Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Juvenile law covers legal matters that affect children and young people - typically persons under 18 years old - and the adults responsible for them. In Skive, Denmark, juvenile law includes criminal matters involving young offenders, child-protection and social measures taken by the municipality, and family-law issues such as custody, visitation and parental responsibility. Cases are handled within a framework of national Danish legislation, local municipal practice and specialised public agencies that aim to balance accountability, protection and the best interests of the child.
Key public players include Skive Kommune - which assesses and implements social measures - the police and prosecution when criminal conduct is alleged, courts that may apply juvenile-specific procedures or sanctions, and national agencies such as Familieretshuset that assist with family-law matters. The general approach is to prioritise rehabilitation, education and social support for children and young people while ensuring public safety and rights protection.
Juvenile matters often involve high stakes for children and their families. You may need a lawyer in the following common situations:
- When a young person is suspected of or charged with a criminal offence and is contacted by the police or prosecution. A lawyer explains rights, attends interrogations and represents the child in court.
- If Skive Kommune proposes a care placement, foster placement or other compulsory social measure under the Social Services Act. A lawyer can advise about legal grounds, representation at meetings, and options to challenge decisions.
- In custody, visitation and parental responsibility disputes where agreements break down and court decisions are necessary. Lawyers help prepare applications, evidence and present the child s best interests.
- Where the municipality seeks emergency measures, inpatient treatment or psychiatric detention, and parents or the child want legal advice or to appeal decisions.
- If there are complaints against the municipality, the police or other authorities - including appeals to the Social Appeals Board or applications for compensation.
- For guidance on records, confidentiality, school disciplinary actions and data access when a child s educational or health records are involved.
Several areas of Danish law are particularly relevant in Skive. The most important are described below in accessible terms.
- Criminal responsibility and juvenile criminal law - In Denmark, the minimum age of criminal responsibility is 15. Persons under 15 cannot be prosecuted for criminal offences. For youth aged 15-17, special juvenile procedures, sanctions and rehabilitation measures apply. For young adults aged 18-20, courts may take age and maturity into account when deciding measures and sentences.
- Criminal procedure - Police investigations involving minors must respect the child s rights. Minors are normally entitled to have a lawyer or guardian present during questioning. The prosecution service assesses whether to bring charges; courts decide guilt and suitable measures.
- Social Services Act - The Social Services Act governs child protection, support measures and placements. Municipalities - including Skive Kommune - are responsible for assessments and interventions when a child s development or safety is at risk. Interventions can range from family support to voluntary or compulsory out-of-home placement.
- Family law - Family law matters - custody, parental responsibility, visitation and maintenance - are handled through family courts and Familieretshuset. Decisions are based on the child s best interests and on Danish rules about parental authority.
- Administrative law and appeals - Decisions by Skive Kommune can often be appealed to the municipal appeals body and ultimately to the Social Appeals Board - Ankestyrelsen. There are strict time-limits and procedural steps for appeals.
- Confidentiality, data protection and records - Child welfare and criminal records are confidential, but parents and legal guardians usually have rights to access certain records. Personal data is protected under Danish law and EU data protection rules.
- Right to legal aid - In criminal cases minors generally have the right to a defence lawyer. In many civil and administrative juvenile matters, legal aid - known as fri proces - may be available depending on the case and the applicant s financial situation.
The minimum age of criminal responsibility in Denmark is 15 years. Children under 15 cannot be prosecuted for criminal offences. Young people aged 15-17 are treated under juvenile rules that emphasise education and rehabilitation. Courts may consider age and maturity for 18-20 year-olds when deciding sentences.
Yes - minors are normally entitled to have a lawyer or a trusted adult present during police questioning. It is important to request a lawyer before any formal interview. The lawyer can advise the child of rights, help prevent self-incrimination and ensure the interview follows required safeguards.
Skive Kommune can offer voluntary family support, counselling, school-related measures, or propose care placements if necessary. In urgent or serious cases the municipality can seek compulsory measures under the Social Services Act. Any decision must be based on an assessment of the child s best interests and may be appealed.
You should first request the municipality s written decision and reasoning. Administrative decisions typically include information about appeal rights and deadlines. You can submit an appeal to the municipal appeals instance and, in many cases, escalate to the national Social Appeals Board - Ankestyrelsen. A lawyer experienced in juvenile and administrative law can guide you through the process and prepare the appeal.
Parents are not generally criminally liable for ordinary offences committed by their children. However, parents can face criminal charges in limited circumstances - for example, gross neglect, endangering a child s welfare or specific offences where parental behaviour directly contributed to the act. Administrative measures by the municipality are more common for parenting-related concerns.
Juvenile records are handled with particular confidentiality. Records of criminal investigations and convictions involving minors are treated differently than adult records and are subject to restrictions on disclosure. Over time, records may be sealed or limited in accessibility, and rehabilitation is a guiding principle. A lawyer can explain how a specific record may affect future opportunities.
A youth sanction is a special penal measure designed for serious offences committed by young offenders aged 15-17. It combines supervision, education and treatment elements rather than focusing solely on punishment. The aim is to promote reintegration and reduce reoffending. Whether it is applied depends on the offence and the young person s needs.
Look for lawyers or law firms that explicitly list juvenile, family or child-protection law among their practice areas. You can ask Skive Kommune or local court staff for a list of practitioners with experience in juvenile cases, contact the Danish Bar and Law Society for a directory, and request an initial consultation to discuss experience, fees and legal-aid options.
Yes - many decisions have strict appeal deadlines that must be observed. In urgent situations, you can apply for expedited procedures or interim measures. It is important to act quickly, obtain the written decision, and contact a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve appeal rights and meet deadlines.
Bring any written decisions or correspondence from Skive Kommune, police reports or summons, school reports, medical records relevant to the case, and a brief timeline of events. Also prepare a list of questions and any witnesses or contacts who can provide supporting information. The lawyer will advise on which documents are most important.
Below are local and national bodies and organisations that can help with juvenile-law matters in Skive.
- Skive Kommune - municipal social services and child-protection department handles local assessments and interventions.
- Police - local police station for reports, investigations and custody matters.
- Familieretshuset - the national family-law service that assists with custody, visitation and parental responsibility issues.
- Ankestyrelsen - the Social Appeals Board which reviews appeals against municipal decisions in social matters.
- The Prosecution Service - handles decisions about criminal charges and prosecution of juvenile cases.
- Børneombudsmanden - the Danish Ombudsman for Children, which monitors children s rights and can provide guidance about rights and standards.
- Børns Vilkår and Red Barnet - national non-governmental organisations offering information, counselling and support for children and families.
- Danish Bar and Law Society - for locating qualified lawyers and information about legal aid schemes.
- Legal aid - enquires about the availability of fri proces for civil and administrative juvenile matters or appointment of a defence counsel in criminal proceedings.
If you or your child need legal assistance in Skive, follow these practical steps:
- Stay calm and document everything - write down dates, times, names of officials, and what was said at meetings or interviews. Keep copies of all written decisions and correspondence.
- Contact Skive Kommune to request written decisions and clarity about procedures, or to ask for an explanation of proposed measures.
- If the police or prosecution are involved, request that a lawyer be present before any formal questioning. Do not let the child speak to authorities alone.
- Find a lawyer experienced in juvenile law - ask about experience with social-services cases, youth criminal law and family court. Discuss fees and whether you qualify for legal aid - fri proces.
- Prepare for meetings - bring records, school reports and any medical or psychological assessments that support the child s needs or your position.
- Use appeal mechanisms within the time limits if you disagree with a municipal decision. Your lawyer can file timely appeals and requests for interim relief if needed.
- Seek support services - counselling, parental support programs and child welfare organisations can help while legal processes run their course.
- In emergencies where the child s safety is at immediate risk, contact the police or emergency services and inform the municipality immediately.
Legal situations involving children are sensitive and often complex. Early legal advice helps protect rights, preserves appeal options and ensures that decisions about the child prioritise welfare and lawful procedure. If you are unsure where to start, contact Skive s social services and request information about your rights and local support, and arrange an initial consultation with a lawyer who specialises in juvenile matters.
