Division of Juvenile Justice Services, Part 1

What Does the Division of Juvenile Justice Services Do?

They provide intervention, supervision and rehabilitation programs for youth offenders. There are four offices within the Juvenile Justice Services:

• Early Intervention Services
• Community Programs
• Correctional Facilities
• Rural Programs

People Responsible for Youth in Juvenile Justice Services Care

• Case Manager
Any youth in Juvenile Justice Services custody will be assigned a case manager. The case manager has specific duties: assess the youth; locate residential placement for the youth and develop an individualized treatment plan; monitor the youth’s progress and notify court and family of progress or problems.
• Youth Parole Authority
Has the jurisdiction of the youth after he or she is put into Secure Care.
• Juvenile Court Judge
Presides at court hearings, makes important decisions and makes orders concerning the youth’s court case. All cases have review hearings.
• Parents/Guardians
Retain some residual rights after youth is placed under court custody. These rights include: responsibility for support; consent to adoption; determine youth’s religious affiliation; reasonable visitation and in some cases can consent to medical treatment, marriage and enlistment in the armed forces.

Obtaining Custody of a Youth

A juvenile court judge has to remand a youth to JJS custody for Observation and Assessment, Community Placement or Secure Care.

After Custody of Youth is Turned Over to Juvenile Justice Services

When a judge orders Secure Care, a youth will be assigned to one of the Secure Care facilities located within Utah. Youth may remain in Secure Care until they are 21 years old, unless they successfully meet their treatment goals and are granted early release by the Parole Authority.

If a judge orders Observation and Assessment, the youth will be assessed for 45 days. After all assessments are made, the JJS will make appropriate recommendations to the juvenile court judge.

If Community Placement is ordered, a case manager reviews and then assigns a youth to a residential, community-based program that will address those needs. Progress is monitored and recommendations are made to the judge.

The Difference Between Juvenile Justice Services and Probation

Probation is handled by the Juvenile Court and supervises juvenile offenders in the community. Youth who are on probation are not in the custody of the state.

Having a child in the Juvenile Justice system can be confusing. Don’t hesitate to contact a Utah juvenile defense attorney who can answer your questions and provide you the legal support you need.