{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/16.1-278.8_01.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/16.1-278.8_01.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/16.1-278.8_01.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/16.1-278.8_01.html"}],"law_id":67041,"edition_id":1,"section_id":67041,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.8:01","catch_line":"Juveniles found delinquent of first drug offense; screening; assessment; drug tests; costs and fees; education or treatment programs","history":"2000, cc. 1020, 1041; 2009, cc. 813, 840; 2011, cc. 384, 410; 2014, cc. 674, 719; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550, 551.","full_text":"Whenever any juvenile who has not previously been found delinquent of any offense under Chapter 11 (\u00a7 4.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 4.1 or Article 1 (\u00a7 18.2-247 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 or under any statute of the United States or of any state relating to narcotic drugs, marijuana, or stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic drugs, or has not previously had a proceeding against him for a violation of such an offense dismissed as provided in \u00a7 4.1-1120 or 18.2-251, is found delinquent of any offense concerning the use, in any manner, of drugs, controlled substances, narcotics, marijuana, noxious chemical substances and like substances, the juvenile court or the circuit court shall require such juvenile to undergo a substance abuse screening pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-273 and to submit to such periodic substance abuse testing, to include alcohol testing, as may be directed by the court. Such testing shall be conducted by a court services unit of the Department of Juvenile Justice, or by a locally operated court services unit or by personnel of any program or agency approved by the Department. The cost of such testing ordered by the court shall be paid by the Commonwealth from funds appropriated to the Department for this purpose. The court shall also order the juvenile to undergo such treatment or education program for substance abuse, if available, as the court deems appropriate based upon consideration of the substance abuse assessment. The treatment or education shall be provided by a program licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or by a similar program available through a facility or program operated by or under contract to the Department of Juvenile Justice or a locally operated court services unit or a program funded through the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (\u00a7 16.1-309.2 et seq.).","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":242976,"text":"Whenever any juvenile who has not previously been found delinquent of any offense under Chapter 11 (\u00a7 4.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 4.1 or Article 1 (\u00a7 18.2-247 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 or under any statute of the United States or of any state relating to narcotic drugs, marijuana, or stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic drugs, or has not previously had a proceeding against him for a violation of such an offense dismissed as provided in \u00a7 4.1-1120 or 18.2-251, is found delinquent of any offense concerning the use, in any manner, of drugs, controlled substances, narcotics, marijuana, noxious chemical substances and like substances, the juvenile court or the circuit court shall require such juvenile to undergo a substance abuse screening pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-273 and to submit to such periodic substance abuse testing, to include alcohol testing, as may be directed by the court. Such testing shall be conducted by a court services unit of the Department of Juvenile Justice, or by a locally operated court services unit or by personnel of any program or agency approved by the Department. The cost of such testing ordered by the court shall be paid by the Commonwealth from funds appropriated to the Department for this purpose. The court shall also order the juvenile to undergo such treatment or education program for substance abuse, if available, as the court deems appropriate based upon consideration of the substance abuse assessment. The treatment or education shall be provided by a program licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or by a similar program available through a facility or program operated by or under contract to the Department of Juvenile Justice or a locally operated court services unit or a program funded through the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (\u00a7 16.1-309.2 et seq.).","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":13006,"edition_id":1,"name":"Disposition","identifier":"9","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12701,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:08","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:08","permalink":{"id":161781,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13006,"identifier":"9","token":"16.1\/11\/9","url":"\/16.1\/11\/9\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12701,"edition_id":1,"name":"Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts","identifier":"11","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12700,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":160945,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12701,"identifier":"11","token":"16.1\/11","url":"\/16.1\/11\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12700,"edition_id":1,"name":"Courts Not of Record","identifier":"16.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":160919,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12700,"identifier":"16.1","token":"16.1","url":"\/16.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":61839,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278","catch_line":"Cooperation of certain agencies, officials, institutions and associations","url":"\/16.1-278\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278","metadata":false},{"id":71042,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.1","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/16.1-278.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.1","metadata":false},{"id":82666,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.10","catch_line":"Traffic infractions","url":"\/16.1-278.10\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.10","metadata":false},{"id":81073,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.11","catch_line":"Mental illness and intellectual disability","url":"\/16.1-278.11\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.11","metadata":false},{"id":63604,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.12","catch_line":"When judicial consent in lieu of parental consent authorized","url":"\/16.1-278.12\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.12","metadata":false},{"id":65268,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.13","catch_line":"Work permits; petitions for treatment, etc","url":"\/16.1-278.13\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.13","metadata":false},{"id":75260,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.14","catch_line":"Criminal jurisdiction; protective orders; family offenses","url":"\/16.1-278.14\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.14","metadata":false},{"id":78408,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.15","catch_line":"Custody or visitation, child or spousal support generally","url":"\/16.1-278.15\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.15","metadata":false},{"id":61778,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.16","catch_line":"Failure to comply with support obligation; payroll deduction; commitment","url":"\/16.1-278.16\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.16","metadata":false},{"id":63607,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.17","catch_line":"Pendente lite support","url":"\/16.1-278.17\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.17","metadata":false},{"id":83584,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.17:1","catch_line":"Formula for determination of pendente lite spousal support","url":"\/16.1-278.17_1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.17_1","metadata":false},{"id":59856,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.18","catch_line":"Money judgments","url":"\/16.1-278.18\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.18","metadata":false},{"id":74062,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.19","catch_line":"Attorney fees","url":"\/16.1-278.19\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.19","metadata":false},{"id":59979,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.2","catch_line":"Abused, neglected, or abandoned children or children without parental care","url":"\/16.1-278.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.2","metadata":false},{"id":54079,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.3","catch_line":"Relief of care and custody","url":"\/16.1-278.3\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.3","metadata":false},{"id":86609,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.4","catch_line":"Children in need of services","url":"\/16.1-278.4\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.4","metadata":false},{"id":62708,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.5","catch_line":"Children in need of supervision","url":"\/16.1-278.5\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.5","metadata":false},{"id":74489,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.6","catch_line":"Status offenders","url":"\/16.1-278.6\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.6","metadata":false},{"id":80876,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.7","catch_line":"Commitment to Department of Juvenile Justice","url":"\/16.1-278.7\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.7","metadata":false},{"id":54722,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.7:01","catch_line":"Department to give notice of the receipt of certain persons","url":"\/16.1-278.7_01\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.7_01","metadata":false},{"id":87505,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.7:02","catch_line":"Department to give notice of Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry requirements to certain persons","url":"\/16.1-278.7_02\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.7_02","metadata":false},{"id":62824,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.8","catch_line":"Delinquent juveniles","url":"\/16.1-278.8\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.8","metadata":false},{"id":67041,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.8:01","catch_line":"Juveniles found delinquent of first drug offense; screening; assessment; drug tests; costs and fees; education or treatment programs","url":"\/16.1-278.8_01\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.8_01","metadata":false},{"id":74546,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.9","catch_line":"Delinquent children; loss of driving privileges for alcohol, firearm, and drug offenses; truancy","url":"\/16.1-278.9\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.9","metadata":false},{"id":72132,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-279","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/16.1-279\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-279","metadata":false},{"id":62456,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-279.1","catch_line":"Protective order in cases of family abuse","url":"\/16.1-279.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-279.1","metadata":false},{"id":76101,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-280","catch_line":"Commitment of juveniles with mental illness or intellectual disability","url":"\/16.1-280\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-280","metadata":false},{"id":58560,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-281","catch_line":"Foster care plan","url":"\/16.1-281\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-281","metadata":false},{"id":56077,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-282","catch_line":"Foster care review","url":"\/16.1-282\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-282","metadata":false},{"id":55053,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-282.1","catch_line":"Permanency planning hearing for children in foster care","url":"\/16.1-282.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-282.1","metadata":false},{"id":56299,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-282.2","catch_line":"Annual foster care review","url":"\/16.1-282.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-282.2","metadata":false},{"id":75076,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-283","catch_line":"Termination of residual parental rights","url":"\/16.1-283\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-283","metadata":false},{"id":74001,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-283.1","catch_line":"Authority to enter into voluntary post-adoption contact and communication agreement","url":"\/16.1-283.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-283.1","metadata":false},{"id":85194,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-283.2","catch_line":"Restoration of parental rights","url":"\/16.1-283.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-283.2","metadata":false},{"id":55428,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-283.3","catch_line":"Review of voluntary continuing services and support agreements for former foster youth","url":"\/16.1-283.3\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-283.3","metadata":false},{"id":61757,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-284","catch_line":"When adult sentenced for juvenile offense","url":"\/16.1-284\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-284","metadata":false},{"id":54157,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-284.1","catch_line":"Placement in secure local facility","url":"\/16.1-284.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-284.1","metadata":false},{"id":59506,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-285","catch_line":"Duration of commitments","url":"\/16.1-285\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-285","metadata":false},{"id":75164,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-285.1","catch_line":"Commitment of serious offenders","url":"\/16.1-285.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-285.1","metadata":false},{"id":70403,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-285.2","catch_line":"Release and review hearing for serious offender","url":"\/16.1-285.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-285.2","metadata":false},{"id":84274,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-286","catch_line":"Cost of maintenance; approval of placement; semiannual review","url":"\/16.1-286\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-286","metadata":false},{"id":78593,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-287","catch_line":"Transfer of information upon commitment; information to be furnished by and to local school boards","url":"\/16.1-287\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-287","metadata":false},{"id":86549,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-288","catch_line":"Protection of religious affiliations","url":"\/16.1-288\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-288","metadata":false},{"id":70444,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-289","catch_line":"Review of order of commitment","url":"\/16.1-289\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-289","metadata":false},{"id":67111,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-289.1","catch_line":"Motions to reconsider orders for participation in continuing programs","url":"\/16.1-289.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-289.1","metadata":false},{"id":65314,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-290","catch_line":"Support of committed juvenile; support from estate of juvenile","url":"\/16.1-290\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-290","metadata":false},{"id":54758,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-290.1","catch_line":"Payment for court-ordered counseling, treatment or programs","url":"\/16.1-290.1\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-290.1","metadata":false},{"id":66947,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-290.2","catch_line":"Certain information to be made available to certain defendants found not guilty","url":"\/16.1-290.2\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-290.2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":62824,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.8","catch_line":"Delinquent juveniles","url":"\/16.1-278.8\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.8","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":74546,"structure_id":13006,"section_number":"16.1-278.9","catch_line":"Delinquent children; loss of driving privileges for alcohol, firearm, and drug offenses; truancy","url":"\/16.1-278.9\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.9","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/16.1-278.8:01\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2000. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 1020<\/a> and 1041<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2009, chapters 813<\/a> and 840<\/a>; in 2011, chapters 384<\/a> and 410<\/a>; in 2014, chapters 674<\/a> and 719<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":57160,"section_number":"16.1-260","catch_line":"Intake; petition; investigation","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-260\/"},{"id":67477,"section_number":"4.1-1105.1","catch_line":"Possession of marijuana or marijuana products unlawful in certain cases; venue; exceptions; penalties; treatment and education programs and services","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-1105.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":84576,"section_number":"16.1-273","catch_line":"Court may require investigation of social history and preparation of victim impact statement","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-273\/"},{"id":74791,"section_number":"16.1-309.2","catch_line":"Purpose and intent","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-309.2\/"},{"id":84070,"section_number":"18.2-247","catch_line":"Use of terms \"controlled substances,\" \"marijuana,\" \"Schedules I, II, III, IV, V, and VI,\" \"imitation controlled substance,\" and \"counterfeit controlled substance\" in Title 18.2","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-247\/"},{"id":68547,"section_number":"18.2-251","catch_line":"Persons charged with first offense may be placed on probation; conditions; substance abuse screening, assessment treatment and education programs or services; drug tests; costs and fees; violations; discharge","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-251\/"},{"id":61546,"section_number":"4.1-1100","catch_line":"Possession, etc., of marijuana and marijuana products by persons 21 years of age or older lawful; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-1100\/"},{"id":61871,"section_number":"4.1-1120","catch_line":"Persons charged with first offense may be placed on probation; conditions; substance abuse screening, assessment treatment, and education programs or services; drug tests; costs and fees; violations; discharge","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-1120\/"}],"permalink":{"id":161871,"object_type":"law","relational_id":67041,"identifier":"16.1-278.8:01","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.8_01","url":"\/16.1-278.8_01\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/16.1-278.8_01\/","token":"16.1\/11\/9\/16.1-278.8_01","dublin_core":{"Title":"Juveniles found delinquent of first drug offense; screening; assessment; drug tests; costs and fees; education or treatment programs","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 16.1-278.8:01","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Whenever any juvenile who has not previously been found delinquent of any offense<\/span> under Chapter 11 (\u00a7 4.1-1100<\/a> et seq.) of Title 4.1 or Article 1 (\u00a7 18.2-247<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 or under any statute<\/span> of the United States or of any state relating to narcotic drugs, marijuana, or stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic drugs, or has not previously had a proceeding against him for a violation of such an offense<\/span> dismissed as provided in \u00a7 4.1-1120<\/a> or 18.2-251<\/a>, is found delinquent of any offense<\/span> concerning the use, in any manner, of drugs, controlled substances, narcotics, marijuana, noxious chemical substances and like substances, the juvenile court<\/span> or the circuit<\/span> court shall require such juvenile to undergo a substance abuse screening pursuant to \u00a7 16.1-273<\/a> and to submit to such periodic substance abuse testing, to include alcohol testing, as may be directed by the court<\/span>. Such testing shall be conducted by a court services unit of the Department<\/span> of Juvenile Justice, or by a locally operated court services unit or by personnel of any program or agency approved by the Department<\/span>. The cost of such testing ordered by the court<\/span> shall be paid by the Commonwealth from funds appropriated to the Department<\/span> for this purpose. The court<\/span> shall also order<\/span> the juvenile to undergo such treatment or education program for substance abuse, if available, as the court<\/span> deems appropriate based upon consideration of the substance abuse assessment. The treatment or education shall be provided by a program licensed by the Department<\/span> of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or by a similar program available through a facility or program operated by or under contract<\/span> to the Department<\/span> of Juvenile Justice or a locally operated court services unit or a program funded through the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime<\/span> Control Act (\u00a7 16.1-309.2<\/a> et seq.).<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nJUVENILES FOUND DELINQUENT OF FIRST DRUG OFFENSE; SCREENING; ASSESSMENT; DRUG\nTESTS; COSTS AND FEES; EDUCATION OR TREATMENT PROGRAMS (\u00a7 16.1-278.8:01)\n\nWhenever any juvenile who has not previously been found delinquent of any\noffense under Chapter 11 (\u00a7 4.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 4.1 or Article 1 (\u00a7\n18.2-247 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 or under any statute of the United\nStates or of any state relating to narcotic drugs, marijuana, or stimulant,\ndepressant or hallucinogenic drugs, or has not previously had a proceeding\nagainst him for a violation of such an offense dismissed as provided in \u00a7\n4.1-1120 or 18.2-251, is found delinquent of any offense concerning the use, in\nany manner, of drugs, controlled substances, narcotics, marijuana, noxious\nchemical substances and like substances, the juvenile court or the circuit court\nshall require such juvenile to undergo a substance abuse screening pursuant to\n\u00a7 16.1-273 and to submit to such periodic substance abuse testing, to include\nalcohol testing, as may be directed by the court. Such testing shall be\nconducted by a court services unit of the Department of Juvenile Justice, or by\na locally operated court services unit or by personnel of any program or agency\napproved by the Department. The cost of such testing ordered by the court shall\nbe paid by the Commonwealth from funds appropriated to the Department for this\npurpose. The court shall also order the juvenile to undergo such treatment or\neducation program for substance abuse, if available, as the court deems\nappropriate based upon consideration of the substance abuse assessment. The\ntreatment or education shall be provided by a program licensed by the Department\nof Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or by a similar program\navailable through a facility or program operated by or under contract to the\nDepartment of Juvenile Justice or a locally operated court services unit or a\nprogram funded through the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (\u00a7\n16.1-309.2 et seq.).\n\nHISTORY: 2000, cc. 1020, 1041; 2009, cc. 813, 840; 2011, cc. 384, 410; 2014, cc.\n674, 719; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550, 551.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}