2001 Detention centers lock up children and teens who have been charged with crimes but who have not been convicted. They may also hold convicted juveniles who are waiting to be moved to a correctional center, but those inmates are supposed to be moved within 14 days of being sentenced. Correctional centers are for juveniles found guilty of crimes. That's where they serve their time. Crimes that would not be considered crimes for adults, such as skipping school, running away from home and violating curfew laws are called status offenses.
Federal law prohibits locking young people up for status offenses.
Shelters are unlocked safe places for children who have to be removed from home, usually because of abuse or neglect. When detention centers are full, accused juveniles are sometimes sent to shelters. Write a letter to the editor .