Connecticut is a combination state. The state operates most delinquency services for youth in Connecticut. However, responsibility is divided between the judicial and executive branches.

How is detention organized? 

The Connecticut Judicial Branch, Court Support Services Division (CSSD) operates three state-run pretrial detention facilities. In addition, CSSD contracts for three community-based detention programs for girls and for alternative detention programs.

Police may decide not to arrest a juvenile and refer him or her to Juvenile Review Boards. In addition, the juvenile probation supervisor at the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters may decide to handle a case informally based on the seriousness of the offense and the juvenile’s past court history.

Victims of juvenile crime in Connecticut have statutory rights, including the right to attend delinquency proceedings, make a statement either orally or in writing regarding disposition, and receive restitution (see the Juvenile Justice Act, C.G.S.§46b-122, 124, 134, 138, and 140).

Juvenile probation officers assigned to the Judicial Branch, Court Support Services Division (CSSD), supervise juveniles on probation through 13 court offices.

The Judicial Branch's Court Support Services Division provides 144 hours of pre-service training for juvenile probation officers.

Juveniles are committed to the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The courts routinely place youth in residential settings unless it is determined that the youth is in need of a secured placement.

Decisions concerning release from placement are ultimately the responsibility of the Department of Children and Families.

Juvenile offenders can be released from placement by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and returned to their homes. However, the juveniles remain committed and come under the supervision of DCF Parole Services until the term of commitment imposed by the court expires. DCF places a strong emphasis on community reintegration.

Connecticut’s Purpose Clause emphasizes punishment, deterrence, accountability, and/or public safety and can loosely characterized as “tough” as is stresses community protection, offender accountability, crime reduction through deterrence or punishment.

Lower Age: None specified

Upper Age: 16

Extended Age of Delinquency Jurisdiction: 20

The Court Support Services Division (CSSD) has implemented risk/needs assessment tools and mental health screening tools, including the Juvenile Assessment Generic (JAG) and the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument - Second Version (MAYSI-2).