Rankin County, Mississippi

Youth Court

Special Notice

As many of you are aware, the City of Pearl Youth Court has closed. All cases have been transferred to the Rankin County Youth Court. We know many of you have questions regarding your case and we look forward to working with you.  We intend on reviewing each and every case as quickly as possible.  All current cases set for a hearing will be heard at the Rankin County Youth Court located at 100 Court Cove, Pelahatchie, Mississippi.  (If you are using a GPS device, please type in 108 Industrial Drive, Pelahatchie, Mississippi).  For questions related to the transfer, please contact us at youthcourt@rankincounty.org.  We will respond as quickly as possible to your questions.  Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

The Youth Court is a division of the County Court and is responsible for handling cases involving persons under the age of 18 who fall under the following categories:

• Delinquent Child
• Child in Need of Supervision
• Abused child
• Neglected child

Youth Court has exclusive jurisdiction involving persons under the age of 18 and hears the following type cases:

• Hearings when a child commits a delinquent act – an act that would carry criminal punishments if committed by an adult;
• Hearings when a child has been abused or neglected – whether it be physical, mental or sexual abuse/neglect;
• Hearings when a child is unruly or in need of supervision and is a dependent child;
• Involuntary committals of children in need of special care or mental treatment. Youth Court may also hear cases to terminate parental rights when parent(s) have failed or neglected certain key duties to the child or children.

Mission Statement

The Youth Court was created 1)to prevent and reduce youth delinquency and incorrigible behavior (CHINS) through intake assessment, counseling, court, probation, detention services and 2)to provide safety, security, welfare and protection for abused and neglected children with advocacy for a safe, permanent and nurturing home environment. These endeavors are in an effort to provide balanced attention to protecting the community from delinquency, accountability for offenses committed and development and protection of our youth’s physical, mental and moral development to become productive, responsible citizens.