A juvenile parolee or sex offender may not relocate to another state before the receiving state accepts the supervision case. The only exception to this rule is when no custodial parent or legal guardian remains in the sending state but does in the receiving state. The sending state may issue a travel permit for and may request that the receiving state expedite the transfer. The receiving state may not deny the transfer of supervision in this circumstance; however, it may choose not to expedite the case. For more information, see Rule 4-102 and Rule 4-104.
Field Staff FAQs
For a voluntary return of an out-of-state juvenile, the holding state fills out the Form III. The juvenile may sign an adult waiver if he/she has reached the age of majority in the holding state. View the Age Matrix to determine the age of majority in each member state.
The home/demanding/sending state is responsible for returning the juvenile. If the home/demanding/sending state’s ICJ Office determines that a juvenile is considered a risk to harm him/herself or others, the juvenile shall be accompanied on the return to the home/demanding/sending state.
Holding/receiving states are responsible for transporting juveniles to local airports or other means of public transportation, as arranged by the home/demanding/sending state. Duly accredited officers of any compacting state are permitted to transport juveniles through any compacting state without interference.
If the juvenile is traveling by air, he/she shall be supervised from arrival to departure. All states must provide supervision and assistance to unescorted juveniles at intermediate airports during layovers. The home/demanding state must request airport supervision at least 48 hours in advance of the layover.
No. Juveniles placed in residential treatment facilities are not eligible for transfer or return of supervision under the terms of the Compact, according to Rule 4-101(2)(f).
Juveniles who are detained while a non-voluntary return is pending may be held for a maximum of 90 calendar days.
If a home/demanding/sending state is required to return a juvenile and fails to do so within ten (10) business days, a judicial hearing shall be provided in the holding state to hear the grounds for the juvenile’s detention.
At the hearing, the court determines whether the grounds submitted justify the continued detention of the juvenile.
A juvenile may be discharged from detention to a legal guardian or his/her designee if the holding/receiving state’s court determines that further detention is not appropriate.
Each state has differing laws regarding juvenile sex offenders. For more information, please view the Juvenile Sex Offender Matrix.
Yes; the ICJ Rules define a juvenile sex offender as “a juvenile having been adjudicated for an offense involving sex or of a sexual nature as determined by the sending state or who may be required to register as a sex offender in the sending or receiving state.” Therefore, the juvenile is entered into UNITY as a sex offender.
No. The Interstate Compact for Juveniles only applies to states that are party to the compact. Nonetheless, it is important to discuss travel plans and inform the juvenile about relevant state protocols. Additionally, they should check-in with you when they arrive back in your state.
ICJ returns are generally required when a juvenile from another state is detained, including:
- non-delinquent youths and status offenders who runaway;
- accused delinquents and status offenders;
- delinquent juveniles who escape, abscond, or flee to another state; and
- juveniles under Compact supervision whether the transfer of supervision has failed.
Always attempt to contact your compact office first. If your compact office is closed, please see the Commission's After-Hours Contact Information matrix for more information.
A “requisition” is a written demand for the return of a non-delinquent runaway, probation or parole absconder, escapee, or accused delinquent. Requisitions are used when juveniles do not voluntarily agree to return to their home states. If the youth is a non-delinquent runaway, the legal guardian or custodial agency must petition the court of jurisdiction in the home/demanding state for a requisition.
The home/demanding state is responsible for costs of transportation and for making travel arrangements.