I think the thinking in most states is that it is wrong to saddle an adult with a permanent stain regarding things he may have done before he knew better. Juveniles are presumed not responsible for themselves until they reach the age of maturity.
Most of these state laws are designed to protect people from exactly what has now happened to Josh Duggar. He will now suffer incalculable damage plus loss of income, etc. for something he did when he was very young.
I see him as having a cause of action against everybody involved in this, and I hope he sues them into bankruptcy, and most especially any governmental authorities that collaborated in releasing obviously salacious details of a matter which occurred while he was a juvenile.
obviously he knew he was doing something wron. He when to him parents 3 separate times. His parents should have got him help immediately.