What must an agency do before purging a juvenile record?

An agency is required to review a juvenile record for continued relevance before purging it to ensure that the information is no longer necessary to retain. This process is critical because juvenile records may affect the individuals involved, influencing their opportunities and interactions with the legal system in the future. By assessing the record, the agency can determine if there are any legal obligations or considerations that warrant keeping the information on file.

The act of purging records without this review could lead to wrongful assumptions regarding an individual's past or affect ongoing cases or monitoring. It ensures compliance with legal standards regarding juvenile justice and the privacy rights of minors.

In contrast, contacting the juvenile directly might not always be feasible or required, as well as involving local authorities or seeking a judge's approval which could complicate or delay the necessary actions the agency must take. Thus, the most effective and appropriate course is to first evaluate the record for relevance before proceeding with any purging actions.