The bill SB265 Engrossed amends Sections 12-15-208 and 12-15-215 of the Code of Alabama 1975, focusing on the treatment and custody of juvenile offenders. It mandates that the Department of Youth Services (DYS) reimburse county detention facilities for housing children once they are ordered into DYS custody. The bill clarifies the conditions for detaining status offenders, allowing for short-term detention for investigative purposes and specifying that they can be held for up to 72 hours for violating a valid court order. Additionally, it prohibits the detention of status offenders in adult jails and emphasizes the need for timely assessments and hearings, ensuring juvenile court officers are involved in the process.

Further amendments include the requirement for juvenile probation officers to send custody orders to DYS within 10 business days and notify the county commission of detention costs if a child is detained. The bill extends the timeline for DYS to accept a child for commitment from seven to 12 business days, with a temporary extension to 16 business days for specific orders. It also establishes that child support must be ordered from parents or guardians when a child is placed in legal custody. Overall, SB265 aims to enhance the juvenile justice system's processes, ensuring the welfare of children and compliance with legal standards while clearly defining financial responsibilities associated with juvenile detention. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.