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HomeWelfare and Institutions CodeDiv. 2Pt. 1Ch. 2Art. 16§ 661 Juvenile Court Citation Requirements

§ 661 Juvenile Court Citation Requirements

Welfare and Institutions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 661 Juvenile Court Citation Requirements

Key Takeaways

  • •Parents or guardians must go to court if their kid is in trouble with the law.
  • •They might have to go to counseling or classes with their kid.
  • •If the kid skips school, the parent can get in trouble too.
  • •The court must tell them about these rules at least 24 hours before the hearing.

Example

A kid keeps skipping school, and the school reports it to the court.

The court will tell the parents they must come to a hearing. If they don’t make sure their kid goes to school, they could get fined or have to go to court themselves.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 661 Juvenile Court Citation Requirements

(a) In addition to the notice provided in Sections 658 and 659, the juvenile court may issue a citation directing any parent, guardian, or foster parent of the person concerning whom a petition has been filed to appear at the time and place set for any hearing or financial evaluation under the provisions of this chapter, including a hearing under the provisions of Section 257, and directing any person having custody or control of the minor concerning whom the petition has been filed to bring the minor with him or her. (b) The notice shall in addition state that a parent, guardian, or foster parent may be required to participate in a counseling or education program with the minor concerning whom the petition has been filed. (c) If the proceeding is one alleging that the minor comes within the provisions of Section 601, the notice shall in addition contain notice to the parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of the minor that failure to comply with the compulsory school attendance laws is an infraction, which may be charged and prosecuted before the juvenile court judge sitting as a superior court judge. In those cases, the notice shall also include notice that the parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of the minor has the right to a hearing on the infraction before a judge different than the judge who has heard or is to hear the proceeding pursuant to Section 601. The notice shall also explain the provisions of Section 170.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure. (d) Personal service of the citation shall be made at least 24 hours before the time stated therein for the appearance. The citation may also be electronically served pursuant to Section 212.5, but only in addition to service by other forms of service required by law. (Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 319, Sec. 140. (AB 976) Effective January 1, 2018.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

infractioneducationadditionhearingcrimecustodyschoolcitation

Related Statutes

  • § 362.3 Juvenile Court Appearance Citation
  • § 656 Juvenile Wardship Petition Requirements
  • § 601.4 Juvenile Court Education Violations
  • § 245.5 Juvenile Court Parental Orders
  • § 256 Juvenile Traffic Offense Hearings

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Welfare and Institutions Code. Section 661.
View Official Source