FL S0618

Prohibits holding children awaiting trial who are prosecuted as adults in adult jails or detention facilities unless a court finds in writing after a hearing that it is in the interest of justice.

Requires courts to consider seven specific factors when determining if adult detention is appropriate, including the child's age, mental maturity, mental state, nature of alleged offense, delinquency history, and facility capabilities.

Mandates courts hold review hearings no less frequently than every 30 days (or 45 days in rural jurisdictions) if a child is held in an adult facility, with a maximum 180-day limit unless good cause is found or the child waives the limitation.

Requires children held in adult facilities to be housed separately from adult inmates with no more than accidental contact, with supervisory checks every 10 minutes and separate facility sections for children.

Takes effect July 1, 2021.