Juvenile and other courts, and law enforcement and other public agencies maintain a variety of records regarding juveniles who become involved in the juvenile justice system and the criminal justice system—including arrest records, school records, medical or behavioral health records, and family and social history. Many states have laws that restrict access to these records to protect youth from the stigma of a record in the juvenile justice system or criminal justice system. The confidentiality of juvenile records is in contrast with the open records laws that apply to adults in the criminal justice system. Laws regarding access to juvenile records, sealing of juvenile records, and expungement (destruction or deletion) of juvenile records vary from state to state, and are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In North Carolina, juvenile records are protected under state law to maintain the confidentiality of young individuals who have been involved in the juvenile justice system. These records include information such as arrest records, school performance, medical or behavioral health information, and family or social history. Access to juvenile records is generally restricted to certain parties, such as court personnel, law enforcement, and specific agencies involved in the juvenile's care or rehabilitation, and is not available to the public. North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) provide the framework for sealing and expunging juvenile records, which can further protect a juvenile's privacy by removing or destroying records after certain conditions are met, such as the passage of time or the completion of a diversion program. The state's approach to juvenile records is designed to prevent the long-term consequences that can arise from the stigma associated with a juvenile record, recognizing the importance of rehabilitation and the potential for change in young individuals.