MS SB2598

Revises youth court jurisdiction to include violations of the Mississippi Implied Consent Law, allowing youth courts to remove such cases from criminal courts and proceed under juvenile proceedings.

Requires a youth court judge or designee to issue a written custody order before a child may be taken into custody, with emergency oral orders reduced to writing within 48 hours.

Establishes minimum standards for juvenile detention centers including health screenings within one hour of admission, restrictions on locked cell confinement to sleeping, illness, punishment, emergencies, protective custody, or voluntary request, and 24-hour intake operations.

Mandates juvenile detention centers provide educational services including diagnostic assessments after 48 hours, individualized instruction, character education, and transition planning with involvement from sponsoring school districts, home school districts, and youth court counselors.

Creates the Juvenile Detention and Alternatives Task Force composed of representatives from youth courts, sheriffs, detention centers, schools, and advocacy organizations to develop detention alternatives, licensing standards, and recommendations by November 1, 2013; task force repeals July 1, 2014.