Inmates under 18 years of age must be confined in separate cells from adults:

Inmates under 18 years of age must be confined in separate cells from adults during sleeping hours to ensure their safety and development. Youths in this age group are particularly vulnerable to potential harm, both physically and psychologically, when housed with adult inmates. Keeping them separate during sleeping hours is a crucial protective measure that acknowledges their developmental needs and the unique risks they face in a correctional environment.

This approach is designed to mitigate the likelihood of exploitation, intimidation, or other negative influences that may arise from interactions with adult inmates. By enforcing this separation, detention facilities uphold the principle of safeguarding juveniles, promoting a more rehabilitative environment tailored to their age-specific needs. Such measures align with broader juvenile justice policies aimed at reducing recidivism and supporting the welfare of young offenders.

Other scenarios, such as during working hours, recreational opportunities, and meal times, do not carry the same risk of vulnerability as sleeping hours, leading to the specific focus on ensuring that youth are housed separately when they are most at risk.