|
Detention is the custody status for youth who are held pursuant
to a court order; or, following arrest for a violation of the
law. In Florida, a youth may be detained only when specific
statutory criteria, outlined in section 985.215, Florida
Statutes, are met. Criteria for detention include current
offenses, prior history, legal status, and any aggravating or
mitigating factors.
Youth under age 18 taken into custody by law enforcement are
screened by the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice to
determine if they should be detained in a secure detention
facility. Detention screening is performed by juvenile probation
staff using a standardized Detention Risk Assessment Instrument.
(DRAI)
The Department operates 21 secure detention centers in 21
counties with a total of 1342 beds. Pre-disposition detention
costs are shared by state and county government.
Post-disposition costs are primarily funded by state general
revenue dollars. All detention centers receive additional
federal funding in the form of the National School Lunch and
Breakfast funds.
Youth placed in Secure Detention have been assessed as risks to
public safety, per the DRAI and must remain in a physically
secure detention center while awaiting court proceedings. Youth
arrested for minor crimes that are not considered a risk to
public safety may be released into the custody of their parents
or guardian. During FY 2009-10 there were a total of 25,008
individual youth served in secure detention.
Youth appear before the court within 24 hours of admission, at
which time the juvenile judge determines whether there is a need
for continued detention. Generally there is a 21-day limit to
secure detention, but those charged with serious offenses can be
held up to 30 days.
Educational assessments and full-time educational services are
provided to school age youth while in detention. These services
are funded by the Department of Education through local school
districts. Medical, substance abuse, and mental health services
to include screenings, crisis intervention and stabilization are
also provided. All youth participate in daily structured
recreational activities. Participation in religious services is
optional.
Detention Cost Sharing
View Detention Cost Sharing Information
|
