K.S.A. » Chapter 38
Kansas Statutes Annotated

K.S.A. § 38-2369 (2026)

Sentencing juvenile offenders; placement matrix; placements based on offense committed; aftercare term

✓ current as of May 2026
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38-2369. Sentencing juvenile offenders; placement matrix; placements based on offense committed; aftercare term. (a) Except as provided in subsection (e) and K.S.A. 38-2361(a)(13), for the purpose of committing juvenile offenders to a juvenile correctional facility, upon a finding by the judge entered into the written order that the juvenile poses a significant risk of harm to another or damage to property, the following placements shall be applied by the judge in the cases specified in this subsection. If used, the court shall establish a specific term of commitment as specified in this subsection. The term of commitment established by the court shall not exceed the overall case length limit. Before a juvenile offender is committed to a juvenile correctional facility pursuant to this section, the court shall administer a risk assessment tool, as described in K.S.A. 38-2360, and amendments thereto, or review a risk assessment tool that was administered within the past six months to the juvenile.

(1) Violent Offenders. (A) The violent offender I is defined as an offender adjudicated as a juvenile offender for an offense which, if committed by an adult, would constitute an off-grid felony. Offenders in this category may be committed to a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of 60 months and up to a maximum term of the offender reaching the age of 22 years, six months. The aftercare term for this offender is set at a minimum term of six months and up to a maximum term of the offender reaching the age of 23 years.

(B) The violent offender II is defined as an offender adjudicated as a juvenile offender for an offense which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a nondrug severity level 1, 2 or 3 felony. Offenders in this category may be committed to a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of 24 months and up to a maximum term of the offender reaching the age of 22 years, six months. The aftercare term for this offender is set at a minimum term of six months and up to a maximum term of the offender reaching the age of 23 years.

(2) Serious Offenders. (A) The serious offender I is defined as an offender adjudicated as a juvenile offender for an offense which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a nondrug severity level 4, person felony.

Offenders in this category may be committed to a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of 18 months and up to a maximum term of 36 months. The aftercare term for this offender is set at a minimum term of six months and up to a maximum term of 24 months.

(B) The serious offender II is defined as an offender adjudicated as a juvenile offender for an offense:

(i) Committed prior to July 1, 2012, which, if committed by an adult prior to July 1, 2012, would constitute a drug severity level 1 or 2 felony; or

(ii) committed on or after July 1, 2012, which, if committed by an adult on or after July 1, 2012, would constitute a drug severity level 1, 2 or 3 felony or a nondrug severity level 5 or 6 person felony.

Offenders in this category may be committed to a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of nine months and up to a maximum term of 18 months.

(C) The serious offender III is defined as an offender adjudicated as a juvenile offender for an offense which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a nondrug severity level 7, 8, 9 or 10 person felony with one prior felony adjudication. Offenders in this category may only be committed to a juvenile correctional facility if such offenders are assessed as high-risk on a risk and needs assessment. Offenders in this category may be committed to a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of six months and up to a maximum term of 12 months.

(3) Chronic Offenders. (A) The chronic offender I, chronic felon is defined as an offender adjudicated as a juvenile offender for an offense:

(i) Which, if committed by an adult, would constitute one present nonperson felony adjudication and two prior felony adjudications;

(ii) committed prior to July 1, 2012, which, if committed by an adult prior to July 1, 2012, would constitute one present drug severity level 3 felony adjudication and two prior felony adjudications; or

(iii) committed on or after July 1, 2012, which, if committed by an adult on or after July 1, 2012, would constitute one present drug severity level 4 felony adjudication and two prior felony adjudications.

Offenders in this category may only be committed to a juvenile correctional facility if such offenders are assessed as high-risk on a risk and needs assessment. Offenders in this category may be committed to a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of six months and up to a maximum term of 12 months.

(b) Conditional Release. If the court elects, a period of conditional release may also be ordered pursuant to K.S.A. 38-2361, and amendments thereto. The period of conditional release shall be limited to a maximum of six months and shall be subject to graduated responses. The presumption upon release shall be a return to the juvenile's home, unless the case plan developed pursuant to K.S.A. 38-2373, and amendments thereto, recommends a different reentry plan.

(1) Upon finding the juvenile violated a requirement or requirements of conditional release, the court may enter one or more of the following orders:

(A) Recommend additional conditions be added to those of the existing conditional release.

(B) Order the offender to serve a period of detention pursuant to K.S.A. 38-2361(g), and amendments thereto.

(C) Revoke or restrict the juvenile's driving privileges as described in K.S.A. 38-2361(c), and amendments thereto.

(2) Discharge the offender from the custody of the secretary of corrections, release the secretary of corrections from further responsibilities in the case and enter any other appropriate orders.

(c) As used in this section "adjudication" includes out-of-state juvenile adjudications. An out-of-state offense, which if committed by an adult would constitute the commission of a felony or misdemeanor, shall be classified as either a felony or a misdemeanor according to the adjudicating jurisdiction. If an offense which if committed by an adult would constitute the commission of a felony is a felony in another state, it will be deemed a felony in Kansas. The state of Kansas shall classify the offense, which if committed by an adult would constitute the commission of a felony or misdemeanor, as person or nonperson. In designating such offense as person or nonperson, reference to comparable offenses shall be made. If the state of Kansas does not have a comparable offense, the out-of-state adjudication shall be classified as a nonperson offense.

(d) The secretary of corrections shall work with the community to provide on-going support and incentives for the development of additional evidence-based community practices and programs to ensure that the juvenile correctional facility is not frequently utilized.

(e) There shall be a rebuttable presumption that all offenders in the chronic offender category and offenders at least 10 years of age but less than 14 years of age in the serious offender II or III category, shall be placed in the custody of the secretary for placement in a youth residential facility in lieu of placement in the juvenile correctional facility. This presumption may be rebutted by a finding on the record that the juvenile offender poses a significant risk of physical harm to another.

History: L. 2006, ch. 169, § 69; L. 2012, ch. 33, § 1; L. 2012, ch. 150, § 47; L. 2014, ch. 126, § 8; L. 2015, ch. 32, § 3; L. 2016, ch. 46, § 46; L. 2017, ch. 90, § 8; July 1.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 25 cases (9 in the last 5 years), 2007–2026 · leading case: In re L.M., 186 P.3d 164 (Kan. 2008).
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In re L.M., 186 P.3d 164 (Kan. 2008). · cites it 7× “; K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 38-2369. For example, a juvenile offender found guilty of committing an off-grid felony may be sentenced to “a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of 60 months and up to a maximum term of the offender reaching the age of 22 years, six months.”
In re J.L.B., 241 P.3d 114 (Kan. Ct. App. 2010). · cites it 23× “: In this juvenile case, we are presented with the question of whether two juvenile adjudications occurring in separate cases but at the same hearing before the same court can each be counted as a prior adjudication in categorizing the offender in the other adjudication, for the…”
In Re A.m.m.-h., 331 P.3d 755 (Kan. 2014). · cites it 6× “They include: “(12) Commit the juvenile directly to the custody of the commissioner [of the Juvenile Justice Authority] for a period of confinement in a juvenile correctional facility and a period of aftercare pursuant to K.S.A. 2013 Supp. 38-2369, and amendments thereto.”
In Re C.d.a.-c., 360 P.3d 443 (Kan. Ct. App. 2015). · cites it 5× “38-2361(a)(12) which allows a court to “[cjommit the juvenile directly to the custody of the commissioner for a period of confinement in a juvenile correctional facility and a period of aftercare pursuant to K.S.A. 2014 Supp. 38-2369, and amendments thereto.”
In re P.R.G., 244 P.3d 279 (Kan. Ct. App. 2010). · cites it 3× “; K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 38-2369. For example, a juvenile offender found guilty of committing an off-grid felony may be sentenced to ‘a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of 60 months and up to a maximum term of the offender reaching the age of 22 years, six months.”
In re T.T., 480 P.3d 790 (Kan. Ct. App. 2020). · cites it 4× “38-2380(b)(2)(A); K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 38-2369 (setting minimum and maximum terms for juvenile sentences); In re C.”
State v. J.L.J., 547 P.3d 501 (Kan. 2024). “See K.S.A. 38-2369(a)(1). But because he was prosecuted as an adult, he was subject to a life sentence.”
In Re A.m.m.-h., 312 P.3d 393 (Kan. Ct. App. 2013). · cites it 6× “nds that a condition of release has been violated, the court may modify or impose additional conditions of release that the court considers appropriate or order that the juvenile offender be returned to the juvenile correctional facility to serve the conditional release…”
In re K.B., 285 P.3d 389 (Kan. Ct. App. 2012). “See K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 38-2369(a)(3)(B). On August 17, 2011, K.”
In re S.L. (Kan. Ct. App. 2022). · cites it 16× “38-2361(a)(12) reads in part: "If the judge finds and enters into the written record that the juvenile poses a significant risk of harm to another or damage to property, and the juvenile is otherwise eligible for commitment pursuant to K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 38-2369, and amendments…”
In Re Lm, 186 P.3d 164 (Kan. 2008). · cites it 6× “; K.S.A.2006 Supp. 38-2369. For example, a juvenile offender found guilty of committing an off-grid felony may be sentenced to "a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of 60 months and up to a maximum term of the offender reaching the age of 22 years, six months.”
In Re Jlb, 241 P.3d 114 (Kan. Ct. App. 2010). · cites it 23× “In this juvenile case, we are presented with the question of whether two juvenile adjudications occurring in separate cases but at the same hearing before the same court can each be counted as a prior adjudication in categorizing the offender in the other adjudication, for the…”
Show all 25 citing cases →
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(4)(C) — 1 case
In Re A.m.m.-h., 331 P.3d 755 (Kan. 2014). “They include: “(12) Commit the juvenile directly to the custody of the commissioner [of the Juvenile Justice Authority] for a period of confinement in a juvenile correctional facility and a period of aftercare pursuant to K.S.A. 2013 Supp. 38-2369, and amendments thereto.”
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a) — 9 cases
In re L.M., 186 P.3d 164 (Kan. 2008). “; K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 38-2369. For example, a juvenile offender found guilty of committing an off-grid felony may be sentenced to “a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of 60 months and up to a maximum term of the offender reaching the age of 22 years, six months.”
In Re C.d.a.-c., 360 P.3d 443 (Kan. Ct. App. 2015). “38-2361(a)(12) which allows a court to “[cjommit the juvenile directly to the custody of the commissioner for a period of confinement in a juvenile correctional facility and a period of aftercare pursuant to K.S.A. 2014 Supp. 38-2369, and amendments thereto.”
In re S.L. (Kan. Ct. App. 2022). “38-2361(a)(12) reads in part: "If the judge finds and enters into the written record that the juvenile poses a significant risk of harm to another or damage to property, and the juvenile is otherwise eligible for commitment pursuant to K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 38-2369, and amendments…”
In re T.A. (Kan. Ct. App. 2021).
In Re Lm, 186 P.3d 164 (Kan. 2008). “; K.S.A.2006 Supp. 38-2369. For example, a juvenile offender found guilty of committing an off-grid felony may be sentenced to "a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of 60 months and up to a maximum term of the offender reaching the age of 22 years, six months.”
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(1) — 6 cases
State v. J.L.J., 547 P.3d 501 (Kan. 2024). “See K.S.A. 38-2369(a)(1). But because he was prosecuted as an adult, he was subject to a life sentence.”
In Re Lm, 186 P.3d 164 (Kan. 2008). “; K.S.A.2006 Supp. 38-2369. For example, a juvenile offender found guilty of committing an off-grid felony may be sentenced to "a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of 60 months and up to a maximum term of the offender reaching the age of 22 years, six months.”
In re S.L. (Kan. Ct. App. 2022). “38-2361(a)(12) reads in part: "If the judge finds and enters into the written record that the juvenile poses a significant risk of harm to another or damage to property, and the juvenile is otherwise eligible for commitment pursuant to K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 38-2369, and amendments…”
State v. D.H. (Kan. Ct. App. 2024).
In re I.H. (Kan. Ct. App. 2026).
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(1)(A) — 2 cases
In re A.D.T. – Johnson – Affirmed – Wyandotte (Kan. 2017).
A.D.T. v. State (Kan. Ct. App. 2020).
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(1)(B) — 4 cases
In Re A.m.m.-h., 331 P.3d 755 (Kan. 2014). “They include: “(12) Commit the juvenile directly to the custody of the commissioner [of the Juvenile Justice Authority] for a period of confinement in a juvenile correctional facility and a period of aftercare pursuant to K.S.A. 2013 Supp. 38-2369, and amendments thereto.”
In Re C.d.a.-c., 360 P.3d 443 (Kan. Ct. App. 2015). “38-2361(a)(12) which allows a court to “[cjommit the juvenile directly to the custody of the commissioner for a period of confinement in a juvenile correctional facility and a period of aftercare pursuant to K.S.A. 2014 Supp. 38-2369, and amendments thereto.”
In re T.T., 480 P.3d 790 (Kan. Ct. App. 2020). “38-2380(b)(2)(A); K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 38-2369 (setting minimum and maximum terms for juvenile sentences); In re C.”
In re S.L. (Kan. Ct. App. 2022). “38-2361(a)(12) reads in part: "If the judge finds and enters into the written record that the juvenile poses a significant risk of harm to another or damage to property, and the juvenile is otherwise eligible for commitment pursuant to K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 38-2369, and amendments…”
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(2)(A) — 3 cases
In re J.A. (Kan. Ct. App. 2021).
In re T.A. (Kan. Ct. App. 2021).
In re K.S. (Kan. Ct. App. 2026).
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(2)(B) — 4 cases
In re L.M., 186 P.3d 164 (Kan. 2008). “; K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 38-2369. For example, a juvenile offender found guilty of committing an off-grid felony may be sentenced to “a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of 60 months and up to a maximum term of the offender reaching the age of 22 years, six months.”
In re J.L.B., 241 P.3d 114 (Kan. Ct. App. 2010). “: In this juvenile case, we are presented with the question of whether two juvenile adjudications occurring in separate cases but at the same hearing before the same court can each be counted as a prior adjudication in categorizing the offender in the other adjudication, for the…”
In Re Jlb, 241 P.3d 114 (Kan. Ct. App. 2010). “In this juvenile case, we are presented with the question of whether two juvenile adjudications occurring in separate cases but at the same hearing before the same court can each be counted as a prior adjudication in categorizing the offender in the other adjudication, for the…”
In re S.M. (Kan. Ct. App. 2021).
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(2)(C) — 1 case
In re S.M. (Kan. Ct. App. 2021).
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(3) — 1 case
In re S.M. (Kan. Ct. App. 2021).
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(3)(A) — 1 case
In re Z.T. (Kan. Ct. App. 2020).
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(3)(A)(iii) — 1 case
In re Z.T. (Kan. Ct. App. 2020).
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(3)(B) — 4 cases
In re J.L.B., 241 P.3d 114 (Kan. Ct. App. 2010). “: In this juvenile case, we are presented with the question of whether two juvenile adjudications occurring in separate cases but at the same hearing before the same court can each be counted as a prior adjudication in categorizing the offender in the other adjudication, for the…”
In re K.B., 285 P.3d 389 (Kan. Ct. App. 2012). “See K.S.A. 2011 Supp. 38-2369(a)(3)(B). On August 17, 2011, K.”
In Re Jlb, 241 P.3d 114 (Kan. Ct. App. 2010). “In this juvenile case, we are presented with the question of whether two juvenile adjudications occurring in separate cases but at the same hearing before the same court can each be counted as a prior adjudication in categorizing the offender in the other adjudication, for the…”
In re J.R.A., 161 P.3d 231 (Kan. Ct. App. 2007).
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(3)(B)(i) — 3 cases
In re J.L.B., 241 P.3d 114 (Kan. Ct. App. 2010). “: In this juvenile case, we are presented with the question of whether two juvenile adjudications occurring in separate cases but at the same hearing before the same court can each be counted as a prior adjudication in categorizing the offender in the other adjudication, for the…”
In Re Jlb, 241 P.3d 114 (Kan. Ct. App. 2010). “In this juvenile case, we are presented with the question of whether two juvenile adjudications occurring in separate cases but at the same hearing before the same court can each be counted as a prior adjudication in categorizing the offender in the other adjudication, for the…”
In re J.R.A., 161 P.3d 231 (Kan. Ct. App. 2007).
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(3)(B)(ii) — 2 cases
In re J.L.B., 241 P.3d 114 (Kan. Ct. App. 2010). “: In this juvenile case, we are presented with the question of whether two juvenile adjudications occurring in separate cases but at the same hearing before the same court can each be counted as a prior adjudication in categorizing the offender in the other adjudication, for the…”
In Re Jlb, 241 P.3d 114 (Kan. Ct. App. 2010). “In this juvenile case, we are presented with the question of whether two juvenile adjudications occurring in separate cases but at the same hearing before the same court can each be counted as a prior adjudication in categorizing the offender in the other adjudication, for the…”
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(4) — 2 cases
In Re A.m.m.-h., 331 P.3d 755 (Kan. 2014). “They include: “(12) Commit the juvenile directly to the custody of the commissioner [of the Juvenile Justice Authority] for a period of confinement in a juvenile correctional facility and a period of aftercare pursuant to K.S.A. 2013 Supp. 38-2369, and amendments thereto.”
In Re A.m.m.-h., 312 P.3d 393 (Kan. Ct. App. 2013). “nds that a condition of release has been violated, the court may modify or impose additional conditions of release that the court considers appropriate or order that the juvenile offender be returned to the juvenile correctional facility to serve the conditional release…”
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(4)(C) — 1 case
In Re A.m.m.-h., 312 P.3d 393 (Kan. Ct. App. 2013). “nds that a condition of release has been violated, the court may modify or impose additional conditions of release that the court considers appropriate or order that the juvenile offender be returned to the juvenile correctional facility to serve the conditional release…”
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(l) — 2 cases
In re L.M., 186 P.3d 164 (Kan. 2008). “; K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 38-2369. For example, a juvenile offender found guilty of committing an off-grid felony may be sentenced to “a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of 60 months and up to a maximum term of the offender reaching the age of 22 years, six months.”
In re P.R.G., 244 P.3d 279 (Kan. Ct. App. 2010). “; K.S.A. 2006 Supp. 38-2369. For example, a juvenile offender found guilty of committing an off-grid felony may be sentenced to ‘a juvenile correctional facility for a minimum term of 60 months and up to a maximum term of the offender reaching the age of 22 years, six months.”
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(a)(l)(B) — 2 cases
In Re C.d.a.-c., 360 P.3d 443 (Kan. Ct. App. 2015). “38-2361(a)(12) which allows a court to “[cjommit the juvenile directly to the custody of the commissioner for a period of confinement in a juvenile correctional facility and a period of aftercare pursuant to K.S.A. 2014 Supp. 38-2369, and amendments thereto.”
In Re A.m.m.-h., 312 P.3d 393 (Kan. Ct. App. 2013). “nds that a condition of release has been violated, the court may modify or impose additional conditions of release that the court considers appropriate or order that the juvenile offender be returned to the juvenile correctional facility to serve the conditional release…”
— K.S.A. § 38-2369(b) — 1 case
In re Z.T. (Kan. Ct. App. 2020).
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