Alabama is a decentralized state. Alabama's delinquency services are organized at both the state and local level . 

How is detention organized? 

Alabama has 14 juvenile detention facilities; 12 are classified as secure and 2 as staff secure. Detention centers are primarily administered by the county executive, but the court and private contractors also administer detention in some counties. Counties fund secure detention with some facilities serving regions of the state.

By statute and state court rule, the intake officer may divert a case to informal adjustment. By statute, any delinquent is eligible for informal adjustment.

The Code of Alabama, Title 15, Chapter 23 assures juvenile hearings are open to victims.

Juvenile probation officers working in 62 of Alabama's 67 counties are working under the direct jurisdiction of the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC); juvenile probation officers in the remaining 5 counties work under the direct jurisdiction of the district courts/juvenile courts in those counties and are paid directly by those counties.

Under the Administrative Code, juvenile probation officers must have at least a bachelor's degree. The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) sets the standards for juvenile probation officer (JPO) certification and training, and then provides opportunities for JPOs to attend training and receive certification.

Juvenile court judges make indeterminate commitments to the Department of Youth Services (DYS). DYS controls placement specifics and has the authority to discharge youth subject to a review by the court for release and aftercare arrangements.

The Department of Youth Services has the authority to discharge youth subject to a review by the court for release and aftercare arrangements.

Youth placed on aftercare are under the jurisdiction of the local juvenile probation officer working in the county wherein the youth resides.

Alabama's purpose clause reflects Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ) philosophies. 

Lower Age: None specified

Upper Age: 17

Extended Age : 20  

No statewide mandate exists for a risk/needs assessment instrument to be used in juvenile probation, although some jurisdictions do use one.