Juvenile Court

Employee Spotlight - Referee Lisa Harris

The Oakland County Juvenile Court is part of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court Family Division. Juvenile Court cases are those involving Juvenile Delinquency, Child Protective Proceedings, Juvenile Traffic, Juvenile Guardianships, and Minor Guardianships not heard by the Probate Court. Cases are heard by eight Juvenile Referees and six Family Division Judges.

The Juvenile Intake Office is located on the ground floor of the east wing of the courthouse. The telephone number is 248-858-0033.

Application to Serve as Court-Appointed Counsel

Thank you for your interest in serving as assigned counsel in the Sixth Circuit Court Family Division. The Family Division Assignment Committee meets quarterly to review new applications. If you wish to be considered for appointments please send your cover letter, completed application and resume to Nicole Bennett, Court Appointment Specialist at bennettn@oakgov.com. 

Application to Serve as Court-Appointed Counsel

Referees

Juvenile Court Referees conduct hearings and preside over trials involving delinquency and parental abuse and neglect. They review all complaints and petitions referred to the court, evaluate each matter, and make decisions involving diversions or authorization of petitions, including the detention of juveniles and removal of children due to risk of harm. They prepare recommendations of their findings for submission to the Judges. All referees are experienced attorneys and bring special expertise in child welfare law to their profession.

Juvenile Referee hearing rooms are located in the east wing of the courthouse on the ground floor and the 1st floor.