Locked Detention
Locked Detention provides short-term locked confinement for delinquent youth awaiting adjudication, placement, or serving a sentence as ordered by a Juvenile Court Judge. Locked Detention is designed to provide short-term control of youths who pose an immediate danger to themselves or others.
Facts About Locked Detention
- Delinquent youth can only be held in Locked Detention if they:
- meet the Statewide Detention Admission Guidelines; or
- are ordered into detention by a Juvenile Court Judge.
- The Statewide Detention Admission Guidelines are an extensive list of “Holdable Offenses” which specifically outline the offenses that will admit a youth into detention. These include offenses such as:
- auto theft
- home burglary
- assault
- sale and use of drugs
- armed robbery
- aggravated burglary
- Only the Juvenile Court can order a youth into Locked Detention.
- A Detention Hearing is held within 48 hours of admission to a Detention facility. The Juvenile Court Judge decides if the youth should continue in Locked Detention, be returned home, or placed in a less restrictive placement. The Judge uses the following criteria to make the decision:
- is the youth a danger to himself or others?
- is the youth at risk of not appearing in court when summoned?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Locked Detention
Why doesn't a youth go to Detention for committing an offense?
Detention centers provide short-term lock-up for delinquent youth awaiting adjudication, placement, or serving a sentence as ordered by a Juvenile Court Judge. Delinquent youth can only be held in detention if they meet the Statewide Detention Admission Guidelines or are ordered into Detention by a Juvenile Court judge. Receiving Centers and Youth Services are provided for youth who commit offenses that do not quality for placement in Locked Detention .
Who is responsible for admitting a youth to Locked Detention ?
By statute, the Division of Juvenile Justice Services admits youth to Detention; however, JJS staff must follow the rules that decide who may be held in Detention. Juvenile Court Judges also have the authority to order youth into detention, and the Division of Juvenile Justice Services will admit youth based on those orders.
Describe the educational programs in Locked Detention.
All detention centers provide a school program. The youth can earn credit that can be forwarded to the school the youth is attending or will be attending.
Who pays for medical and/or dental work completed while my child is in Locked Detention?
The Detention center will provide emergency care only. Parents are financially responsible for ongoing medical and dental care received by the youth.
When is a youth released from Locked Detention?
Youth can be in Detention as little as a few hours or as long as several months depending on the Juvenile Court, the nature of the offense, and the individual circumstances with that youth.
After admission to Locked Detention, how long does it take for a youth to see a Judge?
The Juvenile Court holds a detention hearing within 48 hours after admission. The Judge decides if a youth should continue to stay in Locked Detention or be allowed to go home until arraignment on the charges. The Judge decides if the youth will be held or released. A youth is held if she/he is a danger to him or herself or the community, or is at risk to not appear in court when summoned.
If a youth is allowed to go home, what happens?
Generally, a youth is released to his parents. The court, however, can determine if there is another responsible adult, family member, or program to which the youth can be released. The youth must agree to appear at the next scheduled hearing.
If a youth remains in Locked Detention, what happens?
A Detention Review Hearing is held every seven days, until the youth goes to court, to determine if a youth should continue to be held. For additional questions please contact the detention center where the youth is held.
Detention Facility Locations
Cache Valley Youth Center |
Castle Country Youth Center |
Farmington Bay Youth Center |
Salt Lake Valley Detention Center |
Slate Canyon Youth Center |
Southwest Utah Youth Center |
Dixie Area Detention Center |
Weber Valley Detention Center |
Canyonlands Youth Home |
Central Utah Youth Center |
Split Mountain Youth Center |
HOME DETENTION
Delinquent youth can be confined at home as an alternative to Locked Detention if they are not a danger to themselves or the community and a Juvenile Court Judge orders them to Home Detention.
Facts About Home Detention
- The youth may leave home only to attend school and/or work and are under the supervision of JJS.
- Home Detention is not appropriate for youth who:
- are serious offenders;
- pose a risk to the community;
- have no charges pending before the Juvenile Court.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Detention
How long is Home Detention?
Home Detention is used instead of Locked Detention for youth who meet the qualifications. The Judge decides the length of time a youth is in Home Detention--Judges may order youth to serve up to thirty days of Home Detention much like they order youth to spend time in Locked Detention.
Can my son/daughter go anywhere with me (parents)?
Yes, you can go anywhere under parent supervision. Your judge must authorize any out-of-state travel.
Can youth have a friend in the house while on Home Detention?
Yes, a youth may have 1-2 friends who are positive influences at the house. Parents are expected to closely supervise and approve friend(s) at all times.
Can my son/daughter be taken to a relative’s house for supervision?
Yes, youth may visit a relative’s house for supervision; however, the Case Manager and/or Home Detention Counselor must authorize this temporary arrangement.
Can youth on Home Detention drive themselves to work?
Yes, some youth can drive to work depending on the charges against them (e.g., stolen vehicle, assault, burglary charges may not), attitude, and the youth’s behavior. The youth must also have a valid Utah driver’s license.
Can my older child supervise my youth on Home Detention?
No, the rules state that the youth’s parents are responsible to supervise the youth. This is the expectation of the Judge, court worker and Home Detention Program.