MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a reason to detain a juvenile?

1. Runaway status

2. Committing a felony

3. Attendance in school

4. Behavior that threatens safety

The correct answer is: Attendance in school

The choice that indicates a condition that is NOT a reason to detain a juvenile is related to their attendance in school. In general, a child’s attendance in school is not a legal issue that warrants detention, as attending school is typically mandatory and structured. Detaining a juvenile for not attending school would usually fall under truancy laws, which often involve interventions other than detention, such as counseling or parental notification. On the other hand, the other scenarios present more pressing legal implications. For instance, a juvenile's runaway status often leads to immediate detention for their safety. Committing a felony clearly poses a threat to public safety and warrants detention due to the severity of the offense. Similarly, behavior that threatens safety indicates potential harm to the juvenile or others, necessitating intervention for protection. Thus, the rationale behind these circumstances is significantly stronger in justifying detention compared to the reason rooted solely in school attendance.