Delinquent children= those who violate the criminal law.  If they were adults, the word criminal would be applied to them.

Undisciplined children = said to be beyond parental control, as                                            evidenced by their refusal to obey legitimate authorities, such as                                                   school officials and teachers.  They need state protection.

Dependent children = typically have no parents or guardians to care for them or were abandoned or placed for adoption in violation of the law.

Neglected children = those who don’t receive proper care from their                                        parents or guardians.  They may suffer from malnutrition, may not be                                     provided with adequate shelter, or may not be receiving a proper                                       upbringing.

Abused children = includes those who suffer physical abuse at the                                         hands of their guardians.  This category was later expanded to                                                      include emotional and sexual abuse.

Status offenders = is a special category which embraces children                                        who violate laws written only for them.