STATE OF IDAHO JUDICIAL BRANCH
Supreme Court

Idaho Juvenile Rule 4. Petition (J.C.A.)

(a) Title; Form of the Petition. A petition under the Juvenile Corrections Act, title 20, chapter 5, Idaho Code, (J.C.A.) and all court documents filed in the case must be titled “In the interest of [name of juvenile], a juvenile under (eighteen) 18 years of age.” The petition may be made upon information and belief, and must include the following, or state if any of the facts are not known by the petitioner, under oath:

(1) the alleged facts which may bring the juvenile within the purview of the J.C.A.;

(2) the name, age, and residence of the juvenile; and

(3) the names and residences of the following:

(i) his parents and spouse;

(ii) his legal guardian;

(iii) the person or persons having custody or control of the juvenile; or

(iv) the nearest known relative if no parent or guardian can be found.

(4) the petition must inform the juvenile, the parents, legal guardian or other person legally obligated to care for and support the juvenile that service of the petition subjects them to the provisions of the J.C.A.

(b) Amendment of Petition. If no additional or different offense is charged and substantial rights of the juvenile are not prejudiced, the court may permit amendment of a petition at any time before the prosecution rests their case.

(Adopted November 6, 2025, effective January 1, 2026.)