Which statement is true about detention of a 13-year-old when space is available?

Which statement is true about detention of a 13-year-old when space is available?

• A. A 13-year-old may be detained only if space is available
• B. A 13-year-old may be detained only if space is available and the child is charged with a violent crime
• C. A 13-year-old may be detained if space is available and the child meets any listed criterion (violent crime, fugitive, deadly weapon possession, school safety), etc.
• D. A 13-year-old may be detained if space is available or if any listed criterion applies

Answer: (C)

Detention of a juvenile isn’t automatic; it depends on both capacity and qualifying grounds. A 13-year-old can be detained only if there is space available in the detention facility and the child meets at least one listed criterion, such as violent crime, being a fugitive, possession of a deadly weapon, or school safety concerns (along with any other listed criteria). Both conditions must be satisfied: space must be available, and the child must meet a qualifying criterion. The other options try to relax one side of the requirement—either removing the space condition, limiting the criteria to one situation, or using an “or” that would permit detention without the necessary grounds—so they don’t reflect how detention decisions are actually made.

Detention of a juvenile isn’t automatic; it depends on both capacity and qualifying grounds. A 13-year-old can be detained only if there is space available in the detention facility and the child meets at least one listed criterion, such as violent crime, being a fugitive, possession of a deadly weapon, or school safety concerns (along with any other listed criteria). Both conditions must be satisfied: space must be available, and the child must meet a qualifying criterion. The other options try to relax one side of the requirement—either removing the space condition, limiting the criteria to one situation, or using an “or” that would permit detention without the necessary grounds—so they don’t reflect how detention decisions are actually made.