shelter | Definition

Doc's CJ Glossary by Adam J. McKee
Course: Introduction / Juvenile Justice

In the juvenile justice context, a shelter refers to a temporary and secure facility that is used to house young people who have been taken into custody by law enforcement or child welfare agencies, usually before or during the court process.


In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the quality of care provided in juvenile shelters, particularly regarding the use of restraints and isolation rooms. Many young people in shelters are dealing with mental health issues, and advocates argue that punitive measures like these can exacerbate their problems rather than help them.

Some advocates argue that alternatives to juvenile shelters should be explored, such as community-based programs that provide support and resources to families to prevent young people from being removed from their homes in the first place. Others argue for the use of small, home-like settings that can provide more personalized care and attention to young people who have been removed from their homes.

Despite these concerns, juvenile shelters remain an important component of the juvenile justice system. They provide a safe and secure environment for young people who have been removed from their homes and are awaiting court proceedings or placement in a more permanent living arrangement. They also provide access to basic necessities and support services that can help young people address the issues that led to their placement in the shelter.

However, it is important to ensure that these shelters are well-staffed, well-resourced, and properly trained to deal with the complex needs of the young people in their care. This includes providing access to mental health services, education, and recreational activities, as well as ensuring that the use of punitive measures is limited and closely monitored.

In addition, efforts should be made to explore alternatives to juvenile shelters that can provide more personalized care and attention to young people who have been removed from their homes. This could include community-based programs that provide support and resources to families to prevent removals or small, home-like settings that can provide a more nurturing environment for young people in crisis.


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Last Modified: 01/12/2023

 

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