Juvenile Court

The Juvenile Court plays an important role in holding juveniles accountable for their criminal acts as well as protecting children from abuse and neglect. 

To report suspected abuse or neglect of a child or an adult, please call the Department of Health & Human Services Centralized Intake at 1-855-444-3911.


Michigan’s Child Protection Law defines child abuse and neglect as harm or threatened harm to a child’s health or welfare by a parent, legal guardian or any other person responsible for the child’s health or welfare.

In Michigan, the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) is responsible for investigating reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. It is required that DHHS evaluate the risk to the child and determine the potential for positive family change during the investigation. If DHHS believes the child is at risk of harm in the home, a formal complaint is prepared and a Preliminary Hearing scheduled in Juvenile Court. The Juvenile Court has the authority to remove children from their home and place them elsewhere or order a parent from the home to maintain the children’s safety while the case is proceeding.

When a neglect/abuse hearing is scheduled in Juvenile Court, a parent is entitled to a court-appointed attorney if the parent can demonstrate an inability to afford one. Requests for a court-appointed attorney should be made before the hearing to avoid delaying the hearing. The request must be made on an approved court form and specific financial information must accompany the request. 

Click here for Financial Forms


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Judge Cole
Honorable Angela M. Cole

HOW TO REACH US

301 W Main Street, Level B

Midland, MI 48640

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone:

Juvenile - (989) 832-6866

Probate - (989) 832-6880

Fax: (989) 832-6607