What happens during the intake phase of juvenile justice?

During the intake phase of juvenile justice, the focus is on gathering comprehensive information to assess the individual needs of each youth. This process typically involves collecting data about the juvenile's background, behavior, family circumstances, and any prior interactions with the justice system. The goal is to determine the appropriate level of intervention and support the youth may require, which may include counseling, community services, or other forms of rehabilitation.

This phase is crucial for creating a tailored approach to each juvenile's case, ensuring that subsequent decisions made by the system are informed and considerate of their unique circumstances. Essentially, it sets the foundation for all future actions and interventions the juvenile may encounter in the justice system. The options that imply immediate placement, selection based on the severity of offense, or automatic court dates do not accurately reflect the comprehensive and individualized nature of the intake assessment. Instead, B embodies the core purpose of the intake phase by prioritizing the assessment of youth needs.