maintained by the service provider in connection to providing diversion program services to the minor.

(6) “Satisfactory completion” refers to substantial compliance by the participant with the reasonable terms of program participation that are within the capacity of the participant to perform, as determined by the service provider.

(e) On or before January 1, 2022, the Judicial Council, in consultation with the California Law Enforcement Association of Record Supervisors (CLEARS), shall develop forms for distribution by law enforcement agencies to the public to implement this section. Those forms shall include, but are not limited to, the Petition to Seal Report of Law Enforcement Agency. The material for the public shall include information about the persons who are entitled to a copy of the juvenile police record described in subdivision (a) and the specific procedures for requesting a copy of the record if a petition is necessary.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 811, Sec. 5. (AB 1877) Effective January 1, 2025.)


citation: WIC § 828

text:
(a) (1) Except as provided in Sections 389, 781, 786, 827.9, and 827.95 of this code or Section 1203.45 of the Penal Code, any information gathered by a law enforcement agency, including the Department of Justice, relating to the taking of a minor into custody may be disclosed to another law enforcement agency, including a school district police or security department, or to any person or agency that has a legitimate need for the information for purposes of official disposition of a case. When the disposition of a taking into custody is available, it shall be included with any information disclosed.

(2) A court shall consider any information relating to the taking of a minor into custody, if the information is not contained in a record that has been sealed, for purposes of determining whether adjudications of commission of crimes as a juvenile warrant a finding that there are circumstances in aggravation pursuant to Section 1170 of the Penal Code or to deny probation.

(b) When a law enforcement agency has been notified pursuant to Section 1155 that a minor has escaped from a secure detention facility, the law enforcement agency shall release the name of, and any descriptive information about, the minor to a person who specifically requests this information. The law enforcement agency may release the information on the minor without a request to do so if it finds that release of the information would be necessary to assist in recapturing the minor or that it would be necessary to protect the public from substantial physical harm.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 330, Sec. 4. (AB 2425) Effective January 1, 2021.)


text:
(a) While the Legislature reaffirms its belief that juvenile criminal records, in general, should be confidential, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to provide for a limited exception to that confidentiality in cases involving serious acts of violence. Further, it is the intent of the Legislature that even in these selected cases the dissemination of juvenile criminal records be as limited as possible, consistent with the need to work with a student in an appropriate fashion, and the need to protect potentially vulnerable school staff and other students over whom the school staff exercises direct supervision and responsibility.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) of Section 828, a school district police or security department may provide written notice to the superintendent of the school district that a minor enrolled in a public school maintained by that school district, in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, has been found by a court of competent jurisdiction to have illegally used, sold, or possessed a controlled substance as defined in Section 11007 of the Health and Safety Code or to have committed any crime listed in paragraphs (1) to (15), inclusive, or paragraphs (17) to (19), inclusive, or paragraphs (25) to (28), inclusive, of subdivision (b) of, or in paragraph (2) of subdivision (d) of, or subdivision (e) of, Section 707. The information may be expeditiously transmitted to any teacher, counselor, or administrator with direct supervisorial or disciplinary responsibility over the minor, who the superintendent or his or her designee, after consultation with the principal at the school of attendance, believes needs this information to work with the student in an appropriate fashion, to avoid being needlessly vulnerable or to protect other persons from needless vulnerability.

(c) Any information received by a teacher, counselor, or administrator pursuant to this section shall be received in confidence for the limited purpose for which it was provided and shall not be further disseminated by the teacher, counselor, or administrator. An intentional violation of the confidentiality provisions of this section is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 925, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 1999.)


text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, information relating to the taking of a minor into custody on the basis that he or she has committed a crime against the property, students, or personnel of a school district or a finding by the juvenile court that the minor has committed such a crime may be exchanged between law enforcement personnel, the school district superintendent, and the principal of a public school in which the minor is enrolled as a student if the offense was against the property, students, or personnel of that school.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 215, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1995.)


citation: WIC § 829

text: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Board of Prison Terms, in order to evaluate the suitability for release of a person before the board, shall be entitled to review juvenile court records which have not been sealed, concerning the person before the board, if those records relate to a case in which the person was found to have committed an offense which brought the person within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court pursuant to Section 602.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1983, Ch. 241, Sec. 1.)


citation: WIC § 830

text:
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, members of a multidisciplinary personnel team engaged in the prevention, identification, management, or treatment of child abuse or neglect may disclose and exchange information and writings to and with one another relating to any incidents of child abuse that may also be a part of a juvenile court record or otherwise designated as confidential under state law if the member of the team having that information or writing reasonably believes it is generally relevant to the prevention, identification, management, or treatment of child abuse, or the provision of child welfare services. All discussions relative to the disclosure or exchange of any such information or writings during team meetings are confidential unless disclosure is required by law. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, testimony concerning any such discussion is not admissible in any criminal, civil, or juvenile court proceeding.

(b) As used in this section:

(1) “Child abuse” has the same meaning as defined in Section 18951.

(2) “Multidisciplinary personnel” means a team as specified in Section 18951.

(3) “Child welfare services” means those services that are directed at preventing child abuse or neglect.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 551, Sec. 1. (AB 2322) Effective September 29, 2010.)


text:
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, members of a juvenile justice multidisciplinary team engaged in the prevention, identification, and control of crime, including, but not limited to, criminal street gang activity, may disclose and exchange nonprivileged information and writings to and with one another relating to any incidents of juvenile crime, including criminal street gang activity, that may also be part of a juvenile court record or otherwise designated as confidential under state law if the member of the team having that information or writing reasonably believes it is generally relevant to the prevention, identification, or control of juvenile crime or criminal street gang activity. Every member of a juvenile justice multidisciplinary team who receives such information or writings shall be under the same privacy and confidentiality obligations and subject to the same penalties for violating those obligations as the person disclosing or providing the information or writings. The information obtained shall be maintained in a manner which ensures the protection of confidentiality.

As used in this section, “nonprivileged information” means any information not subject to a privilege pursuant to Division 8 (commencing with Section 900) of the Evidence Code.

As used in this section, “criminal street gang” has the same meaning as defined in Section 186.22 of the Penal Code.

As used in this section, “multidisciplinary team” means any team of three or more persons, the members of which are trained in the prevention, identification, and control of juvenile crime, including, but not limited to, criminal street gang activity, and are qualified to provide a broad range of services related to the problems posed by juvenile crime and criminal street gangs. The team may include, but is not limited to:

(a) Police officers or other law enforcement agents.

(b) Prosecutors.

(c) Probation officers.

(d) School district personnel with experience or training in juvenile crime or criminal street gang control.

(e) Counseling personnel with experience or training in juvenile crime or criminal street gang control.

(f) State, county, city, or special district recreation specialists with experience or training in juvenile crime or criminal street gang control.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, 1st Ex. Sess., Ch. 24, Sec. 1. Effective November 30, 1994.)


citation: WIC § 831

text:
(a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to clarify that juvenile court records should remain confidential regardless of the juvenile’s immigration status. Confidentiality is integral to the operation of the juvenile justice system in order to avoid stigma and promote rehabilitation for all youth, regardless of immigration status.

(b) Nothing in this article authorizes the disclosure of juvenile information to federal officials absent a court order of the judge of the juvenile court upon filing a petition as provided by subparagraph (P) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 827.

(c) Nothing in this article authorizes the dissemination of juvenile information to, or by, federal officials absent a court order of the judge of the juvenile court upon filing a petition as provided by subparagraph (P) of paragraph (1) and paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 827.

(d) Nothing in this article authorizes the attachment of juvenile information to any other documents given to, or provided by, federal officials absent prior approval of the presiding judge of the juvenile court as provided by paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 827.

(e) For purposes of this section, “juvenile information” includes the “juvenile case file,” as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 827, and information related to the juvenile, including, but not limited to, name, date or place of birth, and the immigration status of the juvenile that is obtained or created independent of, or in connection with, juvenile court proceedings about the juvenile and maintained by any government agency, including, but not limited to, a court, probation office, child welfare agency, or law enforcement agency.

(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing any disclosure that would otherwise violate this article.

(g) The Legislature finds and declares that this section is declaratory of existing law.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 267, Sec. 2. (AB 899) Effective January 1, 2016.)


citation: WIC § 832

text:
(a) (1) To promote more effective communication needed for the development of a plan to address the needs of the child or youth and family, a person designated as a member of a child and family team as defined in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 16501 may receive and disclose relevant information and records, subject to the confidentiality provisions of state and federal law.

(2) Information exchanged among the team shall be received in confidence for the limited purpose of providing necessary services and supports to the child or youth and family and shall not be further disclosed except to the juvenile court with jurisdiction over the child, subject to the privileges and confidentiality requirements of state and federal law, or as otherwise required by law. Civil and criminal penalties may apply to the inappropriate disclosure of information held by the team.

(b) (1) Each participant in the child and family team with legal power to consent shall sign an authorization to release information to team members. In the event that a child or youth who is a dependent or ward of the juvenile court does not have the legal power to consent to the release of information, the child’s attorney or other authorized individual may consent on behalf of the child.

(2) Authorization to release information shall be in writing and shall comply with all other applicable state law governing release of medical, mental health, social service, and educational records, and that covers identified team members, including service providers, in order to permit the release of records to the team.

(3) This authorization shall not include release of adoption records.

(4) The knowing and informed consent to release information given pursuant to this section shall only be in force for the time that the child or youth, or family, or nonminor dependent, is participating in the child and family team.

(c) Upon obtaining the authorization to release information as described in subdivision (b), relevant information and records may be shared with members of the team. If the team determines that the disclosure of information would present a reasonable risk of a significant adverse or detrimental effect on the child’s or youth’s psychological or physical safety, the information shall not be released.

(d) Information and records communicated or provided to the team, by all providers, programs, and agencies, as well as information and records created by the team in the course of serving its children, youth, and their families, shall be deemed private and confidential and shall be protected from discovery and disclosure by all applicable statutory and common law. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the authority of a health care provider to disclose medical information pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 56.10 of the Civil Code.

(e) If the child welfare agency files or records, or any portions thereof, are privileged or confidential, pursuant to any other state law, except Section 827, or federal law or regulation, the requirements of that state law or federal law or regulation prohibiting or limiting release of the child welfare agency files or records, or any portions thereof, shall prevail.

(f) All discussions during team meetings are confidential unless disclosure is required by law. Notwithstanding any other law, testimony concerning any team meeting discussion is not admissible in any criminal or civil proceeding except as provided in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a).

(g) Notwithstanding the rulemaking provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), the department shall, by July 1, 2021, issue written instructions to counties that describe all protections provided by statute for the confidentiality of mental health, reproductive and sexual health, and minor drug treatment information concerning minors and nonminor dependents for whom a child and family team meeting is held, including, but not limited to, the duties of therapists not to disclose confidential information, as described in Sections 123115 and 123116 of the Health and Safety Code and Section 1015 of the Evidence Code.

(h) Any request to sign an authorization for the release of information described in subdivision (g) provided to minors or nonminor dependents shall incorporate all statutory protections for the confidentiality of the information, including, but not limited to, their right to consult with an attorney before signing the release of information.

(i) As used in this section, “privileged information” means any information subject to a privilege pursuant to Division 8 (commencing with Section 900) of the Evidence Code. Disclosure of otherwise privileged information to team members shall not be construed to waive the privilege.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 780, Sec. 3. (AB 1068) Effective January 1, 2020.)


citation: WIC § 840

text: There shall be in each county probation department a program of home supervision to which minors described by Section 628.1 shall be referred. Home supervision is a program in which persons who would otherwise be detained in the juvenile hall are permitted to remain in their homes pending court disposition of their cases, under the supervision of a deputy probation officer, probation aide, or probation volunteer.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1241.)

article: 22.5. Home Supervision

path: 2. CHILDREN > 2. Juvenile Court Law > 22.5. Home Supervision


citation: WIC § 841

text: The duties of a deputy probation officer, or a probation aide, a community worker or a volunteer under the supervision of a deputy probation officer, assigned to home supervision are to assure the minor’s appearance at probation officer interviews and court hearings and to assure that the minor obeys the conditions of his or her release and commits no public offenses pending final disposition of his or her case. A deputy probation officer, probation aide, or community worker assigned to home supervision shall have a caseload of no more than 10 minors. However, if the county probation department employs a method of home supervision which includes electronic surveillance, the caseload shall be no more than 15 minors. Whenever possible, a minor shall be assigned to a deputy probation officer, probation aide, community worker, or volunteer who resides in the same community as the minor.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 155, Sec. 1.)

article: 22.5. Home Supervision


citation: WIC § 842

text: A probation volunteer is a person who donates personal services to the probation department and probationers without compensation. A probation aide or a community worker may receive compensation for such services. Probation aides, community workers, and volunteers shall not qualify for peace officer status pursuant to Section 830.5 of the Penal Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 291.)

article: 22.5. Home Supervision


citation: WIC § 850

text: The board of supervisors in every county shall provide and maintain, at the expense of the county, in a location approved by the judge of the juvenile court or in counties having more than one judge of the juvenile court, by the presiding judge of the juvenile court, a suitable house or place for the detention of wards and dependent children of the juvenile court and of persons alleged to come within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. Such house or place shall be known as the “juvenile hall” of the county. Wherever, in any provision of law, reference is made to detention homes for juveniles, such reference shall be deemed and construed to refer to the juvenile halls provided for in this article.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1961, Ch. 1616.)

path: 2. CHILDREN > 2. Juvenile Court Law > 23. Wards and Dependent Children—Juvenile Halls


citation: WIC § 851

text: Except as provided in Section 207.1, the juvenile hall shall not be in, or connected with, any jail or prison, and shall not be deemed to be, nor be treated as, a penal institution. It shall be a safe and supportive homelike environment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 694, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 1999.)

article: 23. Wards and Dependent Children—Juvenile Halls


text:
(a) (1) Minors detained in or committed to a juvenile hall shall be provided with access to computer technology and the Internet for the purposes of education.

(2) Minors detained in or committed to a juvenile hall may be provided with access to computer technology and the Internet for maintaining relationships with family.

(b) This section does not limit the authority of the chief probation officer, or his or her designee, to limit or deny access to computer technology or the Internet for safety and security or staffing reasons.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 997, Sec. 3. (AB 2448) Effective January 1, 2019.)


citation: WIC § 852

text: The juvenile hall shall be under the management and control of the probation officer.


citation: WIC § 853

text: The board of supervisors shall provide for a suitable superintendent to have charge of the juvenile hall, and for such other employees as may be needed for its efficient management, and shall provide for payment, out of the general fund of the county, of suitable salaries for such superintendent and other employees.


citation: WIC § 854

text: The superintendent and other employees of the juvenile hall shall be appointed by the probation officer, pursuant to a civil service or merit system, and may be removed, for cause, pursuant to such system.


citation: WIC § 855

text: The probation officer shall keep a classified list of expenses for the operation of the juvenile hall and shall file a duplicate copy with the county board of supervisors.


citation: WIC § 856

text: The board of supervisors may provide for the establishment of a public elementary school and of a public secondary school in connection with any juvenile hall, juvenile house, day center, juvenile ranch, or juvenile camp, or residential or nonresidential boot camp for the education of the children in those facilities.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 72, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 1996.)


citation: WIC § 857

text: Whenever a minor is incarcerated in a juvenile hall or other county juvenile facility for a period of at least 30 consecutive days, the facility may inform the State Department of Social Services of the name, date of birth, and social security number of the incarcerated person.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1042, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1995.)


citation: WIC § 858

text:
(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that juveniles with a high school diploma or California high school equivalency certificate who are detained in, or committed to, a juvenile hall shall have access to rigorous postsecondary academic and career technical education programs that fulfill the requirements for transfer to the University of California and the California State University and prepare them for career entry, respectively.

(b) (1) A county probation department in collaboration with a county office of education, and in partnership with the California Community Colleges or the California State University, or in voluntary partnership the University of California, shall ensure that juveniles with a high school diploma or California high school equivalency certificate who are detained in, or committed to, a juvenile hall have access to, and can choose to participate in, public postsecondary academic and career technical courses and programs, including courses and programs offered online through asynchronous and synchronous instruction or in-person instruction, and for which they are eligible based on eligibility criteria and course schedules of the in-county, to the extent possible, public postsecondary education campus providing the course or program. County probation departments, in coordination with county offices of education, may use juvenile court school classrooms and computers, in accordance with agreements entered into pursuant to Section 48646 of the Education Code, for the purpose of implementing this section. County probation departments are also encouraged to develop other educational partnerships with local public postsecondary campuses, as is feasible, to provide programs on campus and onsite at the juvenile hall and, to the extent offered by a California community college, the California State University, or the University of California, the probation department, in collaboration with the county office of education, shall ensure that juveniles have access to programs and dual enrollment options offered on campus and onsite at the juvenile hall.

(2) These programs shall be considered part of the current responsibilities of the county probation department to provide and coordinate services for juveniles that enable the juveniles to be law-abiding and productive members of their families and communities.

(c) For purposes of this section, “juvenile” means any person detained in, or committed to, a juvenile hall.

(d) This section does not preclude juvenile court school pupils who have not yet completed their high school graduation requirements from concurrently participating in postsecondary academic and career technical education programs.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 48, Sec. 92. (SB 114) Effective July 10, 2023.)


citation: WIC § 862

text: In addition to those juveniles specified in Section 850, the probation officer may receive and detain in the county juvenile hall any juvenile committed thereto by process or order issued under the authority of the United States until such juvenile is discharged according to law as if he had been committed under process issued under the authority of this state, provided, that, in the absence of a valid detention order issued by a federal court, such detention shall not exceed three judicial days. Juveniles detained pursuant to this section shall have all the rights, powers, privileges, and duties, and shall receive the same treatment, afforded juveniles detained pursuant to the laws of this state. The board of supervisors of a county may contract with the United States for reimbursement of the county’s cost incurred in the support of such juvenile.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 250.)