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Juvenile law covers legal rules and procedures that apply to children and young people. In Tavannes, as elsewhere in Switzerland, juvenile matters are governed by a combination of federal law and cantonal practice. Two main areas are usually involved - criminal matters where a young person is suspected of committing an offence, and child protection and family matters such as custody, parental authority, placement and care. The system generally emphasizes education, protection and reintegration rather than pure punishment. Local authorities in the Canton of Bern, municipal social services in Tavannes and specialized cantonal bodies implement federal norms and make decisions at the local level.
- If a child or young person is questioned by police or charged with a criminal offence, a lawyer protects their legal rights and helps with procedural steps.
- If child protection authorities propose measures such as placing a child in care or restricting parental authority, legal advice helps parents and guardians understand options and appeal rights.
- In family law cases involving separation, custody, visitation and child support, a lawyer helps to negotiate agreements or represent you in court.
- For disputes about school measures, compulsory schooling questions, or special educational needs where legal procedure or administrative appeals are needed, legal guidance can be important.
- If you need to apply for legal aid, challenge official reports, or request urgent protection measures, a lawyer can prepare documentation and represent you in hearings.
- Age of responsibility and scope: In Switzerland, criminal responsibility for children normally starts at 10 years. Young people under 18 are usually dealt with under juvenile procedures which focus on education and social reintegration. In some cases, young adults up to about 21 or 25 may be treated under juvenile rules depending on maturity and circumstances, according to applicable rules.
- Goals of juvenile proceedings: The emphasis is on protection, education and prevention. Sanctions are often educational measures, supervision, community-based measures, or placement; custodial sentences exist but are more limited than in adult law.
- Child protection and parental authority: Civil rules on parental authority, custody, and maintenance are governed by federal civil law and applied by cantonal authorities. Where a child may be at risk, the Cantonal Child and Adult Protection Authority (KESB in German, Autorité de protection de l'enfant et de l'adulte in French in some areas) can order measures such as family support, supervised contacts or out-of-home placement.
- Local implementation: The Canton of Bern operates youth prosecution and protection services and local family and juvenile courts or panels. Municipal social services in Tavannes will often be the first contact for welfare concerns and coordinate with cantonal bodies. Procedural rules and court names vary somewhat by canton, so local practice in Bern is important.
- Rights in proceedings: Children and parents have procedural rights - to be informed, to be heard, to have legal representation, and to appeal decisions. Translation and interpretation support should be available if needed.
Criminal responsibility normally begins at 10 years old. Young people under 18 are generally treated under juvenile law, with procedures that prioritize education and reintegration. Local authorities in the Canton of Bern apply these federal principles in Tavannes.
Prison is a last resort. Juvenile measures focus on education, supervision, and placement in specialised facilities. There are custodial options for serious cases, but these are shorter and designed to be corrective rather than purely punitive.
Yes. If the child is at serious risk, the cantonal child protection authority can order temporary placement or other protective measures. Authorities must consider least-restrictive options and parents have rights to be informed, heard and to appeal.
Yes, a child has the right to legal representation. For criminal offence investigations or when protective measures are proposed, a lawyer or an appointed counsel will help ensure the childâs rights are respected and assist in negotiations and appeals.
Contact the Cantonal Bar Association or local legal aid office, ask the municipal social services in Tavannes for recommendations, or search for family and juvenile law specialists in the Canton of Bern. Many lawyers will offer an initial consultation to explain next steps and fees.
Yes. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be eligible for legal aid - unentgeltliche Rechtspflege - at cantonal level. The criteria and application process are set by the Canton of Bern and can be initiated through the court or legal aid office.
Remain calm, ask for the reason for questioning and request that a parent or guardian and a lawyer be present. You have the right to be informed and to seek legal advice before your child answers substantive questions.
Record retention and sealing rules depend on the type of record and the decision. Juvenile records are generally treated more leniently than adult records and there are procedures for limiting access, sealing or expunging records over time, especially when rehabilitation is successful. A lawyer can advise on specific timelines and procedures.
Parental authority and custody are decided in the childâs best interest. In separation, courts will decide custody and visitation, and in protective cases the authority can be restricted or supervised if parents are unable to care for the child. Alternatives like shared custody, supervised contacts or support measures are commonly used.
Yes. Cross-cantonal recognition within Switzerland generally applies, and international situations may raise additional rules about jurisdiction and enforcement. If an issue involves another country, you should seek specialist advice early because international family or criminal aspects are more complex.
- Cantonal Child and Adult Protection Authority (KESB) - the local body that handles protection measures and placements.
- Cantonal youth prosecution office and juvenile justice services in the Canton of Bern - they deal with criminal matters involving minors.
- Municipal social services in Tavannes - first line contact for welfare concerns and local coordination.
- Canton of Bern legal aid office - for information about financial assistance for legal representation.
- Swiss Bar Association or the cantonal bar association - for finding qualified lawyers who specialise in juvenile, family and criminal law.
- Non-governmental child welfare organisations such as Pro Juventute and national child-rights organisations - for advice, counselling and family support services.
- School social workers, psychologists and local family counselling centres - for support that can complement legal advice.
- Gather documentation: school records, official letters, police reports, medical or social service reports and any written communications relevant to the case.
- Contact local social services in Tavannes to explain the situation and ask for immediate guidance or support.
- Arrange an initial consultation with a lawyer who has experience in juvenile or family law. Ask about legal aid if you cannot afford fees.
- Attend all hearings and meetings. Prepare notes about dates, witnesses and the childâs needs so you can present a clear picture to authorities or the court.
- If there is immediate danger to a child, contact emergency services or request an urgent protection measure through municipal authorities or the cantonal protection body.
- Keep records of all contacts and decisions, and ask for copies of official documents. If language assistance is needed, request an interpreter early so the child and family can fully participate in proceedings.
Seeking professional legal advice early helps protect rights and improves the chances of a solution that prioritises the childâs welfare and long-term prospects.
