Under what condition can a juvenile receive secure custody?

The correct answer relates to the scenario in which the court believes that the juvenile may run away. Secure custody for juveniles is often utilized as a preventative measure when there is a reasonable belief that the juvenile poses a risk of fleeing from legal proceedings or supervision. This is significant because the juvenile justice system aims to provide appropriate intervention while ensuring compliance with legal obligations, particularly when there are concerns about flight risk.

In situations where there are indications that a juvenile might escape or not adhere to court appearances or conditions, secure custody becomes a necessary option for maintaining order and ensuring the juvenile is available for the necessary rehabilitative processes. The law recognizes that managing such risks is essential to the functioning of the juvenile justice system, as it balances the best interests of both the juvenile and community safety.

The other options do not meet the criteria for secure custody in the same way. For instance, committing a minor offense typically results in alternative measures rather than secure detention. A history of truancy suggests behavioral issues but does not inherently warrant secure custody without additional risk factors. Expressing a desire to harm oneself may lead to mental health interventions rather than secure custody unless there is an immediate threat to safety and specific legal implications to address.