How to Petition for Disclosure of Juvenile Court Records in Illinois
- 1). Begin the preparation of the petition. The petition is the document filed with the court asking permission to release the records. If you do not know how to create the petition, consult with a lawyer.
Title the document "Petition for Disclosure of Juvenile Records." Include in the petition specific information regarding the records you are requesting. For instance, if you are only requesting orders of the court, then state that in the petition. - 2). Include in the petition the reason why you are requesting the disclosure of the records and under what authority you are requesting them. The Juvenile Court Act of 1987 governs the disclosure of juvenile court files. In order for a petition to be granted, the petitioner must fall into one of the categories of people authorized to view juvenile court files. The categories of allowable petitioners can be found on the Illinois General Assembly website (see Resources).
- 3). Attach to the petition any evidence or documentation that will help the judge determine whether it is appropriate to release the records. For example, proof of your identity or proof that you are providing treatment to the child in question.
- 4). Sign the petition and file it with the clerk of court in the court where the records are kept.
- 5). Appear for a hearing on the petition if one is ordered by the judge. A judge may grant your petition without hearing, deny the petition without the right to a hearing or order you to appear to answer additional questions before deciding whether to order the release of the records.
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