What must be maintained when a child is held in an adult jail or facility?

When a child is held in an adult jail or facility, maintaining sight and sound separation is critical. This means that the child should not be housed in a manner that allows them to see or hear adult inmates. The primary reason for this requirement is to protect minors from the potentially harmful influences of adult prisoners, who may engage in violent or abusive behavior. This separation supports the goal of safeguarding the child's well-being and mental health, recognizing that their developmental needs differ significantly from adults.

Additionally, while visitation rights, access to education, and group housing are important considerations in juvenile justice, the specific requirement of sight and sound separation is mandated to ensure that children are not exposed to the adult inmate population, thereby reducing the risk of trauma and negative influences during their time in detention. This standard aligns with broader policies and practices aimed at treating juvenile offenders in a manner consistent with their developmental status and rights.