The bill SB265 Engrossed amends Sections 12-15-208 and 12-15-215 of the Code of Alabama 1975, focusing on the treatment and detention 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 secure custody for investigative purposes and specifying that they can be held for up to 72 hours for violating a valid court order. Additionally, it revises the definitions and conditions for detaining children under 10 years of age, allowing detention only for serious offenses, and emphasizes the need for juvenile court involvement and case management for status offenders.

Further amendments include the requirement for juvenile probation officers to send custody orders to DYS within 10 business days and the establishment of a timeline for DYS to accept a child for commitment, extending the timeframe from seven to 12 business days. The bill also prohibits adult jails from holding status offenders in secure custody and mandates that the juvenile court be informed if a child is received at an adult facility. It introduces new provisions regarding the responsibilities of parents or guardians and outlines the criteria for determining a child's amenability to treatment. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the legal framework governing juvenile detention, ensure compliance with legal standards, and protect the rights of children within the juvenile justice system. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.