If a juvenile is held, who makes the decision regarding their custody?

The correct choice is the intake worker, who plays a crucial role in the juvenile justice system regarding custody decisions. When a juvenile is taken into custody, it is typically at the discretion of law enforcement, but the determination of the juvenile's ongoing custody status is made by the intake worker. This individual assesses the circumstances surrounding the juvenile's situation, reviews relevant details of the case, and considers the best interest of the juvenile. The intake worker's responsibilities also include determining if the juvenile should be released, detained, or referred to other services.

The police officer's role is primarily to respond to incidents and initiate the custody process, but they do not make custody decisions regarding how long a juvenile will be held or whether they will be released. While parents are involved in the process, they do not make the final decision about custodial placement; they may advocate for their child's release or placement, but the decision ultimately lies with the intake worker. Judges are involved later in the process, particularly in formal hearings, but they do not make initial custody determinations immediately after a juvenile has been taken into custody. Thus, the intake worker is essential in facilitating the appropriate actions and decisions concerning a juvenile's custody status.