What is the role of a juvenile court counselor?

The role of a juvenile court counselor is to investigate cases involving juveniles and provide recommendations to the court regarding the appropriate course of action. This includes gathering information about the juvenile’s background, family situation, and any relevant circumstances that may affect the case. The counselor's insights are crucial for the court as they help in determining the best outcomes for the juvenile, with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

In this role, the counselor acts as a key link between the juvenile, their family, and the court system. They hold the responsibility of ensuring that the court has a comprehensive understanding of the juvenile's situation to make informed decisions. Recommendations could involve various interventions, such as counseling, community service, or other rehabilitative measures tailored to the juvenile’s needs.

The other options do not accurately reflect the responsibilities of a juvenile court counselor. For instance, representing juveniles in court is typically the responsibility of defense attorneys, while serving as a judge would require a different role within the judicial system. Likewise, the prosecution of juvenile offenders falls under the responsibilities of a district attorney or prosecutor, not the court counselor. Thus, the selection of the role focused on investigation and recommendations captures the essence of what juvenile court counselors do within the juvenile justice system.