Employment Opportunities

Juvenile records are “strictly safeguarded” from public inspection. The records are made available only to those parties enumerated by statute. However, there is no statute that prohibits employers from asking an individual about juvenile adjudications.  In November 2009, a bill was introduced to both the Senate and Assembly, which would prohibit employers from requesting or inquiring about juvenile adjudications; neither body has voted to pass the bill.  In addition, it is important to note that law enforcement has access to juvenile records, and can disqualify any applicant with a juvenile adjudication of delinquency.

How do Juvenile Records affect Professional Licensing?

Criminal history checks conducted by licensing agencies do not include an individual’s juvenile record, unless a juvenile was charged as an adult.  However, as with employment, there is no absolute bar on an agency asking an individual about a juvenile record.