Status offenders are best served at home or in community-based settings, close to home, school and community.
Status offenders are youth who engage in behavior – such as breaking curfews, running away from home, skipping school, etc. – only considered delinquent because they are minors. These youth often commit such actions in response to underlying problems. CJJ advocates for status offenders to be provided with appropriate services and supports at home, or if not possible, close to home and in a healthy school and community context. It is both contrary to federal law and to effective practice to lock up status offenders.
[1] See all positions.
[1]: http://juvjustice.org/positions.html