When kids get committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice, how long do they have to stay?

This depends on the type of commitment the juvenile received. If indeterminately committed by the Judge, the juvenile's length of stay (LOS) can be 3 months to a maximum 36 months. An estimated LOS will be projected at the Reception & Diagnostic Center; however, the actual time spent incarcerated depends on several factors, including completion of treatment, good behavior, placement plan for transition back to the community, etc. If determinately committed, the Judge will determine when the juvenile is released; however, no juvenile can be held in a juvenile correctional facility past their 21st birthday.