Minors on formal probation, aka “wardship”

A “wardship” disposition happens when the court declares a youth a “ward” and places the youth on formal probation under the control of the Probation Department. 

The youth is formally a “ward” of the Juvenile Court and is supervised by the Juvenile Court (via the Probation Department) until they successfully complete all required terms.  

Probation supervision can last anywhere between 6 months and several years.  The Juvenile Court can keep a youth on probation up until the age of 21 for most offenses.