The bill proposes significant amendments to New Jersey's juvenile justice law, focusing 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. Courts are required to hold hearings to determine appropriate detention for those who turn 18 while in custody, taking into account factors such as danger to others and the nature of the alleged crimes. The bill also allows juveniles detained before a prosecutor's waiver motion to receive credit for time served and mandates the establishment of minimum standards for juvenile detention facilities.

Moreover, the bill emphasizes the importance of alternatives to detention, stipulating that juveniles charged with delinquency should be released pending case disposition unless specific conditions warrant detention. It requires judges to consider various factors before deciding on detention and mandates that trials for final disposition occur within two years of intake, excluding delays caused by the juvenile. The legislation also establishes new standards for juveniles on probation or facing charges who turn 18, requiring hearings to assess appropriate detention based on individual circumstances. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the juvenile justice system's transparency, accountability, and protection of juvenile rights.

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