CS for SB 1072 - Juvenile Justice Summary

• Expands eligibility for comprehensive mental health services and "child in need of services" designation to include children 9 years of age or younger referred for delinquent acts.

• Prohibits placement of children 9 years or younger in secure detention unless charged with capital felony, life felony, or first-degree felony; prohibits detention for misdemeanor domestic violence charges if child lives in family with history of family violence or is victim of abuse/neglect.

• Encourages law enforcement agencies, school districts, counties, municipalities, and the Department of Juvenile Justice to establish diversion programs and give first-time misdemeanor offenders and children 9 or younger opportunities to participate.

• Authorizes courts to commit female delinquents to mother-infant programs for juvenile mothers/expectant mothers and requires Department of Juvenile Justice to adopt rules governing such programs.

• Establishes comprehensive annual reporting requirements for juvenile justice programs using standardized methodology to measure program outputs, youth outcomes, and cost-effectiveness; requires submission to Legislature and Governor by January 15 each year.