What does detention imply in a juvenile context?

In a juvenile context, detention refers to the temporary care of a minor in secure custody for protection. This means that when a juvenile is detained, they are placed in a secure facility, which could include a juvenile detention center, where they are kept safe and monitored, usually due to arrest or pending a court hearing. The purpose of this secure custody is twofold: to ensure the safety of the minor and the community, and to provide supervision while legal proceedings are ongoing.

This context is crucial because detention is not meant to be punitive but is instead a method to manage the immediate risk or legal circumstances of a minor. It differs significantly from alternative care options, such as temporary placements in a foster home or long-term residential treatment facilities, which serve different functions in the juvenile justice system. Understanding this distinction helps clarify the role of detention within the broader framework of juvenile justice, emphasizing its focus on safeguarding minors during critical legal proceedings.