Which term describes a juvenile who has been adjudicated for an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult and who requires guidance, treatment, rehabilitation?

• A. Delinquent
• B. Detention
• C. Juvenile
• D. Ward

Answer: (A)

Delinquent is the label for a juvenile who has been adjudicated for an act that would be a crime if committed by an adult and who requires guidance, treatment, and rehabilitation. In the juvenile justice system, the emphasis is on addressing underlying causes and helping the youth reform, rather than punishing them as an adult would be punished. This term specifically captures both the criminal conduct and the rehabilitative focus, unlike a general “juvenile” (any person under the age) or “ward” (a person under guardianship or court supervision), or “detention” (the custody or facility process rather than a label for the offender).