Virginia House Bill HB1494

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/24
• Refer: 1/19/24

Caption

Length of Stay Guidelines & Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center; DJJ's work group to study, report.

Impact

The bill is set to impact state laws concerning juvenile justice. It focuses on modernizing the standards used for Length of Stay Guidelines while anticipating the needs of juveniles based on their risk profiles and offenses. The findings from the DJJ work group could prompt recommendations that reshape how juvenile corrections are managed, particularly concerning staffing and treatment protocols. The reporting requirement adds accountability and ensures that the collected data will be used for informed decision-making moving forward.

Summary

House Bill 1494 mandates the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to establish a work group focused on studying the Length of Stay Guidelines and direct care capacity at the Bon Air Juvenile Correctional Center (BAJCC). The legislation aims to address several critical areas, including evidence-based practices in juvenile justice, long-term staffing ratios, and the balance of therapeutic programming within the center. By reviewing evidence and trends since 2022, the bill seeks to ensure that juvenile facilities meet both safety and rehabilitative standards necessary for youth in the system.

Contention

There may be notable discussions surrounding the bill, especially concerning the balance between instituting necessary guidelines and the operational capabilities of BAJCC. Stakeholders representing youth advocacy and family services may voice differing opinions about how these guidelines should be crafted and implemented. Additionally, the adequacy of the current funding and staffing models to support the proposed recommendations might be a point of contention, particularly if findings reveal significant gaps between current capacities and needed resources.