AZ SB1656

Court must find that no other adjudication alternative is better than commitment and include reasons for this finding in the court's minute entry or written order before committing a juvenile to the department of juvenile corrections or a private institution or agency.

Applies to all juvenile delinquency cases where commitment to the department of juvenile corrections or private facility is being considered as a disposition option.

Requires written documentation of the court's reasoning for selecting commitment over less restrictive alternatives as part of the judicial record.