State ex rel. M. S.

Matturri, J. J. & D. R. C.

The question presented in this ease is whether the unauthorized departure of a juvenile in need of supervision from the Essex County Shelter (hereinafter referred to as the Shelter) where she was placed by court order pending permanent placement constitutes escape. The issue is one of first impression in this State. In order to understand how this complex issue arose, a brief recitation of the juvenile’s background is necessary.

The case involves M. S., a 13-year-old girl with an extensive history of runaways from various juvenile facilities. The initial complaint…