Under what conditions can juveniles be confined with adult offenders?

The correct understanding is that juveniles can never be confined with adult offenders under normal circumstances. This reflects the fundamental principle that the juvenile justice system is designed to rehabilitate rather than punish, and recognizes the significant developmental differences between juveniles and adults.

Confinement of juveniles with adult offenders can lead to detrimental outcomes, including increased risk of harm, exposure to criminal influences, and hindering their chances of rehabilitation. Most states, including Delaware, have strict regulations and legal frameworks that prohibit such practices, ensuring that juveniles are placed in facilities appropriate to their age and developmental stage.

This principle is supported by laws and policies aimed at protecting the welfare of young offenders. In some extreme and very specific cases, exceptions might be made, but these are not the standard practice and are very limited. Therefore, the notion that juveniles can be confined with adults under typical circumstances is incorrect, reinforcing the position that the proper treatment of juvenile offenders is a distinct concern separate from the adult justice system.