Who may be placed in a Secure Detention Facility?

• A. Juveniles who are accused of offenses, non-offenders, or other individuals accused of crimes
• B. Only juveniles convicted of offenses
• C. Only adults with juvenile records
• D. Only non-offenders

Answer: (A)

Secure detention facilities are for youths who are in custody while their case moves through the system. The key idea is custody before adjudication or disposition, not punishment after a conviction. The best choice reflects that these facilities may hold juveniles who are accused of offenses and other individuals in custody for alleged crimes, including status offenders in some cases. Detention is not limited to juveniles who have been convicted; it covers those awaiting court action. It also is not restricted to adults or to non-offenders, since the purpose is to safely contain those in pre-trial or pre-disposition status.