If a juvenile is questioned without a parent present, where must the questioning occur and what must be ensured?

• A. At any location; no adults required
• B. The juvenile will be questioned at a designated facility, with a good faith effort to have a competent adult present, and rights advised
• C. In a private home; no adults required
• D. In a school; with a police officer only

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is protecting a juvenile’s rights during questioning when no parent is present. The proper approach is to conduct the questioning at a designated facility, not in a private home or school, so the environment is controlled and appropriate safeguards are in place. There must also be a good faith effort to have a competent adult present—someone who can supervise and help the juvenile understand and exercise their rights, such as a parent, guardian, or attorney. Finally, the juvenile’s rights must be advised before any questioning, so they know they can consult with counsel and understand the potential consequences of answering questions. This combination helps prevent coercion, ensures the interrogation is fair, and makes any statements reliable and admissible.