The bill amends New Jersey's juvenile justice law with a focus on the detention and placement of juveniles. It specifies that no juvenile shall be placed in detention or shelter care outside of designated locations by the Youth Justice Commission or the Department of Children and Families, except under certain conditions. Additionally, it prohibits the transfer of juveniles charged with delinquency to adult county jails solely based on reaching the age of 18. The bill requires courts to hold hearings to determine the appropriate detention for juveniles who turn 18 while in custody, taking into account factors such as danger to others, gang affiliations, and the nature of the alleged crimes.

Moreover, the bill emphasizes the importance of alternatives to detention, mandating that juveniles charged with delinquency be released pending case disposition unless specific conditions warrant detention. It establishes a timeline for trials, requiring them to occur within two years of intake, and introduces standards for juveniles on probation or facing charges who reach 18. The bill also ensures that juveniles receive credit for time served in certain situations and mandates the Youth Justice Commission and the Department of Children and Families to set minimum standards for juvenile detention facilities, addressing issues of capacity and promoting transparency in the juvenile justice process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:4A-37, 2A:4A-26.1, 2A:4A-34