In family law, a term for juveniles who refuse to obey their parents, such as juvenile delinquents, runaways, or chronic truants. Where parents are unable to exercise parental control, the police, social-work system, school, or the parents themselves may bring the child to court. If found incorrigible, the child is then made a ward of the court and may either be returned home under the supervision of a probation officer or placed elsewhere, as with foster parents or in an institution. Incorrigible children are often status offenders, who would not be brought before the court except that they are minors.