DE HB57

Reinstates 2010 amendments to Delaware Code Section 1007 that were inadvertently allowed to expire due to a sunset provision, restoring safeguards for secure detention of juveniles pending adjudication.

Expands criteria for secure detention to include felonies, certain Class A misdemeanors involving violence/sexual offenses/weapons, witness intimidation, escape from detention, breach of release conditions, and new charges while in placement.

Removes requirement for automatic evaluation by Department of Services when placing dependent/neglected children with non-relatives, changing from "shall" to "may" require evaluation.

Requires courts to document in writing the basis for secure detention decisions and to explain any override of a Risk Assessment Instrument's presumptive release recommendation.

Allows Family Court to order persons legally responsible for a child's custody to pay for child's care when they refuse to take custody pending adjudication, and extends detention review hearings to 30-day intervals instead of 21 days.

Makes act retroactive to July 12, 2012.