The legislature intends to prevent the use of solitary confinement within juvenile justice, and reduce isolation and room confinement, in order to prevent physical and psychological harm to juveniles.
By July 2021, DCYF shall adopt a model policy that will be adopted or disputed by detention facilities or institutions by December 2021. Monthly data shall be collected as outlined from the department, counties operating detention facilities, and governing units operating jails.
Data shall be compiled by DCYF into a report to the legislature by December 2022. In January 2023, the department shall conduct periodic reviews of juvenile detention policies, procedures, and use of solitary confinement, isolation, and room confinement, at least once every three years, providing a report of their findings to the legislature.
Amendments:
1st substitute bill:
- Prohibits the use of solitary confinement in juvenile institutions.
- Limits the use of isolation or room confinement in juvenile institutions.
- Requires adoption of a model policy relating to juvenile solitary confinement by July 2021.
- Prohibits persons under age 18 charged as adults from being held in adult jail longer than 24 hours, excluding weekend and holidays, without a court order.
- Creates reporting requirements for county juvenile detention facilities and state departments and facilities.
- requirements related to solitary confinement, isolation, and room confinement to include JR residents over age 17, but to exclude youth in adult jails.
- Adds new requirements for youth in adult jails.
- Revises reporting requirements.
