Frequently Asked Questions About Juvenile Detention

Book excerpt: The term "juvenile detention" is commonly used as a synonym for the incarceration of juvenile offenders, but in the legal system the term has a more specific meaning. Juveniles are "detained" immediately after being arrested; consequently, detention is the period of temporary custody before a court appearance. There are millions of children and teenagers "in the system" in the United States. Readers discover the variable structure of the juvenile justice system, referral and intake procedures, sentencing, detention and facilities, rehabilitation programs, and what happens after leaving a facility. A myths and facts sidebar allows readers to set aside common misunderstandings. Another sidebar provides the best questions to ask a legal expert when faced with juvenile detention as a reality. The final chapter investigates the overall effectiveness of juvenile detention and recidivism rates.