Youth Information
WORK PERMITS: Nevada Revised Statutes do not require that youth fourteen (14) and over have work permits. NRS does require that youth under fourteen (14) have permission to work from the District Court Judge. Further information regarding juvenile work permits can be located in Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 609. If your child's employer requires a Juvenile Work Permit, please contact the Family Self Help Center at (775)-325-6731.
RELEASE OF RECORDS: The Department of Juvenile Services is unable to honor requests for release of copies of juvenile Court documents or other juvenile file documents without a Court Order. If you are at least 18 years of age, you may petition the Family Court for copies of documents in your juvenile file. Any other legitimate party of interest over the age of 18 can also make the request. A Petition form and Court Order must be completed - please note that the Petition must be signed in the presence of a Notary (we have many Notaries in our office for your convenience). Upon completion of these forms, they will be forwarded to the District Court at the Washoe County Court House at 1 South Sierra, 3rd floor. The Judge will then review the request, and if he/she agrees that the file documents should be released, the Court Order will be signed and returned to our office. Upon receipt of the signed Court Order, we will prepare the requested documents and mail, fax or have them ready for pick up. This process typically take two to three weeks.
If you need a letter stating your involvement with our Department, including dates of offenses, action taken by our Department and status of your case (called a Legal History), please complete a Legal History release form. Please note that the Legal History Release form must be signed in the presence of a Notary (we have many Notaries in our office for your convenience). Our Director will review the request, and if he agrees that a Legal History should be released, the form will be signed, and the Legal History will be prepared for mail, fax or pick up. Legal Histories are usually adequate for enlistment in the Military, enrollment in certain college and educational programs, and employment. Any other legitimate party of interest over the age of 18 can also make this request.
SEALING OF RECORDS: While you are a juvenile your record is active and available to the department. However, most juvenile records are confidential and cannot be accessed by others. Juvenile records can be sealed under certain circumstances. If you would like further information please see the Washoe County Public Defender's Office.
EMANCIPATION: Emancipation is the legal process of obtaining adulthood. For more information visit our FAQ's on Emancipation.
LAWS SPECIFIC TO JUVENILES: Nevada Revised Statutes mandates that juveniles who commit certain offenses are subject to required consequences. For more information visit our FAQ's on Juvenile Laws.