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Juvenile Justice Center FAQ

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What is the difference between detention and treatment?

Detention is a secure, short term holding facility for youth who have committed or are alleged to have committed a delinquent act (crime). The purpose of detention is to protect the child or community, prevent the child's runaway, and provide secure housing pending a court appearance or other placement.

There are presently four different treatment programs in the facility serving different purposes and/or populations. These programs provide individual, group and family counseling and other services to help the child make changes which will enable them avoid further difficulties in the future. The treatment programs are not secure. Most of the treatment programs allow the residents access to the community for activities, school and community-service work.

What is the average length of stay in detention and treatment?

The average length of stay in detention is 22 days, but could change depending on the crime.

The average length of stay in treatment could range from 8-10 months, depending on the child's progress in the program.

Do the parents pay for their child's placement in the facility?

Parents of residents in the treatment programs pay support for their children's placement. The amount is determined by the County Domestic Relations Office following a formula established by the state of Pennsylvania.

What is the minimum and maximum age limit of a child in the facility?

The minimum age for a child to be in the facility is 10 years old, the maximum age is 21.

Is the child allowed visits while they are in the facility? And can their brother/sister visit?

With the approval of the child's probation officer and the facility administration, parents and/or guardians, brothers/sisters over the age of 10, and religious advisors are allowed to visit.

Are parents responsible for providing anything for their child in the facility?

The facility provides all meals and basic necessities for the residents in all programs.

Treatment residents are permitted to wear their own undergarments and sneakers, if their parents choose to bring them in. As those residents' behaviors improve, they are permitted to have other personal belongings from home.

There is a minimal cost for haircuts, if needed.

What are the types of crimes committed by the juveniles in the facility?

The crimes that are committed can range from misdemeanors to felonies.
(i.e. theft, robbery, burglaries, rape, etc.)

How are children placed in your facility?

Children are placed in detention by a Juvenile Probation Officer and/or a Judge. However, only a Judge can place a child into a treatment program.

What are the child's daily routines while in the detention center or treatment program?

In detention, they attend school daily and have recreational and educational activities during the weekend.

In treatment, they attend school daily, have recreational and educational activities during the weekend, attend group and family counseling, and also are out doing community service in the area. Depending on the child's behavior, he/she may shovel snow, help pick up trash along the street, help with fundraisers in the area, and/or help various non-profit agencies in the area.

Is there any agency that oversee the condition or safety of the children?

The facility is fully licensed by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) and undergoes an annual inspection. Unannounced visits by DPW may also occur to ensure the safety of all children in the facility.

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More Juvenile Justice Center Informatation
Juvenile Justice Center Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
PREA Audit Reports
PREA Annual Reports
PREA Zero-Tolerance Policy
Reporting Suspected Abuse
Welness Plan
Tracking address: Tracking code - do not email: crt19-ceadbj@shom.nccpa.org (do not email this address - tracking purposes only)