Delaware Delinquency Services Summary
Delaware is a centralized state. A single state executive agency administers a full range of services to delinquent youth.
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Delaware Detention Services
How is detention organized?
The Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services (DYRS) operates Delaware's secure detention facilities. DYRS operates two detention centers: the William Marion Stevenson House Detention Center and the New Castle County Detention Center (NCCDC).
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The Attorney General’s Office is responsible for making juvenile diversion decisions. Diversion usually consists of arbitration or a specialized program alternative, such as teen court or drug court.
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Delaware Victim Rights and Services
Delaware’s Victims' Bill of Rights extends rights to victims of adult and juvenile offenders who have committed certain types of offenses.
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Delaware Probation Supervision
The Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services, Community Services Unit, provides probation supervision through eight judicial districts. Persons who supervise youth on probation are called "Family Service Specialists;" however, the title "Probation Officer" is commonly used.
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Delaware Probation Officer Qualifications, Certification, and Training
Juvenile probation officers must have a bachelor's degree in social work, criminal justice, sociology, or a related field. Delaware does not certify its juvenile probation officers.
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Delaware Commitment to State
Family Court judges may commit juveniles to the custody of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families.
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Delaware Release from State Commitment
The Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services (DYRS) determines when to release committed offenders and may do so whenever it appears that release is in the best interests of the youth and that public security would not be threatened. However, DYRS must first give notice of release to the Family Court.
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Delaware Aftercare/Reentry
The Community Services Unit of the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services provides aftercare services.
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Delaware’s purpose clause is rooted in the Standard Juvenile Court Act.
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Delaware Delinquency Jurisdiction
Lower Age: None specified
Upper Age: 17
Extended Age of Delinquency Jurisdiction: 20
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Delaware Risk and Needs Assessments
Assessments are utilized in Delaware in both diversion and probation decisions, however no data was available on the type of assessments used or how uniformly they are applied.
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