What happens to a youth who is charged with a crime?
A youth charged with a crime or violation of law may not automatically be transported to the Lane County Youth Services detention facility. A youth may be cited and released, or arrested and released, by the officer. The police agency will then send a copy of the police report to Lane County Youth Services. Youth Services cannot act on a case until the police report has been received.
What happens to a youth who is taken into custody?
If the youth is taken into custody for a crime or violation and transported to the Youth Services detention facility, a decision will be made by the YS staff whether to detain the youth for court or to release the youth to a parent, guardian, responsible adult, or on their own recognizance. Youth who have been detained because of the severity of their action or their prior criminal record will be cited directly into court within 36 hours of the arrest. If the youth is held for court, intake staff will contact the parent or guardian with the court date and time, if possible. Parents are notified of the court dates for their youth. Every youth is provided with an experienced attorney to represent him/her in all court hearings. However, parents may hire another lawyer for their child if they wish.
Does YS intervene in all cases?
There are some cases that will not be seen by Youth Services staff. For Eugene and Springfield youth, Youth Services does not intervene in cases of truancy and curfew violations. Runaway youth have not violated the law and cannot be detained unless there is danger to the youth.
What happens when you are in detention?
While you are in detention you earn privileges by exhibiting good behavior and cooperation. This is called the level system. You may move up through the levels, but if you exhibit inappropriate behavior or violate detention rules, you will be dropped a level. Everyone starts on the Orientation level.
Orientation Level
For a minimum of two days you are on this level. You will read the Orientation Handbook, complete a written assignment and attend an orientation group. During this time you eat in your room and cannot go to school or engage in any other activities. Your behavior and cooperation will determine when you move to Level 1.
Level 1
You will be on this level for a minimum of a week. At this level you may eat breakfast out of your room and will be able to go to school. You also have the opportunity to earn movies, gym and other recreational opportunities. You will not be able to have a pencil in your room until Level 2.
Level 2
You will be at this level for a minimum of two weeks. On this level you can eat all meals out of your room, go to all group, recreational and unstructured activities. In addition, you have an 8:30 bedtime.
Level 3
On this level you get all the benefits of level 2 plus get to stay up later, get first showers and clothes, first in line at meals and the use of video games. You can also make phone calls from detention on designated days.
Can I visit a youth in detention?
Youth who are detained may have family visitors on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Visitors must present identification. They cannot bring anything to the youth they are visiting. More information about visition times & rules can be found here.