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Implementing and Enhancing Juvenile Holdover Programs

NCJ Number
197422
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 16 Issue: 2 Dated: Fall 2001 Pages: 129-135
Author(s)
Karen L. Dunlap
Date Published
2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes the nature and purpose of juvenile holdover programs and outlines the content of a manual designed to provide guidance to local jurisdictions in implementing such a program.
Abstract
Juvenile holdover programs are short-term, temporary holding arrangements that provide care and observation of a youth. They can be designed to meet the needs of a jurisdiction by allowing law enforcement officers to place a youth in the care of a holdover program while the parents or another responsible party is being located. Additional purposes of a holdover program are to hold a youth pending an action in the investigation or court process and to provide a safe, temporary location for youth who do not meet detention criteria but need a place to stay until arrangements for their care can be completed. Although serious juvenile crime is decreasing, the kinds of juvenile behaviors that are most likely to lead to placement in a juvenile holdover program are increasing. These include arrests for curfew and loitering violations, running away from home, driving while intoxicated, and underage drinking. Many youth need a safe place to be held or supervised but do not meet detention requirements for a locked or secure setting. For communities considering establishing a holdover program, the American Probation and Parole Association has developed "An Implementation Guide for Juvenile Holdover Programs." It addresses program planning, strategic planning, legal issues, identification of the appropriate target population, program design, site and facility logistical issues, and staff training. 4 references and information on how to obtain a copy of the manual