Utah is a Combination State: The state operates most delinquency services for youth in Utah; however, responsibility is divided between the executive and judicial branches.

How is detention organized? 

The Department of Human Services, Division of Juvenile Justice Services (JJS) administers the state's detention centers. JJS currently operates 11 secure detention facilities. Counties are not required to contribute directly to the operating costs of secure detention services, as the state allocates detention funding directly to JJS.

Juvenile probation officers can divert cases from court through a "non-judicial adjustment." In this process, a petition is never drafted, and the juvenile probation officer handles the case without a court appearance.

Utah’s Victim Bill of Rights (Utah Code Ann. 77-38-1 through 77-38-4) specifically extends rights to the victims of juvenile violence, including a right to receive hearing notices, the right to attend and be heard at important court hearings, the right to a speedy trial and disposition of the case, and the right to object to the expungement of a petition.

Juvenile probation officers are employed by the State Juvenile Court and work in district offices to provide probation supervision for caseloads exclusively comprised of juvenile offenders. The State Juvenile Court has a statewide Juvenile Probation Policy and Procedure Manual.

Juvenile probation officers are required to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree for employment. Each officer is required to attend a one-week Basic Orientation and Certification Academy within the first four months of employment.

When committing a youth to the Division of Juvenile Justice Services (JJS), the juvenile court designates either secure confinement or a range of non-secure options.  Commitments for non-secure options transfer at this level are for legal custody to the agency.

The Youth Parole Authority (YPA) establishes the terms of secure confinement and has sole authority to release youth from Division of Juvenile Justice Services custody to parole. YPA is comprised of 10 part-time citizen members appointed by the Governor to 4-year terms.

The Division of Juvenile Justice Services (JJS) is also responsible for the aftercare supervision of juveniles released from secure juvenile institutions by the Youth Parole Authority (YPA). Aftercare is called conditional release or parole in Utah.

The Youth Parole Authority (YPA) establishes the terms of secure confinement and has sole authority to release youth from Division of Juvenile Justice Services custody to parole. YPA is comprised of 10 part-time citizen members appointed by the Governor to 4-year terms.

Lower Age: None specified
Upper Age: 17
Extended Age of Delinquency Jurisdiction: 20; may be extended until the juvenile pays all restitution.

Admissions to secure detention in Utah are based upon statute guidelines ( 78A-6-113) and administrative regulations, but currently are not managed with a detention risk assessment tool. .A full protective and risk assessment guides the probation plan, which outlines expectations of the minor and parents to successfully complete probation.