This bill would implement the recommendations of the Alabama Juvenile Justice Task Force from 2018 and would substantially revise provisions relating to the juvenile justice system in this state
This bill would expand early interventions to address the needs of certain youth prior to court involvement
This bill would require development of a statewide detention risk assessment tool for pre-adjudication detention decisions and would establish standards for informal adjustments for certain youth
This bill would provide for video detention hearings under certain conditions
This bill would remove the assessment of fines or court costs against children under certain conditions while maintaining the ability to assess them against the parents of those children
This bill would provide for a risk and needs assessment tool to aid courts in determining when placement in the custody of the Department of Youth Services is necessary and when placement is not advisable. This bill would also specify those offenses that make a child eligible for placement with the Department of Youth Services and would further establish presumptions for the length of supervision ordered by a juvenile court
This bill would require local boards of education to inform parents of services available relating to absenteeism and other school-related misconduct and would require the Alabama Department of Education to require each local board of education to annually develop, approve, and submit multi-disciplinary agreements in collaboration with community stakeholders relating to appropriate responses to school-based offenses, court referrals, and accountability
This bill would create the Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Fund, administered by the Department of Youth Services, to reinvest averted costs from reduction in the department's custody and placement of youth in residential facilities, as well as other funds, back into local community-based programs and services
This bill would create the Juvenile Justice Fund Oversight Committee to oversee distribution of funds to local communities for local evidence-based programs and other services
This bill would require the Administrative Office of Courts and the Department of Youth Services to develop, adopt, and validate a risk and needs assessment to identify a child's risk to reoffend and needs that, if addressed, would likely reduce reoffending
This bill would also provide courts discretion as to whether or not a child should be subject to registration or notification as a sex offender under certain conditions
Relating to juvenile justice; to amend Sections 12-15-102, 12-15-107, 12-15-119, 12-15-120, 12-15-126, 12-15-127, 12-15-128, 12-15-132, 12-15-207, 12-15-209, 12-15-211, 12-15-215, 12-15-221, 12-15-701, 12-25-9, 15-20A-5, as last amended by Act 2018-528, 2018 Regular Session, 16-28-2.2, 16-28-8, 16-28-13, 16-28-14, 16-28-16, 16-28-17, 16-28-18, 44-1-24, and 44-1-36, Code of Alabama 1975, to expand early interventions to address the needs of certain youth prior to court involvement; to require development of a statewide detention risk assessment tool for pre-adjudication detention decisions; to provide for video conferencing of certain detention hearings under certain conditions; to establish standards for informal adjustments for certain youth; to remove the assessment of fines or court costs against children under certain conditions; to provide for a risk and needs assessment tool to aid courts in determining when placement in the custody of the Department of Youth Services is necessary; to specify those offenses that would make a child eligible for placement with the Department of Youth Services; to further specify the length of supervision ordered by a juvenile court; to require local boards of education to inform parents of services available relating to absenteeism and other school-related misconduct; to create the Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Fund, administered by the Department of Youth Services; to require the Administrative Office of Courts and the Department of Youth Services to develop and adopt a risk and needs assessment; to create the Juvenile Justice Fund Oversight Committee and to provide for its membership and duties; and to amend Section 15-20A-5, Code of Alabama 1975, as last amended by Act 2018-528, 2018 Regular Session, to provide courts discretion as to requiring a child to comply with sex offender registration and notification requirements under certain conditions.
This bill would implement the recommendations of the Alabama Juvenile Justice Task Force from 2018 and would substantially revise provisions relating to the juvenile justice system in this state
This bill would expand early interventions to address the needs of certain youth prior to court involvement
This bill would require development of a statewide detention risk assessment tool for pre-adjudication detention decisions and would establish standards for informal adjustments for certain youth
This bill would provide for video detention hearings under certain conditions
This bill would remove the assessment of fines or court costs against children under certain conditions while maintaining the ability to assess them against the parents of those children
This bill would provide for a risk and needs assessment tool to aid courts in determining when placement in the custody of the Department of Youth Services is necessary and when placement is not advisable. This bill would also specify those offenses that make a child eligible for placement with the Department of Youth Services and would further establish presumptions for the length of supervision ordered by a juvenile court
This bill would require local boards of education to inform parents of services available relating to absenteeism and other school-related misconduct and would require the Alabama Department of Education to require each local board of education to annually develop, approve, and submit multi-disciplinary agreements in collaboration with community stakeholders relating to appropriate responses to school-based offenses, court referrals, and accountability
This bill would create the Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Fund, administered by the Department of Youth Services, to reinvest averted costs from reduction in the department's custody and placement of youth in residential facilities, as well as other funds, back into local community-based programs and services
This bill would create the Juvenile Justice Fund Oversight Committee to oversee distribution of funds to local communities for local evidence-based programs and other services
This bill would require the Administrative Office of Courts and the Department of Youth Services to develop, adopt, and validate a risk and needs assessment to identify a child's risk to reoffend and needs that, if addressed, would likely reduce reoffending
This bill would also provide courts discretion as to whether or not a child should be subject to registration or notification as a sex offender under certain conditions
Relating to juvenile justice; to amend Sections 12-15-102, 12-15-107, 12-15-119, 12-15-120, 12-15-126, 12-15-127, 12-15-128, 12-15-132, 12-15-207, 12-15-209, 12-15-211, 12-15-215, 12-15-221, 12-15-701, 12-25-9, 15-20A-5, as last amended by Act 2018-528, 2018 Regular Session, 16-28-2.2, 16-28-8, 16-28-13, 16-28-14, 16-28-16, 16-28-17, 16-28-18, 44-1-24, and 44-1-36, Code of Alabama 1975, to expand early interventions to address the needs of certain youth prior to court involvement; to require development of a statewide detention risk assessment tool for pre-adjudication detention decisions; to provide for video conferencing of certain detention hearings under certain conditions; to establish standards for informal adjustments for certain youth; to remove the assessment of fines or court costs against children under certain conditions; to provide for a risk and needs assessment tool to aid courts in determining when placement in the custody of the Department of Youth Services is necessary; to specify those offenses that would make a child eligible for placement with the Department of Youth Services; to further specify the length of supervision ordered by a juvenile court; to require local boards of education to inform parents of services available relating to absenteeism and other school-related misconduct; to create the Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Fund, administered by the Department of Youth Services; to require the Administrative Office of Courts and the Department of Youth Services to develop and adopt a risk and needs assessment; to create the Juvenile Justice Fund Oversight Committee and to provide for its membership and duties; and to amend Section 15-20A-5, Code of Alabama 1975, as last amended by Act 2018-528, 2018 Regular Session, to provide courts discretion as to requiring a child to comply with sex offender registration and notification requirements under certain conditions.
Section 1
Sections 12-15-102, 12-15-107, 12-15-119, 12-15-120, 12-15-126, 12-15-127, 12-15-128, 12-15-132, 12-15-207, 12-15-209, 12-15-211, 12-15-215, 12-15-221, 12-15-701, 12-25-9, 15-20A-5, as last amended by Act 2018-528, 2018 Regular Session, 16-28-2.2, 16-28-8, 16-28-13, 16-28-14, 16-28-16, 16-28-17, 16-28-18, 44-1-24, and 44-1-36, Code of Alabama 1975, are amended to read as follows:
§12-15-102.
When used in this chapter, the following words and phrases have the following meanings:
(1) ADULT. An individual 19 years of age or older.
(2) AFTERCARE. Conditions and supervision as the juvenile court orders after release from the Department of Youth Services.
(3) CHILD. An individual under the age of 18 years, or under 21 years of age and before the juvenile court for a delinquency matter arising before that individual's 18th birthday. Where a delinquency petition alleges that an
(3) CHILD. An individual under 18 years of age, or under 21 years of age and before the juvenile court for a delinquency matter arising before that individual's 18th birthday, or under 19 years of age and before the juvenile court for a child in need of supervision matter. Where a delinquency petition alleges that an individual, prior to the individual's 18th birthday, has committed an offense for which there is no statute of limitation pursuant to Section 15-3-5, the term child also shall include the individual subject to the petition, regardless of the age of the individual at the time of filing.
(4) CHILD IN NEED OF SUPERVISION. A child who has been adjudicated by a juvenile court for doing any of the following and who is in need of care, rehabilitation, or supervision:
a. Being subject to the requirement of compulsory school attendance, is habitually truant from school as defined by the State Board of Education in the Alabama Administrative Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a child shall not be found in need of supervision pursuant to this subdivision if the juvenile court determines that the parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian of the child was solely responsible for the nonattendance of the child. either of the following occur:
1. The juvenile court determines that the parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian of the child was solely responsible for the nonattendance of the child.
2. The school did not make reasonable efforts to engage the child in an early warning truancy prevention program in the school or at home prior to filing a complaint.
b. Disobeys the reasonable and lawful demands of his or her parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian and is beyond the control of the parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian.
c. Leaves, or remains away from, the home without the permission of the parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or person with whom he or she resides.
d. Commits an offense established by law but not classified as criminal.
(5) CHILD'S ATTORNEY. A licensed attorney who provides legal services for a child, or for a minor in a mental commitment proceeding, and who owes the same duties of undivided loyalty, confidentiality, and competent representation to the child or minor as is due an adult client.
(6) DELINQUENT ACT. An act committed by a child that is designated a violation, misdemeanor, or felony offense pursuant to the law of the municipality, county, or state in which the act was committed or pursuant to federal law. This term shall not apply to any of the following:
a. An offense listed in Section 12-15-204 when committed by a child 16 or 17 years of age as follows:.
1. b. A nonfelony traffic offense or water safety offense other than one charged pursuant to Section 32-5A-191 or 32-5A-191.3 or a municipal ordinance prohibiting the same conduct.
2. A capital offense.
3. A Class A felony.
4. A felony which has as an element the use of a deadly weapon.
5. A felony which has as an element the causing of death or serious physical injury.
6. A felony which has as an element the use of a dangerous instrument against any person who is one of the following:
(i) A law enforcement officer or official.
(ii) A correctional officer or official.
(iii) A parole or probation officer or official.
(iv) A juvenile court probation officer or official.
(v) A district attorney or other prosecuting officer or official.
(vi) A judge or judicial official.
(vii) A court officer or official.
(viii) A person who is a grand juror, juror, or witness in any legal proceeding of whatever nature when the offense stems from, is caused by, or is related to the role of the person as a juror, grand juror, or witness.
(ix) A teacher, principal, or employee of the public education system of Alabama.
7. Trafficking in drugs in violation of Section 13A-12-231, or as the same may be amended.
8. Any lesser included offense of the offenses in subparagraphs 1 to 7, inclusive, charged or any lesser felony offense charged arising from the same facts and circumstances and committed at the same time as the offenses listed in subparagraphs 1 to 7, inclusive.
b. c. Any criminal act, offense, or violation committed by a child under the age of 18 years who has been previously convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender.
(7) DELINQUENT CHILD. A child who has been adjudicated for a delinquent act and is in need of care or rehabilitation.
(8) DEPENDENT CHILD. a. A child who has been adjudicated dependent by a juvenile court and is in need of care or supervision and meets any of the following circumstances:
1. Whose parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or other custodian subjects the child or any other child in the household to abuse, as defined in subdivision (2) of Section 12-15-301 or neglect as defined in subdivision (4) of Section 12-15-301, or allows the child to be so subjected.
2. Who is without a parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian willing and able to provide for the care, support, or education of the child.
3. Whose parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or other custodian neglects or refuses, when able to do so or when the service is offered without charge, to provide or allow medical, surgical, or other care necessary for the health or well-being of the child.
4. Whose parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or other custodian fails, refuses, or neglects to send the child to school in accordance with the terms of the compulsory school attendance laws of this state.
5. Whose parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or other custodian has abandoned the child, as defined in subdivision (1) of Section 12-15-301.
6. Whose parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or other custodian is unable or unwilling to discharge his or her responsibilities to and for the child.
7. Who has been placed for care or adoption in violation of the law.
8. Who, for any other cause, is in need of the care and protection of the state.
b. The commission of one or more status offenses as defined in subdivision (4) of Section 12-15-201 is not a sufficient basis for an adjudication of dependency.
(9) DETENTION. The temporary placement of children alleged or adjudicated to be delinquent in secure custody as defined herein pending juvenile court disposition or transfer to a residential facility for further care of a child adjudicated delinquent.
(10) GUARDIAN AD LITEM. A licensed attorney appointed by a juvenile court to protect the best interests of an individual without being bound by the expressed wishes of that individual.
(11) INTAKE OFFICER. A juvenile probation officer or an employee of the judicial branch of government, who is neutral and detached from executive and legislative branch activities, designated by the juvenile court judge to initiate original delinquency, dependency, and child in need of supervision cases, as well as cases designated in Section 12-15-132 before the juvenile court. The juvenile court intake officer shall be appointed a magistrate pursuant to Rule 18, Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, to issue warrants of arrest for individuals 18 years of age or older committing criminal offenses under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.
(12) JUVENILE COURT. The juvenile or family court division of the circuit or district court having jurisdiction over matters as provided by this chapter.
(13) JUVENILE DETENTION FACILITY. Any facility owned or operated by the state, any county, or other legal entity licensed by and contracted with the Department of Youth Services for the detention of children.
(14) LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. Any person, however denominated, who is authorized by law to exercise the police powers of the state, a county, or local governments.
(15) LEGAL CUSTODIAN. A parent, person, agency, or department to whom legal custody of a child under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court pursuant to this chapter has been awarded by order of the juvenile court or other court of competent jurisdiction.
(16) LEGAL CUSTODY. A legal status created by order of the juvenile court which vests in a legal custodian the right to have physical custody of a child under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court pursuant to this chapter and the right and duty to protect, train, and discipline the child and to provide the child with food, shelter, clothing, education, and medical care, all subject to the powers, rights, duties, and responsibilities of the legal guardian of the person of the child and subject to any residual parental rights and responsibilities. A parent, person, agency, or department granted legal custody shall exercise the rights and responsibilities personally, unless otherwise restricted by the juvenile court.
(17) LEGAL GUARDIAN. A person who has been appointed by a probate court pursuant to the Alabama Uniform Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Act, Chapter 2A (commencing with Section 26-2A-1) of Title 26 to be a guardian of a person under 19 years of age who has not otherwise had the disabilities of minority removed. This term does not include a guardian ad litem as defined in this section.
(18) MINOR. An individual who is under the age of ears and who is not a child within the meaning of this chapter.
(19) PARENT. The legal mother or the legal father of a child under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court pursuant to this chapter.
(20) PICK-UP ORDER. In any case before the juvenile court, an order directing any law enforcement officer or other person authorized by this chapter to take a child into custody and to deliver the child to a place of detention, shelter, or other care designated by the juvenile court.
(21) PROBATION. The legal status created by order of the juvenile court following an adjudication of delinquency or in need of supervision whereby a child is permitted to remain in a community subject to supervision and return to the juvenile court for violation of probation at any time during the period of probation.
(22) RESIDENTIAL FACILITY. A dwelling, other than a detention or shelter care facility, providing living accommodations, care, treatment, and maintenance for children, including, but not limited to, institutions, foster family homes, group homes, half-way houses, and forestry camps operated, accredited, or licensed by a federal or state department or agency.
(23) RESIDUAL PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES. Those rights and responsibilities remaining with a parent after a transfer of legal custody of a child under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court pursuant to this chapter, including, but not necessarily limited to, the right of visitation, the right to withhold consent to adoption, the right to determine religious affiliation, and the responsibility for support, unless determined by order of the juvenile court not to be in the best interests of the child.
(24) SECURE CUSTODY. As used with regard to juvenile detention facilities and the Department of Youth Services, this term means residential facilities with construction features designed to physically restrict the movements and activities of persons in custody such as locked rooms and buildings, including rooms and buildings that contain alarm devices that prevent departure; fences; or other physical structures. This term does not include facilities where physical restriction of movement or activity is provided solely through facility staff.
(25) SHELTER CARE. The temporary care of children in group homes, foster care, relative placement, or other nonpenal facilities.
§12-15-107.
(a) For the purpose of carrying out the objectives and purposes of this chapter and subject to the limitations of this chapter or imposed by the juvenile court, a juvenile probation officer shall perform the following duties:
(1) Make investigations, reports, and recommendations to the juvenile court.
(2) Serve as a juvenile court intake officer when designated by the juvenile court judge.
(3) Supervise and assist a child placed on probation or aftercare by order of the juvenile court or other authority of law until the terms of probation or aftercare expire or are otherwise terminated.
(4) Make appropriate referrals to other private or public departments or agencies of the community if their assistance appears to be needed or desirable.
(5) Make predisposition studies and submit reports and recommendations to the juvenile court as required by this chapter.
(6) Collect and compile statistical data and file reports as may be required by the Administrative Director of Courts pursuant to subdivision (1) of Section 12-5-10. The reports may include, but shall not be limited to, statistical data, case studies, and research materials.
(7) Notify the state and either the parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian of a juvenile sex offender, or the child's attorney for the juvenile sex offender, of the pending release of the juvenile sex offender and provide them with a copy of the risk assessment pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 15-20A-26.
(8) Perform other functions as are designated by this chapter or directed by the juvenile court.
(b) For the purposes of this chapter, a juvenile probation officer with the approval of the juvenile court, shall have the power to take into custody and place in shelter or detention, subject to Section 12-15-208, a child who is on probation or aftercare under his or her supervision when the juvenile probation officer has A juvenile probation officer may request an order for a law enforcement officer or other authorized person to take a child into custody and place the child in shelter or detention when the juvenile probation officer has reasonable cause to believe that the child has violated the conditions of his or her probation or aftercare, or that he or she may flee from the jurisdiction of the juvenile court. A juvenile probation officer does not have the powers of a law enforcement officer.
§12-15-119.
(a) After a verified complaint has been filed and before a petition alleging delinquency or in need of supervision is filed, the juvenile court intake officer, subject to the direction of the juvenile court, may shall offer give counsel and advice to the parties child for the purpose of an informal adjustment pursuant to rules of procedure adopted by the Supreme Court of Alabama. if both of the following are satisfied and the complaint does not allege that the child has committed a sex offense, or that the child has committed a delinquent act where restitution is owed to the victim:
(1) The complaint alleges that the child has either committed a misdemeanor not involving a deadly weapon as defined in Section 13A-1-2 or is a child in need of supervision.
(2) The child has no prior adjudications of delinquency or as a child in need of supervision.
(b) The juvenile court intake officer may offer an information adjustment to any other child.
(c) The juvenile court intake officer shall not assess or collect a fine, fee, or other financial obligation as part of an informal adjustment.
§12-15-120.
(a) Delinquency, child in need of supervision, and dependency cases and proceedings pursuant to Section 12-15-132 before the juvenile court shall be initiated by the filing of a petition by the juvenile court intake officer who shall receive verified complaints and proceed thereon pursuant to rules of procedure adopted by the Supreme Court of Alabama.
(b) A petition alleging that a child is a delinquent child, dependent child, or a child in need of supervision shall not be filed by a juvenile court intake officer unless the juvenile court intake officer has determined and endorsed upon the petition that the juvenile court has subject matter jurisdiction and venue over the case and that the filing of the petition is in the best interests of the public and the child. all of the following are satisfied:
(1) The juvenile court has subject matter jurisdiction and venue over the case.
(2) The child does not meet the informal adjustment criteria defined in subsection (a) of Section 12-15-119 or the child has rejected an offer of informal adjustment.
(3) The filing of the petition is in the best interests of the public and the child.
(c) A petition alleging that a child is in need of supervision for habitual truancy shall not be filed unless a representative of the school has provided written documentation to the intake officer that the school made reasonable efforts to engage the child in an early warning truancy prevention program.
(d) Absent serious threats to school safety or emergency circumstances, or a child committing a delinquent act, when a petition is filed based upon acts committed on school grounds during the school day, information shall be included in the petition which shows all of the following:
(1) The steps the school has taken to resolve the expressed problem through available educational approaches.
(2) That the school has sought to engage the parents or guardian in solving the problem but they have been unwilling or unable to do so.
(3) That the child has not responded to such approaches and continues to engage in offending behavior.
(4) That court intervention is needed.
§12-15-126.
If it appears from a sworn statement, written or verbal, presented to the juvenile court that a child needs to be placed in detention or shelter or other care, pursuant to the criteria provided in Section 12-15-128, the juvenile court may issue a pick-up order that a law enforcement officer or other person authorized by this chapter shall at once take the child into custody and take him or her to the place of detention or shelter or other care designated by the juvenile court.
§12-15-127.
(a) A person taking a child into custody without an order of the juvenile court shall, with all possible speed, and in accordance with this chapter and the rules of court pursuant thereto:
(1) Release the child to the parents, legal guardian, or legal custodian of the child or other suitable person able to provide supervision and care for the child and issue verbal counsel and warning as may be appropriate.
(2) Release the child to the parents, legal guardian, or legal custodian of the child upon his or her promise to bring the child before the juvenile court when requested, unless the placement of the child in detention or shelter care appears required pursuant to the criteria provided in Section 12-15-128. If a parent, legal guardian, or other legal custodian fails, when requested, to bring the child before the juvenile court as provided in this section, the juvenile court may issue an order directing that the child be taken into custody and brought before the juvenile court, in accordance with subsection (b).
(3) Bring the child, if not released, to the place designated by the juvenile court and give written notice of the action taken and the reasons for taking the child into custody to the juvenile court intake officer, to the parent, legal guardian, or other legal custodian of the child, and, in the case of dependency, to the Department of Human Resources.
(b) Prior to authorizing the admission of the child to detention, shelter, or other care, the juvenile court intake officer, on an allegation of delinquency or in need of supervision or of dependency, shall administer a detention risk assessment tool to any child who is under consideration for placement in detention, developed pursuant to Section 2 of the act adding this amendatory language, and review the need for detention or shelter care, including reviewing the written notice of the person who took the child into custody without an order of the juvenile court and the results of the detention risk assessment tool, and shall direct the law enforcement officer or other person currently having the child in custody to release the child unless detention or shelter care is required pursuant to Section 12-15-128. The juvenile court intake officer may allow release with or without electronic or telephone monitoring pending the 72-hour hearing requirement.
(c) A person taking a child or minor into custody pursuant to subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of Section 12-15-125 shall bring the child or minor to a medical or mental health facility if the child or minor is believed to be suffering from a serious mental health condition, illness, or injury which requires either prompt treatment or prompt diagnosis for the welfare of the child or minor or for evidentiary purposes, and, in the most expeditious manner possible, give notice of the action taken together with a statement of taking the child or minor into custody in writing to the court, the parents, legal guardian or other legal custodian and to the intake office and to the Department of Human Resources in the case of a dependency allegation.
§12-15-128.
(a) An allegedly delinquent child, dependent child, or child in need of supervision lawfully taken into custody shall immediately be released, upon the ascertainment of the necessary facts and in a case of a child alleged to be delinquent and where detention is being considered, upon consideration of the statewide detention risk assessment tool, developed pursuant to Section 2 of the act adding this amendatory language, to the care, custody, and control of the parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian of the child or other suitable person able to provide supervision and care for the child, unless the juvenile court or juvenile court intake officer, subject to the limitations in Section 12-15-208, finds any of the following:
(1) The child has no parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or other suitable person able to provide supervision and care for the child.
(2) The release of the child would present a clear and substantial threat of a serious nature to the person or property of others and where the child is alleged to be delinquent.
(3) The release of the child would present a serious threat of substantial harm to the child.
(4) The child has a history is at risk of failing to appear at a future court hearing based upon a recent record of failing to appear for hearings before the juvenile court.
(5) The child is alleged to be delinquent for possessing a pistol, short-barreled rifle, or short-barreled shotgun, in which case the child may be detained in a juvenile detention facility until the hearing required by Section 12-15-207. Pistol as used in this section shall be as defined in subdivision (1) of Section 13A-11-70. Short-barreled rifle and short-barreled shotgun as used in this section shall be as defined in Section 13A-11-62.
(b) Detention shall not be used as a result of a parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian avoiding his or her legal responsibility to provide supervision and care for the child.
(c) A child alleged to be in need of supervision shall not be placed in detention except pursuant to Section 12-15-208.
(d) The length of stay in detention pre-adjudication may not exceed 30 days, except in those cases where a motion has been filed pursuant to Section 12-15-203 to transfer the case to adult court or upon extension granted by the court where the child could be considered a serious juvenile offender pursuant to Section 12-15-219, if the child is alleged to have caused death or serious physical injury to another person, or if there is a substantial and compelling reason justifying an extension. If the court finds a substantial and compelling reason justifying an extension, the court shall enter an order of specific findings for the extension.
(b)(e) The criteria for continuing the allegedly delinquent child or child in need of supervision in detention or shelter or other care, or for continuing the allegedly dependent child in shelter or other care, as set forth in subsection (a) shall govern the decisions of all persons involved in determining whether the continued detention or shelter care is warranted pending juvenile court disposition and those criteria shall be supported by clear and convincing evidence in support of the decision not to release the child.
(c)(f) In releasing a child, a juvenile court or the juvenile court intake officer may impose restrictions on the travel, association, or place of abode of the child or place the child under the supervision of a department, agency, or organization agreeing to supervise him or her, and may place the child under supervision such as electronic or telephone monitoring, if available. A child, once placed in detention, may also be released pursuant to the same conditions should there be a need to release the child from a juvenile detention facility because of an overcrowded population.
§12-15-132.
(a) A child on probation or aftercare incident to an adjudication as a delinquent child or a child in need of supervision who violates the terms of his or her probation or aftercare may be proceeded against for a revocation of the order.
(b) A proceeding to revoke probation or aftercare shall be commenced by the filing of a petition entitled
petition to revoke probation" or "petition to revoke aftercare." Except as otherwise provided, these petitions shall be screened, reviewed, and prepared in the same manner and shall contain the same information as provided in Sections 12-15-120 and 12-15-121. The petition shall recite the date that the child was placed on probation or aftercare and shall state the time and manner in which notice of the terms of probation or aftercare was given.
(c) Probation or aftercare revocation proceedings shall require clear and convincing evidence. In all other respects, proceedings to revoke probation or aftercare shall be governed by the procedures, safeguards, and rights and duties applicable to delinquency and child in need of supervision cases contained in this chapter.
(d) If a child is found to have violated the terms of his or her probation or aftercare pursuant to a revocation hearing, the juvenile court may extend the period of probation or aftercare or make any other order of disposition specified for a child adjudicated delinquent or in need of supervision pursuant to the limitations of Section 12-15-215.
(e) A violation of probation for a child in need of supervision is not an adjudication of delinquency.
§12-15-207.
(a) When a child is not released from detention or shelter care as provided in Section 12-15-127, a petition shall be filed and a hearing held within 72 hours of placement in detention or shelter care, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays included, to determine probable cause and to determine whether or not continued detention or shelter care is required.
(b) Notice of the detention or shelter care hearing, either verbal or written, stating the date, time, place, and purpose of the hearing and the right to counsel shall be given by a juvenile probation officer to the parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian if they can be found and to the child if the child is over 12 years of age.
(c) At the commencement of the detention or shelter care hearing, the juvenile court shall advise the parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, and the parties of the right to counsel and shall appoint counsel if the juvenile court determines they are indigent. The parties shall be informed of the right of the child to remain silent. The parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, and the parties shall also be informed of the contents of the petition and, except as provided herein, shall be given an opportunity to admit or deny the allegations of the petition. Prior to the acceptance of an admission of the allegations of the petition, the juvenile court shall: (1) Verify if the child was previously convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender pursuant to Section 12-15-203 or (2) rule on any motion of the prosecutor requesting the juvenile court to transfer the child for criminal prosecution. The juvenile court shall not accept a plea of guilt or an admission to the allegations of the petition in any case in which the child will be transferred for prosecution as an adult, either by grant of the motion of the prosecutor to transfer or pursuant to Section 12-15-203.
(d) All relevant and material evidence helpful in determining the need for detention or shelter care may be admitted by the juvenile court even though not admissible in subsequent hearings, including the results of a detention risk assessment.
(e) If the child is not released and no parent, legal guardian, or other legal custodian has been notified and none appeared or waived appearance at the hearing, upon the filing of an affidavit by the parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian stating these facts and requesting a hearing, the juvenile court shall rehear the matter within 24 hours
(f) If a person 18 years of age or older is alleged to have violated a condition of probation or aftercare after the person was adjudicated to be delinquent, and that person is eligible for detention, the juvenile court may order that the person be confined in the appropriate jail or lockup for adults as ordered by the juvenile court pursuant to the criteria listed in Section 12-15-208.
(g) Video conferencing shall follow the procedures set out by the Supreme Court and may be used to conduct a detention hearing unless one or more party objects and the court finds good cause to hold the hearing in person.
§12-15-209.
(a) When the juvenile court finds that full-time detention or shelter care of a child is not required, the juvenile court shall order the release of the child, and in so doing, may impose one or more of the following conditions:
(1) Place the child in the custody of a parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or any other person whom the juvenile court deems proper, or place the child with a department, agency, or organization agreeing to supervise the child.
(2) Place restrictions on the travel, association, or place of abode of the child during the period of his or her release, or place the child under electronic or telephone monitoring, if available.
(3) Impose any other condition deemed reasonably necessary and consistent with the criteria for detaining children specified in Section 12-15-128, including other than a condition requiring that the child return to custody as required of the Department of Youth Services; provided however, a child may be placed in a residential facility funded by the Department of Youth Services or another residential facility subject to the provisions of law.
(b) An order releasing a child on any conditions specified in subsection (a) may at any time be amended to impose additional or different conditions of release or to return the child to custody for failure to conform to the conditions originally imposed.
§12-15-211.
(a) The juvenile court may suspend delinquency or child in need of supervision proceedings pursuant to a consent decree. The terms and conditions of the consent decree shall be agreed to by the child and his or her parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian. The consent decree shall be entered at any time after the filing of a delinquency or child in need of supervision petition and before the entry of an adjudication order. The child and his or her parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian shall be advised of their rights, including the right to counsel.
(b) Where an objection is made by the prosecutor, the juvenile court, after considering the objection and the reasons therefor, shall proceed to determine whether it is appropriate to enter a consent decree.
(c) A consent decree shall remain in force for six months unless the child is discharged sooner by the juvenile court. Upon application of a juvenile probation officer or other department or agency supervising the child, made before the expiration of the six-month period, a consent decree may be extended by the juvenile court for an additional six months.
(d) If prior to discharge by the juvenile probation officer or expiration of the consent decree, a new delinquency or child in need of supervision petition is filed against the child, or the child otherwise fails to fulfill express terms and conditions of the decree, the petition under which the child was continued under supervision may be reinstated after a hearing and the case may proceed to adjudication.
(e) Upon satisfaction by the child of the conditions of the consent decree or upon the child being otherwise discharged by the juvenile court, the petition shall be dismissed with prejudice.
(f) No fine, fee, or court cost shall be assessed against a child as part of a consent decree; however, a fee, including supervision fees, may be assessed against parents. Nothing in this subsection should be construed as prohibiting the assessment of supervision fees.
(g)(1) The juvenile court shall retain jurisdiction over an individual of any age for the enforcement of any prior orders of the juvenile court requiring the payment of court costs, restitution, or other money ordered by the juvenile court until paid in full. (2) Provided, however, for orders entered following the effective date of this act, a court may not extend the period of probation or aftercare for non-payment of fines, fees, court costs, or restitution, including those assessed against a parent.
§12-15-215.
(a) If the juvenile court finds on proof beyond a reasonable doubt, based upon competent, material, and relevant evidence, that a child committed the acts by reason of which the child is alleged to be delinquent or in need of supervision, it may proceed immediately to hear evidence as to whether the child is in need of care or rehabilitation and to file its findings thereon. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, a finding that the child has committed an act which constitutes a felony is sufficient to sustain a finding that the child is in need of care or rehabilitation. If the juvenile court finds that the child is not in need of care or rehabilitation, it shall dismiss the proceedings and discharge the child from any detention or other temporary care theretofore ordered. If the juvenile court finds that the child is in need of care or rehabilitation, it may make any of the following orders or dispositions, subject to the limitations and prohibitions of this section, and the limitations on secure custody or placement in the custody of the Department of Youth Services contained in Section 12-15-208 and Section 12-15-132:
(1) Permit the child to remain with the parent, legal guardian, or other legal custodian of the child, subject to the conditions and limitations the juvenile court may prescribe in accordance with this section.
(2) Place the child on probation pursuant to conditions and limitations the juvenile court may prescribe in accordance with this section.
(3) Transfer legal and physical custody to any of the following:
a. The Department of Youth Services, with or without an order to a specific institution.
1. A child shall be eligible for placement with the department only upon adjudication under this section for either of the following:
(i) A Class A, B, or C felony.
(ii) A. A Class D felony or a misdemeanor; and
B. The child has at least three prior felony or misdemeanor adjudications arising from separate incidents.
(iii) If a child is not eligible for placement with the department, the child may be placed in another residential facility as provided by law.
2. The court may order specific conditions that the child must complete prior to release from custody of the department, provided the condition does not extend treatment, as approved by the department.
3. The court may not order a determinate sentence for a child committed to custody of the department, except upon a finding that the child is a serious juvenile offender pursuant to Section 12-15-219 or has caused the death of another person. 4. Once a risk assessment has become available pursuant to Section 9 of the act adding this amendatory language, a court shall consider the contents and recommendations of the risk and needs assessment prior to placing any eligible child in the custody of the Department of Youth Services. If the risk assessment recommends against placement in the custody of the Department of Youth Services, a court may only make the placement if accompanied by express findings as to why placement is in the best interest of the child or the community.
b. In the case of a child in need of supervision, the Department of Youth Services, or the Department of Human Resources; provided however 1. that prior to any transfer of custody to the Department of Human Resources, the case shall first be referred to the county children's services facilitation team, which must proceed according to Article 5; and 2. that the child's commission of one or more status offenses shall not constitute a sufficient basis for transfer of legal or physical custody to the Department of Human Resources. Upon referral to the county children's services facilitation team, the juvenile probation officer shall continue to provide case management to the status offender unless the county children's services facilitation team appoints another person to act as case manager. The juvenile probation officer shall participate in county children's services facilitation team meetings and share records information and reports on the status offender with the county children's services facilitation team. When the juvenile court transfers legal and physical custody to the Department of Human Resources, all requirements which shall be met for a child to be eligible for federal funding shall apply, including, but not limited to, the requirements set out in Sections 12-15-312, 12-15-315, and 12-15-317.
c. A local, public, or private agency, organization, or facility willing and able to assume the education, care, and maintenance of the child and which is licensed or otherwise authorized by law to receive and provide care for children.
d. During the term of supervision, a relative or other individual who is found by the juvenile court to be qualified to receive and care for the child.
(4) Make any other order as the juvenile court in its discretion shall deem to be for the welfare and best interests of the child after consideration of the results of a validated risk and needs assessment, including random drug screens, assessment of fines not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250), and restitution against the parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or child, as the juvenile court deems appropriate. Costs for juvenile court-ordered drug screening may not be ordered against the child, but may be ordered against the parents, or may be ordered paid for by the state out of moneys appropriated as "court costs not otherwise provided for." Restitution against the parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or child shall be governed by the same principles applicable in the Restitution to Victims of Crime Act, commencing with Section 15-18-65, and restitution ordered against the parents shall be limited to five thousand dollars ($5,000) collectively, except that restitution may only be assessed for material loss, which means uninsured property loss, uninsured out-of-pocket monetary loss, uninsured lost wages, and uninsured medical expenses, and restitution may be assessed for the cost of the victim's deductible.
(5) Direct the parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian of the child to perform reasonable acts as are deemed necessary to promote the best interests of the child.
(6) In any case where a child is adjudicated delinquent for possessing a pistol, short-barreled rifle, or short-barreled shotgun, any pistol, short-barreled rifle, or short-barreled shotgun possessed by that child is forfeited and shall be ordered to be destroyed by the juvenile court.
(b) No child by virtue of a disposition pursuant to this section shall be committed or transferred to a penal institution or other facility used for the execution of sentences of persons convicted of a crime.
(c) No child in need of supervision, unless also a delinquent child, shall be ordered to be placed in an institution or facility established for the care and rehabilitation of delinquent children unless the juvenile probation officer submits a written recommendation and the juvenile court finds upon a further hearing that the child is not amenable to treatment or rehabilitation pursuant to any prior disposition.
In determining if a child is not amenable to treatment or rehabilitation, the juvenile court shall consider evidence of the following and other relevant factors:
(1) Prior treatment efforts, such as, but not limited to:
a. Mental health counseling, if any.
b. Individualized educational plans, if any.
c. Other educational records.
d. Individualized service plans, if any.
(2) The age of the child.
(3) The history of the child being involved with the juvenile court, including, but not limited to, informal adjustments, consent decrees, adjudications, and prior placements.
(4) Other factors contributing to the behavioral difficulties of the child.
The written recommendations of the juvenile probation officer shall include evidence of the foregoing and other relevant factors.
(d) When a delinquent child may be committable to the Department of Mental Health, the juvenile court shall proceed as provided in Article 4, commencing with Section 12-15-401.
(e) Whenever the juvenile court vests legal custody in an agency or department, it shall transmit with the order copies of the clinical reports, predisposition study, and other information it has pertinent to the care and treatment of the child.
(f) When a child is placed in the legal custody of a department, agency, organization, entity, or person as provided in this section, when the parent, legal guardian, or legal custodian of the child has resources for child support, the juvenile court shall order child support in conformity with the child support guidelines as set out in Rule 32, Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration. The child support shall be paid to the department, agency, organization, entity, or person in whose legal custody the child is placed and may be expended for those matters that are necessary for the welfare and well-being of those children placed in the departments, agencies, organizations, entities, or persons. In these cases, the juvenile court shall issue income withholding orders subject to state law.
(g)(1) Whenever the juvenile court commits a child to a state or local department or agency or orders a state or local department or agency to provide services or treatment for a child, that department or agency shall accept the child for commitment, ordered services, or treatment within seven days of the order of the juvenile court. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if compliance with the order of the juvenile court within seven days , including Section 44-1-24, would place a department or agency in violation of either a state statute or standard create a health or safety risk for the child or other children placed with the department or agency, then compliance is not required for a period of not more than 30 days from notification. 10 days of transmittal of the order of the juvenile court. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if compliance with the order of the juvenile court within If the child remains at a juvenile detention facility after the expiration of 10 days from transmittal of the order of the juvenile court would place a department or agency in violation of either a state statute or standard, then compliance is not required, the county commission shall not be responsible for the cost of housing, medical care, or other expenses, and the state shall reimburse the facility for such costs, beginning on the eleventh day; provided, however, that in no instance shall any child be held in a juvenile detention facility for more than a total of 30 days following the order of the juvenile court. (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (1), for juveniles committed to the custody of the Department of Youth Services, the juvenile probation officer shall electronically transfer the risk assessment and social evaluation previously submitted to the court to the department and the regional detention facility where the juvenile is detained simultaneously with the court order of the juvenile court. The department shall be responsible for the cost of housing, medical care, and other expenses for the juvenile following the tenth business day after such receipt. The 10-day limit may be extended, with the consent of the county commission and sheriff, to allow the consolidation of transportation for two or more children being transferred to the custody of the Department of Youth Services.
(h) The presumptive length of probation shall be six months; however, such probation may be extended for a judicial finding of good cause, subject to Sections 12-15-221(c).
(i) The court may not order against any child any fine, fee, or court cost; however, a fine, fee, or court cost may be ordered against the parents.
(j) The juvenile court may continue exercising its jurisdiction over the child with respect to previously disposed delinquency cases after the termination of its jurisdiction with respect to other criminal charges, including jurisdiction to enforce its order requiring the payment of fines, costs, restitution, or other money ordered by the juvenile court pursuant to Section 12-15-117.
(k) Upon release from custody of the Department of Youth Services, the court may place a child on aftercare supervision, pursuant to Section 44-1-36, for up to six months at a time, which term shall expire six months after entry of the order beginning the aftercare unless renewed by court order prior to that time, except that where the commitment was for those offenses for which a child would be automatically transferred pursuant to Section 12-15-204 if the child was 16 or 17 years old, the six-month limitation does not apply.
(l) In issuing an order of probation pursuant to subdivision (a)(2), the juvenile court shall only issue orders that adhere to the following limitations:
(1) Probation conditions shall only be ordered after consideration of the results of a validated risk and needs assessment pursuant to Section 9 of the act adding this amendatory language.
(2) The results of a validated risk and needs assessment, pursuant to Section 9 of the act adding this amendatory language and Section 12-15-221 shall be considered prior to making any modifications of supervision conditions.
(3)a. The court may not order that a child be placed in secure custody or a residential facility upon violation of probation or aftercare, unless the placement would have been allowable under the original adjudication from which the violation of probation or aftercare arose.
b.1. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subdivision, the court, in addition to all other sanctions, may order that a child be placed in detention upon a violation of probation or aftercare of either an adjudication of delinquency or child in need of supervision, for the following time periods:
(i) Up to 24 hours for a first violation.
(ii) Up to 48 hours for a second or subsequent violation.
2. An order to detention under this paragraph may be either a short-term detention facility or a regional or county detention facility.
(4) No person shall be ordered into placement in a residential facility, detention, or jail for non-payment of fines, fees, court costs, or restitution unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the person had the ability to pay and willfully refused to do so.
§12-15-221.
(a) An order awarding legal custody or an order of probation made by the juvenile court in the case of a child may be modified, revoked, or extended on motion by:
(1) A child, whose legal custody has been transferred to a department, institution, agency, or person, requesting the juvenile court for a modification or termination of the order, alleging that the child is no longer in need of placement or probation and the department, institution, agency, or person has denied application for release of the child or has failed to act upon the application within a reasonable time; or
(2) A department, institution, agency, or person vested with legal custody or responsibility for probation, requesting the juvenile court for a modification, an extension, or a termination of the order on the grounds that the action is in the best interests of the child or necessary to safeguard the welfare of the child or the public interest.
(b) The juvenile court may dismiss the motions filed pursuant to subsection (a) if, after preliminary investigation, it finds that they are without substance. If the juvenile court is of the opinion that the order should be reviewed, upon due notice to all necessary parties as prescribed by rules of court, it may proceed to a hearing in the same manner and under the same safeguards provided for in this chapter for the issuance of the original order. It may thereupon terminate the order if it finds the child is no longer in need of care or rehabilitation or it may enter an order extending or modifying the original order if it finds this action necessary to safeguard the child or the public interest.
(c) The juvenile court shall only extend probation or add additional conditions upon adjudication of a violation of probation and consistent with the results of a validated risks and needs assessment.
§12-15-701.
(a) For the purposes of this section, sexually exploited child shall mean an individual under the age of 18 years who is under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court and who has been subjected to sexual exploitation because he or she is any of the following:
(1) A victim of the crime of human trafficking sexual servitude as provided in Section 13A-6-150, et seq.
(2) Engaged in prostitution as provided in Section 13A-12-120 or 13A-12-121.
(3) A victim of the crime of promoting prostitution as provided in Section 13A-12-111, 13A-12-112, or 13A-12-113.
(b) A sexually exploited child may not be adjudicated delinquent or convicted of a crime of prostitution as provided in Section 13A-12-120 or 13A-12-121, or any municipal ordinance prohibiting such acts.
(c) In any proceeding based upon a child's arrest for an act of prostitution, there is a presumption that the child satisfies the definition of a sexually exploited child as provided in this section.
(d) If a law enforcement officer or a person seeks to file a complaint against a child for an offense of prostitution as provided in Section 13A-12-120 or 13A-12-121, the juvenile court intake officer shall evaluate the complaint to determine if the child is a sexually exploited child and could have another complaint filed stating that the child is alleged to be in need of supervision or alleged to be dependent, and not a child alleged to be delinquent, pursuant to Rule 12 of the Alabama Rules of Juvenile Procedure. A juvenile probation officer who is designated to be a juvenile court intake officer may determine if a child alleged to be in need of supervision is appropriate for an informal adjustment pursuant to subject to Section 12-15-119 and Rule 15 of the Alabama Rules of Juvenile Procedure.
(e) If a petition alleging that a sexually exploited child is in need of supervision or is dependent is filed, a sexually exploited child may be adjudicated a child in need of supervision or a dependent child pursuant to Section 12-15-102(4) and (8). Once the sexually exploited child is adjudicated, the juvenile court shall retain jurisdiction over the sexually exploited child and may enforce prior orders requiring payment of court-ordered monies pursuant to Section 12-15-117. The juvenile court may issue any requisite order or conduct any hearing necessary to protect the health or safety of a sexually exploited child that is determined to be in the best interests of the child. The juvenile court may also, on an emergency basis, enter an order of protection or restraint to protect the health or safety of a sexually exploited child.
(f) A sexually exploited child who commits an act of prostitution as provided in Section 13A-12-120 or 13A-12-121 may not be transferred from the jurisdiction of juvenile court to any adult court pursuant to Section 12-15-203, except in those cases where the child has been convicted or adjudicated a youthful offender divesting the juvenile court of jurisdiction as provided in Sections 12-15-203(i) and 12-15-204(b).
(g) A sexually exploited child who commits an act of prostitution as provided in Section 13A-12-120 or 13A-12-121 shall be afforded all rights pursuant to Section 12-15-202.
(h) All social and community services shall be made available to a sexually exploited child. Services may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
(1) Forensic evidence collection.
(2) Forensic interviewing.
(3) Counseling.
(4) Advocacy.
(5) Shelter.
(6) Alcohol or substance abuse treatment.
(7) Mental health services.
(8) Medical treatment.
(9) Legal services.
(10) Educational tutoring, counseling, and language interpreter services.
(11) Crisis intervention services.
(12) Safety planning.
(13) Investigation and prosecution of the individuals subjecting the child to sexual exploitation or abuse.
§12-25-9.
The commission shall have the following responsibilities:
(1) To review state sentencing structure, including laws, policies, and practices, and recommend changes to the criminal code, criminal rules of procedure, and other aspects of sentencing necessary to accomplish the purposes and objectives of this article.
(2) To review the overcrowding problem in county jails, with particular emphasis on funding for the county jails and the proper removal of state prisoners from county jails pursuant to state law and state and federal court orders, and to make recommendations for resolution of these issues to the Governor, Legislature, Attorney General, and Judicial System Study Commission before the 2002 Regular Legislative Session.
(3) To make recommendations to the Governor, Legislature, Attorney General, and Judicial System Study Commission concerning the enactment of laws relating to criminal offenses, sentencing, and correctional or probation matters.
(4) To publish an annual report and other reports as the chair deems necessary.
(5) To serve as a clearinghouse for the collection, preparation, and dissemination of information on sentencing practices.
(6) To maintain and make available for public inspection records of actions taken by the commission.
(7) To serve as a partner to the Juvenile Justice Fund Oversight Committee in accordance with Section 7 of the act adding this amendatory language to do all of the following:
a. Collect juvenile justice data.
b. Monitor custody orders committing youth to the Department of Youth Services and report comprehensive data on orders that commit ineligible youth to the department to the committee.
c. Report juvenile justice data regularly to the committee.
§15-20A-5.
For the purposes of this chapter, a sex offense includes any of the following offenses:
(1) Rape in the first degree, as provided by Section 13A-6-61.
(2) Rape in the second degree, as provided by Section 13A-6-62. A juvenile sex offender adjudicated delinquent of a violation of rape in the second degree is presumed to be exempt from this chapter unless the sentencing court makes a determination that the juvenile sex offender is to be subject to this chapter.
(3) Sodomy in the first degree, as provided by Section 13A-6-63.
(4) Sodomy in the second degree, as provided by Section 13A-6-64. A juvenile sex offender adjudicated delinquent of a violation of sodomy in the second degree is presumed to be exempt from this chapter unless the sentencing court makes a determination that the juvenile sex offender is to be subject to this chapter.
(5) Sexual misconduct, as provided by Section 13A-6-65, provided that on a first conviction or adjudication the sex offender is only subject to registration and verification pursuant to this chapter. On a second or subsequent conviction or adjudication of a sex offense, if the second or subsequent conviction or adjudication does not arise out of the same set of facts and circumstances as the first conviction or adjudication of a sex offense, the sex offender shall comply with all requirements of this chapter. The sentencing court may exempt from this chapter a juvenile sex offender adjudicated delinquent of sexual misconduct after the juvenile has been counseled on the dangers of the conduct for which he or she was adjudicated delinquent.
(6) Sexual torture, as provided by Section 13A-6-65.1.
(7) Sexual abuse in the first degree, as provided by Section 13A-6-66.
(8) Sexual abuse in the second degree, as provided by Section 13A-6-67. A juvenile sex offender adjudicated delinquent of a violation of sexual abuse in the second degree is presumed to be exempt from this chapter unless the sentencing court makes a determination that the juvenile sex offender is to be subject to this chapter.
(9) Indecent exposure, as provided by Section 13A-6-68, provided that on a first conviction or adjudication of a sex offense, the sex offender is only subject to registration and verification pursuant to this chapter. On a second or subsequent conviction or adjudication of a sex offense, if the second or subsequent conviction or adjudication does not arise out of the same set of facts and circumstances as the first conviction or adjudication, the sex offender shall comply with all requirements of this chapter. The sentencing court may exempt from this chapter a juvenile sex offender adjudicated delinquent of indecent exposure after the juvenile has been counseled on the dangers of the conduct for which he or she was adjudicated delinquent.
(10) Enticing a child to enter a vehicle, room, house, office, or other place for immoral purposes, as provided by Section 13A-6-69.
(11) Sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old, as provided by Section 13A-6-69.1.
(12) Promoting prostitution in the first degree, as provided by Section 13A-12-111.
(13) Promoting prostitution in the second degree, as provided by Section 13A-12-112.
(14) Violation of the Alabama Child Pornography Act, as provided by Section 13A-12-191, 13A-12-192, 13A-12-196, or 13A-12-197. The sentencing court may exempt from this chapter a juvenile sex offender adjudicated delinquent of a violation of the Alabama Child Pornography Act after the juvenile has been counseled on the dangers of the conduct for which he or she was adjudicated delinquent.
(15) Unlawful imprisonment in the first degree, as provided by Section 13A-6-41, if the victim of the offense is a minor, and the record of adjudication or conviction reflects the intent of the unlawful imprisonment was to abuse the minor sexually.
(16) Unlawful imprisonment in the second degree, as provided by Section 13A-6-42, if the victim of the offense is a minor, and the record of adjudication or conviction reflects the intent of the unlawful imprisonment was to abuse the minor sexually.
(17) Kidnapping in the first degree, as provided by subdivision (4) of subsection (a) of Section 13A-6-43, if the intent of the abduction is to violate or abuse the victim sexually.
(18) Kidnapping of a minor, except by a parent, guardian, or custodian, as provided by Section 13A-6-43 or 13A-6-44.
(19) Incest, as provided by Section 13A-13-3.
(20) Transmitting obscene material to a child by computer, as provided by Section 13A-6-111.
(21) School employee engaging in a sex act or deviant sexual intercourse with a student, or having sexual contact or soliciting a sex act or sexual contact with a student as provided by Sections 13A-6-81 and 13A-6-82.
(22) Foster parent engaging in a sex act, having sexual contact, or soliciting a sex act or sexual contact with a foster child as provided by Section 13A-6-71.
(23) Facilitating solicitation of unlawful sexual conduct with a child, as provided by Section 13A-6-121.
(24) Electronic solicitation of a child, as provided by Section 13A-6-122.
(25) Facilitating the on-line solicitation of a child, as provided by Section 13A-6-123.
(26) Traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act, as provided by Section 13A-6-124.
(27) Facilitating the travel of a child for an unlawful sex act, as provided by Section 13A-6-125.
(28) Human trafficking in the first degree, as provided by Section 13A-6-152, provided that the offense involves sexual servitude.
(29) Human trafficking in the second degree, as provided by Section 13A-6-153, provided that the offense involves sexual servitude.
(30) Custodial sexual misconduct, as provided by Section 14-11-31.
(31) Sexual extortion, as provided by Section 13A-6-241.
(32) Directing a child to engage in a sex act, as provided in Section 13A-6-243.
(33) Any offense which is the same as or equivalent to any offense set forth above as the same existed and was defined under the laws of this state existing at the time of such conviction, specifically including, but not limited to, crime against nature, as provided by Section 13-1-110; rape, as provided by Sections 13-1-130 and 13-1-131; carnal knowledge of a woman or girl, as provided by Sections 13-1-132 through 13-1-135, or attempting to do so, as provided by Section 13-1-136; indecent molestation of children, as defined and provided by Section 13-1-113; indecent exposure, as provided by Section 13-1-111; incest, as provided by Section 13-8-3; offenses relative to obscene prints and literature, as provided by Sections 13-7-160 through 13-7-175, inclusive; employing, harboring, procuring or using a girl over 10 and under 18 years of age for the purpose of prostitution or sexual intercourse, as provided by Section 13-7-1; seduction, as defined and provided by Section 13-1-112; a male person peeping into a room occupied by a female, as provided by Section 13-6-6; assault with intent to ravish, as provided by Section 13-1-46; and soliciting a child by computer, as provided by Section 13A-6-110.
(34) Any solicitation, attempt, or conspiracy to commit any of the offenses listed in subdivisions (1) to (33), inclusive.
(35) Any crime committed in Alabama or any other state, the District of Columbia, any United States territory, or a federal, military, Indian, or foreign country jurisdiction which, if it had been committed in this state under the current provisions of law, would constitute an offense listed in subdivisions (1) to (34), inclusive.
(36) Any offense specified by Title I of the federal Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (Pub. L. 109-248, the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA)).
(37) Any crime committed in another state, the District of Columbia, any United States territory, or a federal, military, Indian, or foreign country jurisdiction if that jurisdiction also requires that anyone convicted of that crime register as a sex offender in that jurisdiction.
(38) Any offender determined in any jurisdiction to be a sex offender shall be considered a sex offender in this state.
(39) The foregoing notwithstanding, any crime committed in any jurisdiction which, irrespective of the specific description or statutory elements thereof, is in any way characterized or known as rape, carnal knowledge, sodomy, sexual assault, sexual battery, criminal sexual conduct, criminal sexual contact, sexual abuse, continuous sexual abuse, sexual torture, solicitation of a child, enticing or luring a child, child pornography, lewd and lascivious conduct, taking indecent liberties with a child, molestation of a child, criminal sexual misconduct, video voyeurism, or there has been a finding of sexual motivation.
(40) Any crime not listed in this section wherein the underlying felony is an element of the offense and listed in subdivisions (1) to (39), inclusive.
(41) Any other offense not provided for in this section wherein there is a finding of sexual motivation as provided by Section 15-20A-6.
§16-28-2.2.
(a) Local boards of education, pursuant to guidelines established by the State Board of Education, shall establish educational programs to inform parents of school children of their education-related responsibilities to their children. The programs shall include, but shall not be limited to, coverage of each of the following topics:
(1) The criminal liability and criminal sanctions parents may be subject to under Section 16-28-12, for failing to compel their child to properly conduct himself or herself as a pupil, or for failing to ensure that their child attends school or enrolls in school.
(2) The necessity for a parent to monitor and supervise the school work and educational activities of the child.
(3) An explanation of the responsibilities of teachers and the school system to a child, and an enumeration of those matters that are strictly the responsibility of the parent.
(4) Techniques and suggestions to enable a parent to best supervise the school work and educational activities of the child.
(5) An explanation of the interrelationship of the family life of a child and the educational achievement of the child.
(6) An explanation of the services available to parents and families of school children that may be accessed in response to absenteeism and other school-related misconduct.
(b) The State Board of Education and local boards of education shall develop strategies to ensure that parents of school children receive this information. These strategies may include provisions for weekend meetings, one-to-one conferences, telephone communications, and neighborhood meetings.
(c) Local district attorneys and law enforcement officials shall, at the request of the local board of education, assist in the implementation and operation of this section.
§16-28-8.
All school officers, including those in private schools, or private tutors, but not those in church schools, in this state offering instruction to pupils within the compulsory attendance ages, shall make and furnish all reports that may be required by the State Superintendent of Education and by the county superintendent of education or by the board of education of any city with reference to the workings of this article. The principal teacher of each public school, private school, church school and each private tutor shall keep an attendance register showing the enrollment of the school and every absence of each enrolled child from school for a half day or more during each school day of the year, along with any efforts made to intervene with the child and that child's family to address school absence.
§16-28-13.
No parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of any child shall be convicted for failure to have said child enrolled in school or for failure to send a child to school or for failure to require such child to regularly attend such school or tutor, or for failure to compel such child to properly conduct himself as a pupil, if such parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of such child can establish to the reasonable satisfaction any of the court the following:
(1) That the principal teacher in charge of said the school which he or she attends or should attend or the tutor who instructs or should instruct said the child gave permission for the child to be absent; or.
(2) That such the parent, guardian, or other person is unable to provide necessary books and clothes in order that the child may attend school in compliance with law, and that such the parent, guardian, or other person had prior to the opening of the school, or immediately after the beginning of such the dependency, reported such the dependent condition to the juvenile court of the county and offered to turn the child over to the State Department of Human Resources as a dependent child; or.
(3) That such the parent, guardian, or other person has made a bona fide effort to control such the child and is unable to do so, and files in court a written statement that he or she is unable to control such the child; or
(4) That there exists a good cause or valid excuse for such the absence; or.
(5) That such the parent, guardian, or other person has made a bona fide, diligent effort to secure the regular attendance of such the child and that the absence was without his or her knowledge, connivance, or consent.
A good cause or valid excuse, as used in this section, exists when on account of sickness or other condition attendance was impossible or entirely inadvisable or impracticable or when, by virtue of the extraordinary circumstances, the absence is generally recognized as excusable.
(6) That the school did not make reasonable efforts to engage the parent, guardian, or other person having control or charge of the child in an early warning truancy prevention program established pursuant to Section 4 of the act adding this amendatory language prior to filing a complaint.
§16-28-14.
In case any child becomes an habitual truant, or because of irregular attendance or misconduct has become a menace to the best interest of the school which he or she is attending or should attend, and the parent, guardian, or other person files a written statement in court as provided in Section 16-28-13, stating that he or she is unable to control such the child, and the child has been afforded the opportunity in the preceding 12 months to participate in an early warning truancy prevention program in the school or at home in response to the nonenrollment or nonattendance, the attendance officer must file a complaint before the judge of the juvenile court of the county, alleging the facts, whereupon such where the child must be proceeded against in the juvenile court for the purpose of ascertaining determining whether such the child is a dependent, neglected, or delinquent child.
§16-28-16.
(a) It shall be the duty of the county superintendent of education or the city superintendent of education, as the case may be, to require the attendance officer to investigate all cases of nonenrollment and of nonattendance. In all cases investigated where no valid reason for nonenrollment or nonattendance is found, the attendance officer shall give written notice to the parent, guardian, or other person having control of the child. In the event of the absence of the parent, guardian, or other person having control of the child from his or her usual place of residence, the attendance officer shall leave a copy of the notice with some person over 12 years of age residing at the usual place of residence, with instructions to hand the notice to the parent, guardian, or other person having control of the child, which notice shall require the attendance of the child at the school within three days from the date of the notice. In the event the investigation discloses that the nonenrollment or nonattendance was without valid excuse or good reason and intentional, the attendance officer shall be required to bring criminal prosecution against the parent, guardian, or other person having control of the child if the attendance officer also finds that the school has made reasonable efforts to engage the child in an early warning truancy prevention program established pursuant to Section 4 of the act adding this amendatory language in the school or at home in response to the nonenrollment or nonattendance.
(b) Each child who is enrolled in a public school shall be subject to the attendance and truancy provisions of this article except that any parent or parents, guardian or guardians who voluntarily enrolls their child in public school, who feel that it is in the best interest of that child shall have the right to withdraw the child at any time prior to the current minimum compulsory attendance age.
§16-28-17.
It shall be the duty of the attendance officer, probation officer or other officer authorized to execute writs of arrest to take into custody without warrant any child required to attend school or be instructed by a private tutor who is found away from home and not in the custody of the person having charge or control of such the child during school hours and who has been reported by any person authorized to begin proceedings or prosecutions under the provisions of this article as a truant. Such The child shall forthwith immediately be delivered to the person having charge or control of said the child or to the principal teacher of the school or the private tutor from whom said the child is a truant. If such the child is an habitual truant, and the school has made reasonable efforts to engage the child in an early warning truancy prevention program in the school or at home in response to the child's nonattendance or nonenrollment, he or she shall be brought before the juvenile court for such disposition as the judge of said court finds proper from the facts intake.
§16-28-18.
The attendance officer whose appointment is by this article provided for shall keep an accurate record of all notices served, all cases prosecuted, and all other services performed and shall make an annual report of the same to the county board of education or to the city board of education by whom he or she is employed, and to the Alabama State Department of Education.
§44-1-24.
The Department of Youth Services shall perform the following:
(1) Provide services for youths who have run away from their own communities in this state or from their home communities in other states to this state, and provide such services, care, or cost for the youths as may be required pursuant to the provisions of the Interstate Compact on Juveniles.
(2) Provide for the expansion of local detention care for youths alleged to be delinquent pending court hearing.
(3) Secure the provision of medical, hospital, psychiatric, surgical, or dental service, or payment of the cost of such services, as may be needed for committed youths.
(4) License and subsidize foster care facilities or group homes for youths alleged to be delinquent pending hearing before a juvenile court or adjudged delinquent following hearing, including detention, examination, study, care, treatment, and training.
(5) Establish, maintain, and subsidize programs to train employees of the department, juvenile courts, and law enforcement personnel in such subject matters and techniques as may be necessary to assure efficient and effective administration of services in accordance with the purpose of this chapter.
(6) Make and enforce all rules and regulations which are necessary and appropriate to the proper accomplishment of the duties and functions vested in the department by law with respect to youth services and which do not conflict with or exceed the provisions of law vesting the duties and functions in the department.
(7)a. Enter into contracts with any other state or federal agency or with any private person, organization, or group capable of contracting, if the department finds the action to be in the public interest.
b. Where contracts are for treatment, rehabilitative, and prevention services provided through the Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Fund, the contracts shall adhere to a system of performance-based contracting developed by the department.
(8) Upon approval of the Attorney General, file and prosecute civil actions in any court in the name of the department to enforce this chapter and enforce such rules and regulations as may be promulgated under this chapter. Civil actions may include actions for an injunction to restrain any person, agency, or organization from violating any provision of this chapter or any rule or regulation promulgated under this chapter.
(9) Accept gifts, trusts, bequests, grants, endowments, or transfers of property of any kind and prudently to manage the property in accordance with sound financial principles.
(10) Prescribe and furnish forms to clerks of probate and juvenile courts for use in connection with any action to be taken under this chapter.
(11) Enter into reciprocal agreements with appropriate agencies of other states relative to youth services programs.
(12) Engage in research in the field of youth services, enter into contracts with public or voluntary organizations, including educational institutions, and with individuals for the purpose of securing research and to make provisions for any pay grants to such organizations or individuals in accordance with the rules of the department, as may be necessary to secure the performance of the research.
(13) If the court commits a youth who, based on information provided by the court, the department deems is ineligible for custody to the custody of the department, the department may file a motion to reconsider with the court. The Department of Youth Services may not file a motion to reconsider if the risk and needs assessment calls for a commitment to the department.
§44-1-36.
(a) In the event a committed youth shall be diagnosed in writing as mentally ill to the degree that said the youth is unable to profit from the programs operated by the department of youth services Department of Youth Services for the benefit of delinquent youth, the department may petition the proper juvenile court for the commitment of the said youth to the state hospital for the mentally ill. The diagnosis must be made by a person who is legally and professionally qualified under the laws of Alabama to make such a diagnosis.
(b) In the event a committed youth shall be diagnosed in writing as mentally retarded a person with a an intellectual disability to the degree that said the youth is unable to profit from the programs operated by the department for the benefit of delinquent youth, the department may petition the proper juvenile court for the commitment of the said youth to the state hospital for the mentally retarded. The diagnosis must be made by a person who is legally and professionally qualified under the laws of Alabama to make such a diagnosis.
(c) A committed youth shall be discharged who, in the judgment of the director, has gained optimal rehabilitation from the programs of the department and will not be received again by the department under the original commitment order.
(d) A committed youth shall be released into aftercare when the department determines that said the youth is no longer in need of the services of the state training schools and can function within open society under the supervision of a probation officer in accordance with terms and conditions as established by the committing court. The department shall notify the committing court in writing at least 10 days in advance of the release. The committing court, at the time of release into aftercare, shall then invest custody in a party which the court deems suitable. An order of aftercare may be issued pursuant to subsection (k) of Section 12-15-215.
(e) The committing court shall have jurisdiction to extend an order of commitment during the time of aftercare and to issue further orders in relation to the investment of legal custody in some other party until the youth reaches his or her twenty-first birthday only in accordance with Section 12-15-215 upon proper petitions requests being filed with the said court by a probation officer alleging all reasons for any aftercare extension or change of legal custody. A hearing shall be held in said the juvenile court within 10 days after the filing of the petition request for extension to determine whether the youth's aftercare should be extended, for no more than six months.
(f) When a committed youth has fulfilled his or her period of commitment, he or she shall be discharged from the department's custody, and any recommitment to the department must be based on a new offense or violation of his or her aftercare and a new hearing.
(g) In the event that a youth has not been discharged prior to the expiration of two years from the date of the entry of the original commitment order, the department must request either:
(1) The termination of the commitment order and the issuance of such other orders respecting the legal custody and continued supervision of the youth as may be warranted under the circumstances, or
(2) The extension of the original order for a further specifically limited period of time, on the grounds that such extension is necessary for the welfare of the youth or for the public interest, such extension not to exceed the date upon which the youth will reach the age of 21 years.
There must be a hearing at which the youth and his or her parent, guardian, or counsel are notified to be present. The committing court shall have jurisdiction until the youth reaches his or her twenty-first birthday to issue an extension of its original commitment order only pursuant to subsection (h) of Section 12-15-215. If the department does not act as prescribed in this subsection, custody awarded by the commitment order is terminated, and such order as regards such youth has no further force and effect after the expiration of two years.
(h) Upon the youth's reaching his or her twenty-first birthday, custody awarded by the commitment order is terminated, and such order as regards such person the order regarding the person has no further force and effect."
Section 2
(a) For the purposes of this section, a
detention risk assessment tool" means an evidence-based tool that is designed to assist in making detention determinations by assessing a child's risk of failure to appear in court or reoffend prior to adjudication. (b) By October 1, 2019, the Administrative Office of Courts shall develop a statewide detention risk assessment tool to inform pre-adjudication detention decisions, including whether a child is eligible for detention, whether a child is eligible to continue in detention once the child has been placed in detention, and whether the child is eligible for a non-custodial alternative to detention in lieu of release without conditions. (c) By January 1, 2022, the detention risk assessment tool shall be validated on the youth population of this state. (d) The Administrative Office of Courts shall develop a scoring system to inform eligibility for detention and detention alternatives, in conjunction with the criteria provided in Section 12-15-128, Code of Alabama 1975.
Section 3
(a) The Alabama State Department of Education shall require each local board of education to annually develop, approve, and submit a multi-disciplinary agreement to the department in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, the district attorney, juvenile defense attorneys, chief probation officers, local mental health authorities, families, and the courts to improve responses to school-based offenses and reduce school-based referrals to law enforcement and the courts while effectively holding youth accountable within the school setting. (b) Each agreement shall establish the following: (1) Specific multi-tiered responses to school-based offenses to be carried out within the school setting or at home, prior to a court referral, to safely and effectively hold youth accountable. (2) Clear guidelines for how and when school-based offenses are referred to law enforcement or the juvenile justice system. (c) To guide the development of local agreements, the department shall develop minimum standards and best practices for creating and implementing multi-tiered responses to school-based offenses in the school setting. The department shall ensure that its standards, and all local agreements, are based upon evidence-based research, are data-driven, and provide for continuous improvement. (d) Each year, the department shall provide a report to the oversight committee established pursuant to Section compiling data on school district compliance with department standards and best practices developed pursuant to subsection (c) and summarizing the content of each local protocol.
Section 4
(a) The Alabama State Department of Education shall require the Superintendent of Education, or his or her designee, in each local school district to develop, approve, and submit an annual plan to the department outlining early warning truancy prevention programming for children and their families in the home or school setting in response to nonattendance or nonenrollment. (b) To guide the development of local early warning truancy prevention programming, the department shall develop standards and best practices that are based upon evidence-based research, are data-driven, and show continuous improvement. (c) Each school shall make reasonable efforts to engage a child and the child's family in early warning truancy prevention programming prior to filing a complaint alleging either of the following: (1) A violation against a parent, guardian, or other person having control or custody of a child under Section 16-28-12, Code of Alabama 1975. (2) That a child is in need of care, rehabilitation, or supervision for alleged habitual truancy. (d) After a complaint is received in the juvenile court intake office, a juvenile court judge may participate in an early warning truancy program for educational purposes with the child if it is in a group setting and is not related to any specific complaint.
Section 5
(a) There is created the Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Fund to the credit of the Department of Youth Services within the State Treasury. Amounts deposited into the fund shall be budgeted and allotted in accordance with Sections 41-4-80 through 41-4-96 and Sections 41-19-1 through 41-19-12, Code of Alabama 1975. (b)(1) The Department of Youth Services shall administer the fund and shall do all of the following: a. Calculate the costs averted from reductions in the department's custody and placement of youth in residential facilities funded in whole or in part by the department. b. Reserve the averted costs in the fund for reinvestment. c. Disburse grants pursuant to the requirements in subsection (d). d. Execute contracts pursuant to the requirements in subsection (d). e. Evaluate programs. (2) Any monies in the fund that are unspent at the end of a fiscal year shall be carried over for use by the department for the purposes provided in this section for the next fiscal year. (3) The Department of Youth Services may adopt rules to ensure that distributions from the fund during a fiscal year do not exceed funding for the fiscal year. (4)a. For the purposes of this section, "averted costs" means any costs avoided by a reduction in the number of youth placed in Department of Youth Services residential programs, as compared to a Fiscal Year 2019 baseline, calculated by comparing the actual costs of youth in custody and placed in residential programs during each fiscal year with the costs of youth in custody and placed in residential programs during Fiscal Year 2019. b. For the purposes of this section, "allocation of local funds" means the process by which funds are disbursed pursuant to subsection (f) to the county or counties for use in rehabilitation, treatment, or prevention of delinquency. (c) The Juvenile Justice Fund Oversight Committee shall monitor and advise in the administration of the fund, pursuant to Section 7. (d)(1) The department shall disburse the funds to be used for rehabilitative, treatment, or prevention programs. Disbursement of funds by the department shall adhere to the following criteria to ensure that access to evidence-based nonresidential services are available to every county in the state: a. Services shall be expanded such that juvenile courts in every county in this state shall have access to evidence-based nonresidential services, subject to the review of the Juvenile Justice Fund Oversight Committee. b. State contracts for evidence-based, nonresidential programs for youth who might otherwise be committed to the custody of the Department of Youth Services shall be prioritized for rural and low-population counties that currently have limited or no access to such programs and that have limited means to support the submission of grant proposals. c. The department shall prioritize state contracts and county grants for non-residential services to areas of the state that satisfy both of the following: 1. Demonstrate a high rate of department commitments per capita. 2. Have access to few existing nonresidential services. d. The department may provide incentives for those counties that decrease the number of juveniles in custody of the department, in consultation with the Juvenile Justice Fund Oversight Committee. (2) The Juvenile Justice Fund Oversight Committee may recommend that the department consider additional criteria to effectuate the priorities and other objectives of this section. (e) The allocation of local funds may be specifically used for the following: (1) Services that are appropriately matched to a youth's risk and needs, as determined by the results of a validated risk and needs assessment pursuant to Section 9, and that focus on serving youth and their families in their own homes with the appropriate level of intensity, including, but not limited to, all of the following: a. In-home family-focused therapy. b. Individual and group therapy. c. Mentoring programs. d. Substance abuse treatment. e. Outpatient juvenile sex offense treatment. (2) For partnerships with state and local agencies for the expansion or enhancement of programs that avert juvenile justice system involvement. (3) For expansion of early truancy prevention efforts that do all of the following: a. Take place prior to a court referral in schools, in the home, or both. b. Engage families. c. Focus on youth who pose the greatest risk of truancy. d. Ensure that responses to behaviors by youth with documented disabilities are handled in accordance with any plans established for response to their disabilities in educational settings such as individualized education programs or 504 plans; and e. Are shown to reduce referrals to the juvenile court. (4) For reimbursement of a portion of transportation costs incurred by sheriffs. (5) For training pursuant to Section 7. (f) The department shall disburse funds through the following: (1) Contracts for services. (2) Grants to counties or groups of counties, to allow for program expansion across the state, especially in rural counties. (g)(1) The Department of Youth Services shall ensure that programs funded from the Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Fund adhere to performance-based standards which incentivize reductions in reoffending and reductions in subsequent commitments to the department. (2) Performance-based standards may be implemented by any of the following: a. Contract provisions. b. Grant provisions. c. Shared funding provisions. (h)(1) Programs receiving funding from the fund shall adhere to evidence-based models or other interventions rated by a standardized tool as effective for reducing reoffending. (2) The standardized tool used to rate effectiveness for recidivism reductions shall be selected by the department and the Administrative Office of Courts, in consultation with the Juvenile Justice Fund Oversight Committee in accordance with Section 7.
Section 6
Alternatives to detention; definition, funding. (a) For the purposes of this section, the term
non-custodial alternative to detention" means a program or practice that is designed to ensure a youth's appearance at future court hearings and to prevent rearrest prior to adjudication, and is non-punitive and non-residential. (b) A program of fiscal incentives shall be developed and administered by the Department of Youth Services to encourage the use of non-custodial alternatives to detention, with a higher reimbursement rate to be paid for alternatives to detention than for detention pursuant to Section 44-1-28, Code of Alabama 1975. (c) Funds from the Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Fund created in Section 5 shall be reinvested into non-custodial alternatives to detention. (d) Home detention shall be available in every county. (e) Individual counties or groups of counties may develop non-custodial alternatives to detention.
Section 7
Juvenile Justice Fund Oversight Committee; purpose, responsibilities. (a) The Juvenile Justice Fund Oversight Committee is created to oversee implementation of changes to the juvenile justice system and coordinate communication and information sharing across the juvenile justice system, including the following: (1) The Governor, or his or her designee. (2) The Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, or his or her designee. (3) The Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, or his or her designee. (4) The Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, or his or her designee. (5) The Director of the Administrative Office of Courts, or his or her designee. (6) Three current juvenile court judges, with at least one representing a rural county, one representing a mid-sized county, and one representing an urban county, appointed by the president of the Alabama Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. (7) The Director of the Department of Youth Services, or his or her designee. (8) The Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health, or his or her designee. (9) The Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources, or his or her designee. (10) An attorney appointed by the Alabama State Bar, with experience in delinquency proceedings. (11) One chief juvenile probation officer, appointed by the Chief Juvenile Probation Officers Association. (12) One law enforcement official representing a county with a local juvenile detention facility, appointed by the Governor. (13) The State Superintendent of Education, or his or her designee. (14) One district attorney appointed by the District Attorneys Association. (15) A representative selected by Alabama Children First. (b) The appointing authorities shall coordinate their appointments to assure the committee membership is inclusive and reflects the racial, gender, geographic, urban, rural, and economic diversity of the state. (c) The oversight committee shall select a member to serve as its chair at its first meeting, and annually thereafter. (d) The responsibilities of the oversight committee shall include, and be limited to, all of the following: (1) To review averted costs and ensure reinvestment into evidence-based services for youth living in the community according to the guidelines set out in Section 5. (2) To review the appropriateness of expenditures, programs, and services and assess the progress of implementation. (3) To make recommendations to strengthen juvenile justice data systems to allow for linking individual cases across agency data systems. (4) To publish an annual report to the Governor, Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senate President Pro Tempore on implementation progress and areas for further review. (5) Oversee the creation of a collaborative funding structure similar to existing collaborative funding structures between the Department of Youth Services, the Department of Human Resources, the Alabama State Department of Education, and the Department of Mental Health for providing pre-court early interventions for youth at imminent risk of juvenile justice system involvement. (e) The Administrative Office of Courts shall partner with the Sentencing Commission, the Department of Youth Services, and any other agency necessary, to collect, analyze, and report on juvenile data to assist the oversight committee. Such information shall include, but not be limited to, tracking a juvenile's trajectory through the juvenile or adult justice system, case history across counties, recidivism rates, efficacy of specific county programs, outcomes after a child leaves the juvenile justice system, and any disparate impact of Alabama's juvenile justice system related to gender, race, and ethnicity. Data collected under this subsection shall be included in the annual report mandated in subdivision (d)(4). Provided, however, that identifying personal information may be redacted from the report. (f) The Alabama State Bar, in consultation with the oversight committee, shall study the expansion of training for juvenile defense attorneys, including making a recommendation to the Office of Indigent Defense Services to increase the requirement for juvenile appointment from three to six Continuing Legal Education hours.
Section 8
(a) A case plan shall be created for all delinquency and child in need of supervision cases following disposition. Each case plan shall satisfy both of the following: (1) Be informed by the results of a validated risk and needs assessment pursuant to Section 9. (2) Be individualized to the child. (b) The Administrative Office of Courts shall develop a statewide system of graduated responses to the behavior of a child under court supervision, including those placed on probation or placed on aftercare. The system of graduated responses shall include both sanctions and incentives that satisfy both of the following: (1) Include a continuum of community-based responses that serve the child without placement in a residential facility or detention. (2) Target the child's risk of reoffending, as determined by the results of a validated risk and needs assessment pursuant to Section 9. (c)(1) The system of graduated response shall authorize earned discharge credits as one incentive for compliance. Earned discharge credits are defined as time awarded toward early termination of an order of probation or an order of aftercare. (2) The Administrative Office of Courts shall develop a system for awarding earned discharge credits for each month that a child is compliant with the conditions of his or her order of probation or order of aftercare. (d) Behaviors under subsection (b) shall be documented in the child's case plan. Documentation shall include all of the following: (1) Positive behaviors and incentives offered. (2) Violations and corresponding sanctions. (3) Whether the child has a subsequent violation following an incentive or sanction. (e) Before referring a child to juvenile court for noncompliance with the terms of an order of probation or aftercare under Section 12-15-132, Code of Alabama 1975, a pattern of appropriate responses shall be documented in the child's case plan. (f) The Administrative Office of Courts shall conduct training for chief probation officers and juvenile probation officers on evidence-based best practices for graduated responses, including, but not limited to, instruction on all of the following: (1) Proper selection and use of incentives for compliance. (2) Proper selection and use of sanctions for noncompliance. (3) Integrating results from graduated responses into case plans.
Section 9
(a) For the purposes of this section and Section 8, "a risk and needs assessment" means an evidence-based tool that identifies a child's risk to reoffend and individual needs that, if met, are likely to reduce the child's likelihood of reoffending. (b) By October 1, 2019, the Administrative Office of Courts and the Department of Youth Services shall together develop and adopt a risk and needs assessment to inform supervision and necessary treatment for any child petitioned before the juvenile court on a delinquency or child in need of supervision offense. (c) By January 1, 2022, the risk and needs assessment shall be validated on the youth population to ensure accuracy in assessing a child's risk to reoffend and individual needs that, if met, are likely to reduce the child's likelihood of reoffending. (d) The risk and needs assessment shall be used as follows: (1) Beginning October 1, 2019, a juvenile probation officer shall administer a risk and needs assessment to every child petitioned before the court on a delinquency or child in need of supervision offense. (2) Beginning January 1, 2022, a juvenile judge shall review the risk and needs assessment prior to disposition and use it to inform disposition including any necessary treatment services for the child. (3) The juvenile judge shall not review the results of the risk and needs assessment related to final disposition prior to adjudication. (4) Department of Youth Services staff and contracted providers shall incorporate results from the risk and needs assessment into the development of a case plan for every child placed in a residential facility for delinquency or child in need of supervision offense, and juvenile probation officers shall incorporate the risk and needs assessment into the development of a case plan for every child placed on probation or aftercare, pursuant to Section 8. (e) Access to the results of risk and needs assessments shall be granted to the following people, officials, or agencies and only for the following stated purposes and only while the child is subject to the jurisdiction of the juvenile court: (1) The juvenile judge, following adjudication, to inform disposition. (2) A juvenile probation officer for the purpose of compiling information for assessments, administering assessments, and preparing assessment reports. (3) The Department of Youth Services and its contracted providers. (4) The child who is the subject of the report. (5) A parent, legal guardian, or custodian of the child who is the subject of the report. (6) A defense attorney or guardian ad litem for the child. (7) The district attorney following adjudication for recommendation of disposition. (8) Any other person, official, agency, or entity that the juvenile court determines requires access to the results of the risk and needs assessment for the purpose of treatment and rehabilitation of the child. (f) No incriminatory or otherwise unfavorable or disparaging information obtained from a child in the course of a risk and needs assessment shall be subject to any court subpoena or admitted into evidence against the child on the issue of whether the child committed a delinquency or child in need of supervision offense or on the issue of guilt in any criminal proceedings. (g) The risk and needs assessment and all materials used to compile the information in the assessment in possession of the juvenile court shall be destroyed when the person about whom the risk and needs assessment was conducted is no longer a child. Section 10. The amendatory language in Section 1 of this act to Section 15-20A-5, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to delinquent sex offenses, shall become effective immediately; Section 5 of this act creating the Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Fund, the amendatory language in Section f this act to Section 44-1-24, Code of Alabama 1975, subsection (b) of Section 2 of this act requiring development of a statewide detention risk assessment tool, and subsection (b) of Section 9 of this act requiring development of a risk and needs assessment shall become effective October 1, 2019; subsection (c) of Section 2 of this act requiring validation of a statewide detention risk assessment tool and subsection (c) of Section 9 of this act requiring validation of a risk and needs assessment, shall become effective January 1, 2022; the remainder of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2020.
Action Date | Chamber | Action |
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March 19, 2019 | S | Read for the first time and referred to the Senate committee on Children, Youth and Human Services |
Document Type | Document Location |
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Bill Text | http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/ALISON/SearchableInstruments/2019RS/PrintFiles/SB125-int.pdf |