Home Detention / Tether

The Home Detention/Tether program is a practical and cost-effective community-based alternative for youth involved in the Court process. The program allows the juvenile to remain in his/her homes under strict terms and conditions instead of being placed in, or remaining in the Juvenile Center. While on Home Detention/Tether, staff and parent(s) provide supervision for the juvenile.

Educational Programs & Supervision

Juveniles are expected to attend court-ordered mental health services, drug and alcohol treatment activities, and/or educational programs. Methods of supervision include but are not limited to, random contacts by phone and in person to the juvenile's home, school, and job site. Juveniles may be required to submit to random drug and alcohol screens to ensure that they remain drug and alcohol-free while in the program.

Tether

Juveniles requiring enhanced monitoring may be placed on Tether as determined by Home Detention/Tether staff.  Tether consists of a variety of electronic devices that can be used for providing more intensive monitoring of juveniles as well as for an alternative sanction. Tether units are ankle bracelets that are connected to the juvenile’s home telephone line or to a self-contained cellphone unit.

Detainment & Placement Termination

The judicial order placing the juvenile on Home Detention/Tether will specify that the juvenile can be detained if he/she violates the “Order of Home Detention/Tether.” The juvenile’s placement on Home Detention/Tether may be terminated and the juvenile immediately detained in the Berrien County Juvenile Center upon obtaining supervisory approval at the point when his/her behavior violates the conditions of the Home Detention/Tether program.