Arizona Supreme Court, Administrative Office of the Courts - Juvenile Detention Centers

Juvenile detention provides for the temporary and safe custody of juveniles while legal action regarding their delinquent acts is pending.  This audit reviewed the operations of 5 of the 14 juvenile detention centers in the State.  Of those, 3 operate adequately while the other 2 face challenges that, left unaddressed, could be harmful to staff and detainees.  In addition, a state-wide effort is needed to improve standards for operating juvenile detention centers and screening juveniles for detention.  Finally, the Supreme Court should develop a more comprehensive inspection program.