In re Appeal No. 1038

*Orth, C. J.,

delivered the opinion of the Court.

In the law pertaining to juveniles, an “adult” means a person who is 18 years old or older, and a “child” means a person under the age of 18 years. Courts Art. § 3-801 (b) and (c).1 The appellant in this case was the respondent in a *241juvenile action. In accordance with Maryland Rule 1097, he shall remain anonymous, but for ease of expression shall be hereinafter known as “Thomas”. Thomas was born on 8 September 1957. Therefore, before 8 September 1975 he was a child, but became an adult on that date. While he was yet a child, twelve petitions…