Community Confinement is a program for youth who would otherwise be detained in secure confinement, but are permitted to remain at home under strict conditions and close supervision from a probation officer. Youth can be placed on this program at the discretion of probation pending arraignment or by order of the court.

All youth released under a program of Community Confinement are supervised based on their individual risk to the community, and their criminogenic needs. Each youth and his/her parent or guardian are interviewed to determine the level of risk and need. Collateral information is also utilized during this decision point. Based on risk, youth are either placed on Home Supervision, Electronic Monitoring (EM) or Global Positioning System (GPS) supervision.

If GPS is warranted, a small GPS unit is affixed around the youth’s ankle, which can be easily concealed under clothing. The youth is permitted to attend school, work, court and other pre-approved pro-social activities. The youth’s movements are monitored via a website, which can be accessed by probation from any computer or internet ready device. If the GPS unit is tampered with, the strap is cut, or the battery level is low, that information is quickly transmitted to the monitoring center. Auditory messages can also be transmitted through the GPS device such as a reminder for the youth to charge their device or report to their probation officer.

Community Confinement staff make contact with youth in person at their residence or school, and by telephone. The unit is staffed 7 days a week, 365 days per year. Staff conduct random drug testing, contact school officials, and conduct searches for prohibited items. If a youth is found in violation of their release, the youth can possibly be returned to the Juvenile Facilities pending further court proceedings.