Which of the following describes a juvenile who has suffered from serious emotional damage?

A juvenile who has suffered from serious emotional damage is best described as an abused juvenile. This classification typically applies to individuals who have experienced physical or emotional harm due to acts of commission or omission by a caregiver, which can lead to significant psychological distress. In the context of juvenile law, abuse can manifest itself in many ways, including physical violence, emotional manipulation, or neglect, and can significantly impair the child's ability to function in everyday life.

While terms like neglected juvenile and dependent juvenile pertain to children lacking adequate care or guardianship, they do not specifically encompass the serious emotional damage often linked with direct abusive experiences. An emancipated minor, on the other hand, refers to a legal status in which a minor gains independence from parental control, typically not directly relating to the emotional damage suffered. Thus, identifying the juvenile as abused provides a clearer connection to the profound emotional impact that abuse can have on a young individual.