Ending Secure Detention for Youth Status Offenders: New Protections for Minors.
This bill protects minors who commit non-criminal "status offenses" (like running away or skipping school) from being placed in secure detention facilities. It eliminates a legal loophole that currently allows judges to detain youth for violating a court order related to these non-criminal acts. The goal is to prevent children from being exposed to negative influences associated with the juvenile justice system.
Key points
Prohibits states receiving federal grants from using court orders to lock up youth for status offenses (acts that are not crimes for adults).
The "Valid Court Order" (VCO) exception, which allowed detention for non-criminal violations, is phased out within one year.
Temporary detention limits are tightened: maximum detention time under a VCO is reduced from 7 days to 3 days, and detention is limited to only once every six months.
Status:
Expired
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