VA SB18

Establishes 11 years of age as the minimum age for a child to be adjudicated as a "delinquent child" in Virginia's juvenile justice system.

Creates a new category of "child in need of services" for children younger than 11 who commit acts that would be delinquent if committed by an older child, directing them to services rather than delinquency proceedings.

Amends disposition options under § 16.1-278.8 to apply only to juveniles 11 years of age or older found to be delinquent.

Expands grounds for taking a child alleged to be in need of services into immediate custody to include situations where there is a clear and substantial danger to the safety of the child's family or the safety of the public.

Amends § 18.2-371 regarding contributing to the delinquency of minors to align with the new minimum age threshold for delinquency adjudication.