After being arrested, to whom is a juvenile typically released?

When a juvenile is arrested, the primary concern is ensuring their safety and wellbeing, as well as that of the community. The most common procedure is to release the juvenile to a parent or guardian. This option aligns with the family-oriented approach of the juvenile justice system, which seeks to involve families in the rehabilitation process and provide a supportive environment for the juvenile after the arrest.

Releasing a juvenile to a parent or guardian helps maintain family ties and can be crucial for positive behavioral change. Parents or guardians are typically the most suitable individuals to supervise and guide the juvenile while navigating the legal system. This procedure also serves to emphasize the responsibility of caregivers in the upbringing and behavior of minors.

Options such as releasing to a social worker or the court system, while they may be involved at various stages of juvenile proceedings, do not regularly serve as the first point of release post-arrest. The police chief does not play a direct role in the release process of individuals, including juveniles, following an arrest. Therefore, the correct option underscores the significance of familial support in addressing juvenile delinquency.