What is the regulation regarding status offenders and jailing?

The regulation regarding status offenders and jailing primarily emphasizes that status offenders, who are individuals charged with offenses that would not be considered crimes if committed by adults (such as truancy or running away from home), should not be placed in secure detention facilities. This policy reflects a recognition that these youths are not engaging in criminal behavior but are instead facing issues that often stem from their home or social environments.

By prohibiting their placement in jails or secure facilities, the regulation aims to avoid criminalizing behavior that requires intervention and support rather than punitive measures. This approach encourages alternative methods of addressing the underlying issues that status offenders face, such as access to counseling, family services, or support systems, rather than exposing them to the juvenile justice system in a punitive way. This policy aims to prioritize rehabilitation and support over punishment for behaviors that typically reflect societal or familial challenges rather than delinquency.