Glossary
Entering the world of juvenile justice can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with unfamiliar terms and processes. This glossary is designed to help. It offers plain-language definitions of words and phrases commonly used within the Division of Juvenile Justice. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, new staff member, or community partner, this resource is here to support your understanding of the system and the people it serves.
Admit
A juvenile entering into out-of-home placement in a DJJ authorized facility (foster home, secure detention, etc.).
Alaska Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee (AJJAC)
A designated State advisory group that provides support and guidance to the Division of Juvenile Justice in accordance with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.
b1
Court order under
AS 47.12.120 for a youth
to be placed in a secure treatment facility for up to 2 years (or until the youth turns 19).
b2
Court order
under
AS 47.12.120 for a youth to be placed on probation supervised by DJJ in the community for up to 2 years (or until the youth turns 19).
b3
Court order
under AS 47.12.120 for a youth to be placed on probation and in the custody of DJJ in a licensed placement for up to 2 years (or until the youth turns 19).
BDU
Boys Detention Unit
BTU
Boys Treatment Unit
CCR
Cognitive Core Restructuring Unit
Charge
Separate law violations and offenses.
Chronos
Written records of factual information recorded about a juvenile's case.
Conduct Violation / Probation Violation (PV/CV)
Non-criminal violations of Conditions of Probation or Conduct Agreement.
Custody
The legal or physical custody status of a juvenile at any time.
Detention
Detention is when a youth is arrested and detained for a criminal offense or violation in a secure facility.
Disposition
An outcome of an adjudication hearing by the court that includes supervision type and length, referrals for services, restitution, community work service, etc.
Diversion Agreement
A short-term agreement between a Probation Officer, the juvenile, and their family to divert to local resources.
Fiscal Year
The twelve-month period related to the state’s budgets and programs. Alaska’s fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends on the following June 30. The fiscal year is named for the year in which it ends. For example, the year that extends from July 1, 2001 to June 31, 2002 is Fiscal Year 2002.
GDU
Girls Detention Unit
GTU
Girls Treatment Unit, located at Johnson Youth Center
Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
A court-appointed individual to represent the best interests of a minor child during legal proceedings.
Held in Abeyance (HIA)
At adjudication, the judge may make a ruling but decide to delay application of a disposition. This is similar to a "suspended" sentence in the adult court system. A disposition requiring supervision or institutionalization will not be carried out if the juvenile fulfills the conditions ordered and does not reoffend during the length of the abeyance.
Interstate Commission for Juveniles (ICJ)
A legal framework that regulates the interstate movement of juveniles.
Intake
For probation: The term used to describe the review and preliminary finding regarding a referral from a law enforcement agency regarding an allegation of illegal or violation conduct by a juvenile.
For facility: The process of admitting a youth to a secure facility.
Intake Decision
The determination by a probation officer as to what subsequent action will be taken following the preliminary review of an offense referral.
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA)
A key federal law aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency, improving the juvenile justice system, and safeguarding the rights of youth in the United States.
JOMIS
The Juvenile Offender Management Information System. Primary record and service tracking for DJJ in Alaska.
Juvenile Justice Counselor
Division staff who supervise, monitor, guide, and direct juveniles within a youth facility or in the community in a youth facility related program.
Juvenile Probation Officer/Probation Officer
Division field staff who review and address referrals from law enforcement agencies, supervise juveniles, and coordinate programs serving juveniles under an order of the court or a voluntary supervision agreement.
Placement
The physical admission of a juvenile into a DJJ-authorized, out of home, non-family, licensed placement.
Probation
A period of supervision in which the juvenile’s behavior and conduct are monitored under specified rules and instructions. Probation may be ordered by the court or agreed to voluntarily by a juvenile and the juvenile’s parents.
Public Defender (PD)
Criminal defense attorney appointed by the court to represent youth who are unable to afford an attorney.
R/ED
Reduction of Racial and Ethnic Disparity
Referral
A report alleging the commission of a crime or violation of a court order by a juvenile that is sent to DJJ by a law enforcement agency for a DJJ response. A referral is counted as a single episode or event and may relate to multiple charges.
STX
Secure Treatment Unit (Pronounced "Sticks")
Supervision
Relates to any type of probation (court ordered or voluntary supervision) or general management of a juvenile.
TCO
Temporary Custody Order
Treatment
Placement or participation in a substance abuse or a behavioral modification program.
Youth Facility Or Youth Center
The Division of Juvenile Justice oversees six secure youth facilities around the state in
Anchorage,
Fairbanks,
Juneau,
Bethel,
Kenai, and the
Mat-Su area.