Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that allows counsel representation for each party during all proceedings stages and provides that youth court appointed attorneys receive training in juvenile justice issues. The bill prohibits the holding of status offenders in detention for longer than 24 hours if they have not had an initial court appearance and further requires that child offenders be read their rights when taken into custody. The bill establishes certain minimum detention standards for juvenile detention facilities, prohibits the placement of certain youth in paramilitary programs and requires detention centers to provide certain certified educational services for youth. The bill also authorizes the youth court to impose a fine of no more than $500 for parents or custodians of delinquent youth who do not follow youth court orders. Additionally, the bill authorizes the issuance of $3,000,000 in state funding and requests that the state be considered loan eligible for additional TANF funds for Hurricane Katrina related damages.

Full Bill Text