The Confinement of Juveniles in Nebraska Jails and Lockups

Using adult jails and lockups for confining youths is a major issue in juvenile justice. Proponents of removing children from these facilities are concerned with the conditions of confinement, the .ate of suicide among youths held in adult facilities, the excessive use of secure confinement for youths, and the legal liability of jurisdictions that hold juveniles in adult facilities. Nebraska has made significant progress in reducing the number of youths confined in adult jails and lockups, but has yet to pass legislation or develop programs and facilities to complete the task. Policy options for reducing the use of secure confinement and providing alternative forms of care and supervision for youths under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system are presented