Detention - status of a juvenile being secured in a juvenile facility under the order of the court on a temporary basis while awaiting a juvenile court hearing.
Petition - the document that formally brings charges against the child in juvenile court (analogous to the term "indictment" in adult court).
Adjudication - finding by the Juvenile Court that a child accused of a delinquent act committed the act either after a plea or trial.
Disposition - sanctions imposed by the juvenile judge (or agreed to in a diversion program) for the purpose of addressing juvenile's illegal act and holding the child accountable for problematic behavior.
Secure Placement - status of a juvenile being held in a secure facility under court order for the purpose of complying with the terms of a disposition order (analogous to the term "incarceration" in adult court).