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When Your Child is Sentenced to a Detention Facility Hours Away

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Apr 24, 2023 | 0 Comments

It's long been established that family ties can reduce future recidivism, especially in younger individuals. But how can families keep those ties strong if their child has been sentenced to a juvenile detention facility hours and hours away? For most families, doing so is nearly impossible.

Given current staffing shortages in the state of Pennsylvania, many juveniles are being sentenced to youth centers significantly far away from their hometowns and cities. Currently, 76 percent of counties in the state are one to two hours away from the nearest operational detention center. Another 22 percent have to drive three to four hours – one way – to reach the nearest facility. This is not due to a lack of facilities or space. It's due to a lack of staff. Of the 513 available beds in the state, only 366 are available because of a lack of trained and available staff to work in existing detention and youth centers. That means that more and more youth offenders are being shipped off to cities far, far from the people they love and rely on most.

The Consequences of Distance

Current staffing shortages can negatively impact both youths in placement as well as their families. If money is tight or there is a lack of reliable transportation, it can significantly hinder the ability of families to visit their children. As a result, vital connections with loved ones can become strained – which, research suggests, can lead to problems after release.

Whenever a minor is facing a criminal charge, it is important to retain strong representation as soon as possible to ensure a good outcome – hopefully, one that will not result in placement in a juvenile detention facility or youth center. But given the strong possibility that, in the worst case scenario, your son or daughter might be placed in a facility far away from home, it is even more critical to make sure they have the right criminal defense attorney by their side every step of the process.

The Right Representation, Right Now

Whenever possible, finding a way to prevent your child from entering the juvenile detention system is always your best bet. Given existing staffing shortages, there is no way to know where your child may be placed, which will put additional strain on both you and your child. If your child has made a mistake or gotten involved in a situation that has resulted in legal trouble, it is imperative you help them find good representation with experience in juvenile offenses. The right criminal defense attorney can help your family mount a strong defense while protecting your child's rights throughout the entire process.

When you retain our Criminal Defense Team at the LLF Law Firm, you are in a better position to get a good outcome – and make sure your child remains close to home. Contact our Criminal Law Team and the LLF Law Firm today to discuss your case at (888) 535-3686 today.

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania as well as in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

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The LLF Law Firm Team has decades of experience successfully resolving clients' criminal charges in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania counties. If you are having any uncertainties about what the future may hold for you or a loved one, contact the LLF Law Firm today! Our Criminal Defense Team will go above and beyond the needs of any client, and will fight until the final bell rings.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

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