Legal Definitions - UIJC

UIJC stands for the Uniform Interstate Juvenile Compact.

The Uniform Interstate Juvenile Compact (UIJC) is an agreement among most U.S. states that establishes a framework for cooperation when juveniles (minors under a certain age, typically 18) are involved in legal matters that cross state lines. This compact helps ensure the proper supervision, return, and placement of juveniles who are on probation or parole, have run away, or need to be placed in another state for their welfare. It provides a legal and administrative process for states to work together to protect children and enforce juvenile court orders across state borders.

• Example 1: Interstate Probation Supervision

  A 16-year-old in Colorado is placed on probation for a minor offense. A few months later, their family decides to relocate permanently to Arizona. Under the UIJC, Colorado authorities can transfer the supervision of the teenager's probation to Arizona's juvenile justice system. This means the conditions of their probation will continue to be monitored and enforced in Arizona, preventing the juvenile from avoiding accountability simply by moving to a different state.

• Example 2: Returning a Runaway Juvenile

  A 14-year-old runs away from their home in Georgia and is later found by police living with an acquaintance in Florida. Because both Georgia and Florida are part of the UIJC, Georgia authorities can initiate a process to have the juvenile returned. The compact provides the legal mechanism for Florida to hold the juvenile safely and facilitate their return to Georgia, allowing the Georgia court to address the runaway situation and ensure the child's welfare.

• Example 3: Interstate Placement for Foster Care

  A court in Massachusetts determines that a child needs to be placed in foster care, and the most suitable placement is with a relative who lives in Connecticut. The UIJC facilitates this interstate placement. It provides the legal framework for Massachusetts to request that Connecticut supervise the child's placement with the relative, ensuring that the child's welfare is monitored in the new state and that the Massachusetts court's orders regarding the child's care are respected and enforced across state lines.