What does the detention screening process NOT aim to achieve?

The detention screening process is designed primarily to assess whether a juvenile should be detained and to gather vital information that informs subsequent decisions about intervention and treatment. Among its goals, it seeks to identify the need for further assessment and to gather preliminary information about the juvenile's background, behavior, and the context of their offenses. Additionally, it helps in determining possibilities for rehabilitation by evaluating the juvenile’s circumstances and needs as well as considering alternatives to incarceration.

Immediate incarceration is not a primary goal of the detention screening process. Instead, the focus is on understanding the juvenile's individual situation and identifying appropriate interventions that can prevent unnecessary detention. The process aims to make informed decisions that prioritize rehabilitation and supports rather than defaulting to incarceration, which should only be a last resort.