When is secure detention not an available option for a juvenile?

Secure detention is not an available option for a juvenile when a juvenile has been found in violation of curfew because this situation does not typically warrant the need for secure detention. Curfew violations are generally viewed as status offenses, which are behaviors that are only considered unlawful due to the age of the individual. In many jurisdictions, including North Carolina, juveniles who are simply in violation of curfew laws may be handled through alternate methods, such as diversion programs, counseling, or other community-based interventions, rather than being placed in secure detention facilities.

Moreover, secure detention is usually reserved for more serious offenses or circumstances where there is a significant risk to public safety or the juvenile’s own safety. Denying involvement in a crime or experiencing a medical emergency does not inherently disqualify a juvenile from being placed in secure detention, as those are determined by the specifics of the case and the needs for safety and assessment. Ultimately, the nature of the offense and the juvenile’s circumstances play a critical role in decisions regarding detention options.