The department is responsible for prosecuting juvenile offenders, which are classified as anyone under the age of 18. The department reviews reports from law enforcement and other agencies for all juvenile crimes (felony and misdemeanor) committed in Jefferson County. Personnel work closely with other agencies, including Juvenile Services and law enforcement. Juvenile offender case filings are increasing and the issues in each case are becoming more complex.
The efforts of the Prosecutor's Office in support enforcement focus on protecting the best interests of children, which includes taking judicial action to establish paternity, setting reasonable child support obligations for parents, and taking action against those parents who fail to pay their support obligations. Support enforcement cases continue to grow steadily but without a dramatic increase in any one year.