West Virginia Code
Article 1. General Provisions and Definitions
§49-1-202. Definitions Related, but Not Limited, to Adult, Child, Developmental Disability, and Transitioning Adult Status

When used in this chapter, terms defined in this section have the meanings ascribed to them that relate to, but are not limited to, adult, child, developmental disability, and transitioning adult status, except in those instances where a different meaning is provided or the context in which the word is used clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended.
"Adult" means a person who is at least eighteen years of age.
“Child” or “Juvenile” means any person under eighteen years of age or is a transitioning adult. Once a child or juvenile is transferred to a court with criminal jurisdiction pursuant to section seven hundred ten, article four of this chapter, he or she shall remain a child or juvenile for the purposes of the applicability of this chapter. Unless otherwise stated, for the purpose of child care services “child” means an individual who meets one of the following conditions:
(A) Is under thirteen years of age;
(B) Is thirteen to eighteen years of age and under court supervision; or
(C) Is thirteen to eighteen years of age and presenting a significant delay of at least twenty-five percent in one or more areas of development, or a six month delay in two or more areas as determined by an early intervention program, special education program or other multidisciplinary team.
“Juvenile delinquent” means a juvenile who has been adjudicated as one who commits an act which would be a crime under state law or a municipal ordinance if committed by an adult.
“Status offender” means a juvenile who has been adjudicated as one:
(A) Who habitually and continually refuses to respond to the lawful supervision by his or her parents, guardian or legal custodian such that the juvenile's behavior substantially endangers the health, safety or welfare of the juvenile or any other person;
(B) Who has left the care of his or her parents, guardian or custodian without the consent of that person or without good cause; or
(C) Who is habitually absent from school without good cause.
“Transitioning adult” means an individual with a transfer plan to move to an adult setting who meets one of the following conditions:
(A) Is eighteen years of age but under twenty-one years of age, was in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Resources upon reaching eighteen years of age and committed an act of delinquency before reaching eighteen years of age, remains under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, and requires supervision and care to complete an education and or treatment program which was initiated prior to the eighteenth birthday; or
(B) Is eighteen years of age but under twenty-one years of age, was adjudicated abused, neglected, or in the custody of the Department of Health and Human Resources upon reaching eighteen years of age and enters into a contract with the Department of Health and Human Resources to continue in an educational, training, or treatment program which was initiated prior to the eighteenth birthday.

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