What is detention?

The juvenile detention center is a 24-hour secure facility for the temporary residential care of youth who are pending Court for alleged law violations. It is the goal of the center to provide supervision, activities and counseling that will benefit youth during their stay. To that end, each youth is screened for identification of emotional and mental health concerns. Parents are encouraged to contact the Supervisor on duty with any special needs or concerns.

After the decision is made to admit a youth into detention, a juvenile detention officer reviews the rules of detention and has the youth shower and change into a detention uniform. For sleeping, a youth will be assigned to an individual room, which is not shared with another resident. Residents are visually monitored on an intermittent basis for their safety. Observation may be intensified if there is any concern about self-inflicted injury. Meals are served in a group setting three times a day. Special dietary needs may be accommodated. The center participates in the National School Lunch Program.

All youth admitted to detention receive educational, medical, counseling, physical education and recreational services. Academic subjects are taught by teachers provided through the Fort Worth Independent School District. Grades are maintained for all assignments and are available to each student's home school upon request. If a student attends special classes, or if a student's regular teachers will provide the assignments, detention teachers will monitor those assignments during class at the detention center. Community resources and volunteers supplement the program through the provision of various educational presentations, church and optional religious study.

Basic health care screening is provided through an on-site medical clinic. If your child takes prescribed medication or has medical problems, please inform either the nurse or the Superintendent. You should plan to provide your child's medication to the nurse.

Each resident will have the opportunity to visit with immediate family members 30 minutes a day and may have a daily five-minute telephone call with a parent or legal guardian. Since a resident is permitted only one visit daily, please coordinate with others in your family wishing to visit your child. Personal identification is requested upon your arrival. Letters from residents may be sent at no cost and received without restriction. Parents are asked to follow visitation and telephone guidelines and to cooperate with staff requests to ensure your child's successful adjustment