JJC. In processing low-level cases in precisely the same manner as more serious cases, BPD exposes young people to the harmful effects of arrest, which may create more harm than good to the young person and the interests of public safety

The DJS’s annual Data Resource Guide indicates that “juvenile detention may be authorized by DJS intake officers on a temporary basis at the request of a law enforcement officer . . . .” The resource guide further depicts that only after being taken into custody and screened for diversion at the law enforcement level, DJS performs a screening for secure detention admission using the DRAI detention screen on a young person only after the police officer requests secure detention. However, CCLP was unable to confirm that youth were screened for detention only if detention was requested by law enforcement. Indeed, stakeholder interviews revealed that it is common practice for DJS intake to conduct the DRAI screening for all youth brought to the BCJJC by law enforcement, even youth who will eventually be diverted.

This is concerning for a number of reasons. Again, processing low-level cases in the manner that is appropriate for more serious cases can expose a young person to undue harm. In addition to the harms associated with arrest and transport, extensive and unnecessary processing once at the BCJJC exposes the young person to further detriment and keeps the young person separated from home, school, and community. Also, once DJS performs the RAI screen, the information gathered and score that is generated will remain a part of the young person’s juvenile justice history and may influence processing and case disposition should the young person come into contact with the justice system at a later time.