Bill > S2248

This bill reauthorizes and amends the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, introducing several key changes to improve juvenile justice practices. The bill expands definitions of secure facilities, modifies state plan requirements, and introduces more comprehensive guidelines for handling juveniles in the justice system. Notably, it provides stricter protocols for holding juveniles who violate court orders, requiring prompt notification, assessment, and limited detention periods, with a goal of eliminating secure confinement for status offenses by September 30, 2028. The bill also enhances protections for juveniles in adult facilities, mandating that they cannot have direct contact with adult inmates and can only be held in adult jails under very specific, carefully monitored circumstances. Additionally, the bill broadens the considerations for addressing youth in the justice system, including expanding factors like cultural competence, linguistic understanding, and addressing disparities based on race, ethnicity, religion, family income, disability, national origin, and sexual orientation. The legislation extends funding authorization for juvenile justice programs from fiscal years 2019-2023 to 2026-2030, demonstrating a continued commitment to improving juvenile justice approaches and supporting youth rehabilitation.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2248/all-info