Frequently Asked Questions about Locked Detention
Why doesn't a youth go to Detention for committing an offense?
Detention centers provide short-term lock-up for delinquent youth awaiting adjudication, placement, or serving a sentence as ordered by a Juvenile Court Judge. Delinquent youth can only be held in detention if they meet the Statewide Detention Admission Guidelines or are ordered into Detention by a Juvenile Court judge. Receiving Centers and Youth Services are provided for youth who commit offenses that do not quality for placement in Locked Detention .
Who is responsible for admitting a youth to Locked Detention ?
By statute, the Division of Juvenile Justice Services admits youth to Detention; however, JJS staff must follow the rules that decide who may be held in Detention. Juvenile Court Judges also have the authority to order youth into detention, and the Division of Juvenile Justice Services will admit youth based on those orders.
Describe the educational programs in Locked Detention.
All detention centers provide a school program. The youth can earn credit that can be forwarded to the school the youth is attending or will be attending.
Who pays for medical and/or dental work completed while my child is in Locked Detention?
The Detention center will provide emergency care only. Parents are financially responsible for ongoing medical and dental care received by the youth.
When is a youth released from Locked Detention?
Youth can be in Detention as little as a few hours or as long as several months depending on the Juvenile Court, the nature of the offense, and the individual circumstances with that youth.
After admission to Locked Detention, how long does it take for a youth to see a Judge?
The Juvenile Court holds a detention hearing within 48 hours after admission. The Judge decides if a youth should continue to stay in Locked Detention or be allowed to go home until arraignment on the charges. The Judge decides if the youth will be held or released. A youth is held if she/he is a danger to him or herself or the community, or is at risk to not appear in court when summoned.
If a youth is allowed to go home, what happens?
Generally, a youth is released to his parents. The court, however, can determine if there is another responsible adult, family member, or program to which the youth can be released. The youth must agree to appear at the next scheduled hearing.
If a youth remains in Locked Detention, what happens?
A Detention Review Hearing is held every seven days, until the youth goes to court, to determine if a youth should continue to be held. For additional questions please contact the detention center where the youth is held.