What does the term "delinquent" refer to in the juvenile justice system?

The term "delinquent" in the juvenile justice system primarily refers to a juvenile who has been formally adjudicated for a delinquent act. This means that the juvenile has gone through the legal process and has been found to have committed an offense that violates the laws or ordinances applicable to minors. This adjudication signifies a legal recognition of the act and often leads to consequences such as rehabilitation measures, probation, or placement in a juvenile facility.

In contrast, the other choices highlight different aspects not aligned with the formal adjudication process. A juvenile committing a non-serious act may not necessarily be deemed delinquent in a legal sense unless formal proceedings are initiated. A child who has never been in trouble is simply not engaged with the juvenile justice system and therefore cannot be classified as delinquent. Lastly, while engaging in status offenses (behavior that is illegal only for minors, such as truancy or running away from home) does contribute to a minor's interaction with the juvenile justice system, it does not encompass the broader definition of being labeled as delinquent without undergoing formal adjudication.