Reauthorizing Juvenile Justice Programs: Protecting Youth and Limiting Detention.
This law extends federal funding for juvenile delinquency prevention programs through 2029 while implementing critical changes to protect youth. The most significant change is the severe restriction on detaining juveniles for status offenses (non-criminal acts like truancy) and establishing strict judicial review for youth prosecuted as adults. The goal is to enhance fairness, reduce racial disparities, and promote restorative justice practices.
Key points
Strict limits (max 7 days) on detaining youth for status offenses; secure confinement for these offenses must be eliminated by September 2028.
Mandatory separation of juveniles prosecuted as adults from adult inmates, requiring regular judicial review of their placement.
States must prioritize funding for programs addressing racial and ethnic disparities and collecting socioeconomic data within the juvenile justice system.
Expired
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