In this context, which describes a 'Child'?

• A. 10 years of age or older and under 17 years of age, OR 17 to under 18 years alleged/found delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision by acts committed before 17 years of age
• B. Anyone under 21 years old
• C. An adult person who is a parent
• D. A non-offender over 18

Answer: (A)

In juvenile practice, who counts as a child is defined by age and the timing of the conduct. The description that fits best is the one that covers two situations: youths aged 10 to under 17 are clearly within the child category, and those who are 17 to under 18 can still be treated as children if the alleged delinquent acts occurred before they turned 17. This reflects the idea that acts committed during minority fall under the juvenile system, not the adult system. The other options describe adults or non-offenders, which don’t fit this juvenile definition.