Pa. Code tit. 37, pt. III, subpt. N, ch. 200, subch. A, Preamble
The purpose of Pennsylvania's juvenile justice system is to provide programs of supervision, care and rehabilitation which are consistent with the protection of the public interest and which provide balanced attention to the protection of the community, the imposition of accountability for offenses committed and the development of competencies to enable juveniles who come within the jurisdiction of the court to become responsible and productive members of the community.
Secure detention services must be understood within the context of the services available within the juvenile justice system, and within the broader context of the purpose of the system, and of the juvenile justice process. A juvenile admitted to a juvenile detention center is provided access to a wide range of services, custody, supervision and assessments.
The 'Standards Governing the Use of Secure Detention Under The Juvenile Act'' adopted by the Juvenile Court Judges' Commission were developed with an understanding that overcrowding in juvenile detention centers presents danger to both residents and staff and can severely disrupt programs and services. Consequently, juvenile court judges and chief juvenile probation officers should take a leadership role in advocating for adequate juvenile detention services and alternatives, in monitoring detention center populations at the local level, and in developing strategies to be undertaken as facilities approach capacity.
These standards were also developed on the premise that decisions regarding admissions to secure detention facilities must be based on a commitment to utilize the most appropriate level of care consistent with the circumstances of the individual case. When the admission of a juvenile to a secure detention facility is being considered by a judge, master or juvenile probation officer, preference should be given to nonsecure alternatives which could reduce the risk of flight or danger to the juvenile or community.
Pa. Code tit. 37, pt. III, subpt. N, ch. 200, subch. A, Preamble