Confidentiality of Juvenile Court Records

Virginia’s laws regarding confidentiality of Juvenile Court records exist to protect sensitive information regarding minors.

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-305, juvenile court records are open to inspection by:

  • The judge, probation officers and professional staff assigned to serve the juvenile and domestic relations district courts;
  • Representatives of a public or private agency or department providing supervision or having legal custody of the child or furnishing evaluation or treatment of the child ordered or requested by the court;
  • The attorney for any party, including the attorney for the Commonwealth;
  • Any other person, agency or institution, by order of the court, having a legitimate interest in the case or in the work of the court.

Adult records are open to the public, except for certain reports and child and spousal support case files.