Frequent Questions
Juvenile Classification
How is it determined what programming is needed for a juvenile committed to the DOC?
There is an established classification process that is used to assess and respond to factors which impact a juvenile's program and facility placement while the juvenile is committed to the Department of Corrections. Classification attempts to pull together all of the factors that determine where a child is placed.
The classification process is designed to support the rehabilitative goal of the department by placing offenders in programs which can meet their needs and also support the public safety goal of the department by placing high risk offenders in the most secure placements.
The initial classification process is completed by Juvenile Corrections Agents (JCA) within 7 days of committal to the DOC. All cases are reviewed by Juvenile Corrections Supervisors and the final placement decision is made by the Director of Classification.
What factors in to a child's classification?
During the initial classification, a risk level is assigned and preliminary information is gathered to determine the recommended intake classification and location. This information can include the juvenile's first contact with law enforcement, history of violence, escape, previous out-of-home placements, prior supervision history and other risk behaviors.
Other factors impacting placement are Administrative factors: Chins/delinquent, age, gender, separation requirements, violent offender, mandated length of stay, failed supervision, significant adjustment/behavior problems, medical limitations, mental health limitations, Chemical Dependency treatment needs and sex offender treatment needs and additional/mitigating risk information.
Do the youth keep that classification level the entire time they are committed to the DOC?
No. Classification is an ongoing process. The JCA completes a reclassification every three months, at program completion, following a placement change and/or a major disciplinary report and following an aftercare violation
During the reclassification process, reviews are made of the same factors as during the initial classification. In addition, during reclassification an offender’s actual institutional/community risk behaviors during current placement are reviewed.