Unlike the adult system, juvenile court is focused entirely on rehabilitation, and punishment is not a factor in sentencing. Regardless of the crime, a defendant cannot be sent to prison. If convicted, the teenager is placed in the custody of the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. They can be confined to a juvenile detention facility, but only until they turn 21. Then they must be released.

Source: Washington Post July 05, 2021 19:30 UTC