The Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino Juvenile Court limits access to juvenile court records in accordance with California Rule of Court 5.552, and Welfare and Institution Code section 827. Juvenile court records may not be obtained or inspected by civil or criminal subpoena. Therefore, no information can be released over the telephone because photo identification cannot be verified, and this would include acknowledging that a juvenile case matter or file is on record.

Other interested persons and the news media may petition the San Bernardino County Juvenile Court for access to specific juvenile court records or to attend specific juvenile court hearings using the “Request for Disclosure of Juvenile Case File” Judicial Council form and Proof of Service – Request for Disclosure Form.

Request for Disclosure of Juvenile Case File forms (WIC Section 827) are also available at the Juvenile Court, 900 E. Gilbert St., Bldg. 35, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0942. There is no charge for the form.

The completed Request for Disclosure of Juvenile Case File and Proof of Service-Request for Disclosure Form can be mailed to the above address or delivered to Juvenile Court. The attorneys involved in the Juvenile Court case will be notified and given an opportunity to respond to the petition. If an objection is received, the court will set the Request for Disclosure for a hearing.

If no objection is received within required time frame, and after reviewing the Request for Disclosure of Juvenile Case File, the Presiding Judge of Juvenile Court will either grant or deny the request. The petitioner is then notified and can make arrangements to come in and view the file. Copies can be obtained at a rate of .50¢ per page. Certification is available for an additional fee. The court does not charge the minor for copies of their own file with photo identification. Juvenile court records may not be obtained or inspected by civil or criminal subpoena.

IMPORTANT: Only forms completed in ink or typed forms with original signatures will be accepted. Forms must be completed in their entirety. If you have any questions about obtaining juvenile court records please call (909) 269-8840

Case Retention

Unless the court determines otherwise, juvenile court records shall be ordered destroyed five years after sealing, or when a dependent reaches the age of 28 or a ward reaches the age of 21 or 38. (Welfare and Institutions Code § 389(c), 781(d), 826) 

Links to the forms are below: