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Juvenile law in Chur - the capital of the Canton of Graubunden - covers the legal rules and procedures that apply to children and young people. In Switzerland juvenile matters are handled in several areas - juvenile criminal law, family law and child protection. The overall aim is different from adult law - emphasis is placed on education, protection and social reintegration rather than on pure punishment. Local authorities that typically become involved include the cantonal juvenile prosecutor or youth public prosecutor, the juvenile court, and the Child and Adult Protection Authority - known as KESB (Kindes- und Erwachsenenschutzbehorde) in Swiss law. If you are unfamiliar with Swiss procedure, Chur applies the cantonal rules of Graubunden together with federal Swiss law.
You may need a lawyer when a young person, parent or guardian faces legal decisions that affect liberty, residence, custody, or parental rights. Common situations include:
- A child or young person is suspected of or charged with a criminal offence and is questioned by police or juvenile authorities.
- The KESB proposes protective measures such as removal from the home, placement in foster care, appointment of a guardian, or restrictions on parental authority.
- Parents are involved in a custody, access or maintenance dispute after separation or divorce.
- A school disciplinary or welfare situation escalates and legal intervention is possible or proposed.
- You need to challenge a decision by the juvenile prosecutor, KESB or a cantonal court, or you want to negotiate restorative measures, diversion or alternative sanctions.
A specialised lawyer helps protect the childs rights during interviews and proceedings, explains procedures and options, negotiates with authorities, and represents the family in court. Lawyers can also advise about legal aid and how to limit long-term consequences for the young person.
Key aspects of juvenile law in Chur and the Canton of Graubunden include:
- Age of responsibility - In Switzerland the minimum age for criminal responsibility is 10 years. Juvenile rules generally apply to persons under 18. In some cases young adults may be treated under juvenile rules depending on maturity and circumstances.
- Educational focus - The juvenile justice system concentrates on education, rehabilitation and preventing re-offending. Typical responses range from warnings and mediation to supervision, therapy and placement measures.
- Range of measures - For criminal matters authorities may use diversion, admonitions, educational measures, and in more serious cases juvenile detention. For child protection the KESB can order measures such as supervision, foster placement, removal from the household or appointment of a guardian.
- Procedural protections - Juvenile proceedings often have additional privacy protections. Hearings are commonly closed to the public and records are handled with confidentiality in mind. The young person has the right to be heard and to legal representation.
- Cantonal administration - Practical procedures and responsible offices are organised at cantonal level. In Graubunden the KESB, cantonal juvenile prosecutor and juvenile courts apply cantonal rules consistent with federal legislation.
- Records and consequences - Criminal records for juveniles are treated differently from adult records; in many cases entries are limited or sealed to reduce lifelong impact, subject to statutory conditions. Civil measures such as changes in guardianship or custody can have enduring effects and are subject to review.
The minimum age for criminal responsibility in Switzerland is 10 years. Children under 10 cannot be prosecuted. Young people from about 10 up to 18 are usually handled under juvenile procedures, with an emphasis on measures that aim at education and reintegration rather than punishment.
If the police wish to question a child, they should follow juvenile procedure safeguards - inform parents or guardians, allow the child to have legal representation or a trusted adult present, and take the child’s age and maturity into account. You should ask for a lawyer before any formal questioning and request that the parents be notified. If in doubt, do not let the child make statements without legal advice.
KESB - the Child and Adult Protection Authority - intervenes when a child’s welfare, safety or development is at risk. That can include serious neglect, abuse, parental incapacity, or situations where the child is exposed to harm. KESB can investigate, propose protective measures, require supervision, or in serious cases place a child outside the home or change guardianship arrangements.
Juvenile detention exists but is used as a measure of last resort. When applied it is subject to strict conditions and focused on protection and rehabilitation. The juvenile system generally prefers educational measures, community-based supervision and treatment over custodial sentences.
No. KESB aims to use the least intrusive measure needed. Parental authority is not automatically removed. The authority may propose supervision, support services or limited measures first. Removal of parental authority or placement outside the home is considered only when parents are unable or unwilling to ensure the childs safety and development.
If you cannot afford private counsel you can apply for cantonal legal aid. Each canton has procedures to assess income and assets to decide on assistance. Ask the cantonal legal aid office or a local court clerk in Chur how to apply - legal aid can cover full or partial costs, and counsel appointed under legal aid will represent your interests in juvenile and family matters.
Juvenile records are treated differently from adult records. In many cases records are limited, sealed or deleted after certain conditions are met to reduce lifelong consequences. The exact treatment depends on the nature of the offence, any imposed measures and legal timeframes. An experienced lawyer can advise on likely outcomes and means to limit record retention.
Foreign nationals face additional complications - immigration consequences, return decisions, or cross-border custody disputes. Cantonal immigration authorities and federal agencies may become involved. If you or the child are not Swiss citizens, consult a lawyer who understands both juvenile law and immigration or international family law to protect the childs status and rights.
Yes - KESB decisions can normally be appealed. Appeal rules and deadlines vary by canton, so you should act quickly. An appeal typically goes to a cantonal court or specialised chamber and may suspend the measure in some cases. A lawyer can help file timely appeals, present evidence and seek interim protections while the appeal is pending.
If a child is in immediate danger contact the police or emergency services right away. For non-immediate concerns you can report to KESB, the school, or local child protection services. Keep clear records of incidents, save communications, and seek urgent legal and social support. Hotlines and local youth counselling services can also provide immediate guidance and referrals.
Helpful organisations and bodies to contact from Chur and Graubunden include:
- KESB Graubunden - the Child and Adult Protection Authority for the canton, responsible for protective measures and guardianship cases.
- Cantonal Juvenile Prosecutor or Jugendanwaltschaft - handles juvenile criminal matters and decisions on diversion, measures and prosecutions.
- Cantonal Court or Juvenile Court - where appeals and judicial decisions are made in family and juvenile cases.
- Cantonal legal aid office - to apply for financial assistance for legal representation.
- Pro Juventute - a Swiss organisation offering advice and support for children and families, including information about rights and social services.
- Dargebotene Hand - Switzerland’s helpline for children and young people (telephone counselling and support).
- Swiss Bar Association - to locate lawyers who specialise in juvenile, family and criminal law.
- Local youth counselling centres, school social workers and family counselling services in Chur - for practical, non-legal support and coordination with authorities.
- Federal Office of Justice - provides information on national regulations and rights under Swiss federal law.
If you need legal assistance in juvenile matters in Chur follow these practical steps:
- Stay calm and collect documentation - dates, correspondence, school records, medical reports and any communications with authorities. Clear notes are useful.
- Do not consent to interviews or sign legal documents for the child without consulting a lawyer. Request presence of a parent or counsel during questioning.
- Contact a lawyer with experience in juvenile, family or child protection law. If cost is a concern, contact the cantonal legal aid office to learn about eligibility for public assistance.
- If the child is in immediate danger, call emergency services or the police without delay. For urgent emotional or counselling support use local child helplines or youth services.
- If KESB or the juvenile prosecutor contacts you, respond in writing and request clear information about the case, your rights and deadlines. You can request mediation or alternatives where appropriate.
- Prepare for hearings - get records together, agree on a single family representative for communication when appropriate, and follow your lawyer’s advice to protect the childs best interests.
Getting specialist advice early helps protect rights and improves outcomes. If you are unsure where to start, contact the cantonal legal aid office or a family law specialist in Chur for an initial consultation.
