Non-criminal offenses such as skipping school or runaway are typically classified as which?

• A. Delinquent Conduct
• B. Conduct Indicating a Need for Supervision
• C. Felonies
• D. Traffic Offenses

Answer: (B)

Non-criminal behaviors like skipping school or running away are treated in juvenile systems as conduct indicating a need for supervision. This classification is used because these acts signal the juvenile’s status and need for supervision and services, rather than conveying a criminal act. They’re not crimes that would lead to criminal charges against an adult, so the focus is on intervention, support, and supervision rather than punishment. Delinquent conduct refers to acts that would be crimes if done by an adult, such as theft or vandalism; felonies are serious criminal offenses; and traffic offenses involve driving-related violations.