Juvenile Justice Center detention program

There are two distinct areas of the Juvenile Justice Center -- detention and residential treatment. Detention is designed to generally provide short-term secure detainment pending further action of the Court whereas treatment is designed to provide long-term therapeutic services.

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Detention program

The Juvenile Justice Center detention program is designed to provide a short-term highly secure, highly structured setting for youth who have come into contact with the Court and require temporary removal from the community. The detention program supports the placement of both males and females ages 11 to 17 and is also available to out-of-county youth from other jurisdictions. The average length of stay in detention is 11 to 13 days, however there are cases wherein detainment can be extended while a determination is made by the Court.

The program utilizes a guided group approach which focuses on problem solving rather than problem control. The underlying theory of the Positive Peer model is that adolescents are naturally in an oppositional phase of development and reject the counsel of adults. In this, the program seeks to encourage positive leadership within each group of peers. As part of a highly structured day the following services are offered to youth placed in the detention program:

  • Admissions health and risk Assessments
  • Medical services
  • Psychological services
  • Behavioral service plans
  • Educational programming
  • Social skills groups
  • Youth fellowship
  • Recreational and gross motor activities