Idaho is a decentralized state, meaning that delinquency services are organized at both the state and local level. County boards operate a secure detention facility in each of Idaho's seven judicial districts.

How is detention organized? 

Each of Idaho's seven judicial districts has access to a secure detention facility operated by a board comprised of county employees from the counties in the judicial district. The counties are financially responsible for operating the detention facility.

The prosecutor may refer cases directly to the juvenile probation department or a community based-diversion program for informal probation and counseling. Probation officers may also recommend that the court divert the case.

Per Idaho statute (Title 19 (Criminal Procedure), Chapter 53 Compensation of Victims of Crimes) the rights of victims of criminal and juvenile offenders include to be treated with fairness, respect, dignity and privacy; to be present at all proceedings; to be notified of the offender’s status and escape or release; and to speak at a juvenile hearing or submit a statement, if requested.

Juvenile probation officers, working for county probation departments, provide probation supervision. Each county has its own probation department or contracts with another county. Juvenile probation officers may supervise both adults and juveniles in many of the counties, especially smaller ones.

Counties determine job requirements for juvenile probation officers. Education requirements range from having a GED, high school diploma, or college degree. Juvenile probation officer's must be certified (030.02a,b,c).

Juveniles are committed to the  Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections (IDJC). The court can directly place a juvenile in a local or private residential facility without committing the juvenile to the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections.

The Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections (IDJC) sets an anticipated release date based on a comprehensive assessment process. The process includes risk assessments, percentage of treatment goals that the juvenile has completed, and input from all treatment team members and stakeholders. IDJC is currently writing guidelines for this process.

Juvenile probation officers from county probation departments provide aftercare services in Idaho. Juvenile probation officers are paid by the county as county employees, but work as agents of the court. When juveniles are committed to the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections (IDJC), they are also typically court-ordered to complete a term of probation upon their release.

Idaho’s purpose clause is rooted in Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ) philosophies.  The BARJ movement advocates that juvenile courts give balanced attention to three primary interests: public safety, individual accountability to the victims and community, and the development in offenders of those skills necessary to live law-abiding and productive lives. 

Lower Age: None specified

Upper Age: 17

Extended Age of Delinquency Jurisdiction: 20

Some counties utilize the Idaho Juvenile Risk Assessment to assist them in making diversion and probation supervision decisions. The Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections makes placement decisions using a risk/needs assessment tool.