Juvenile Hall—What is It?

This is a secure facility where juveniles are housed. A juvenile is a minor who is between the ages of ten and eighteen. They have committed an act that has violated the law but they are not called a crime like they would be called for someone over the age of eighteen. These acts are called delinquent acts, which are divided into two categories. The first would be considered a crime if it was committed by an adult and the second is one that would not normally be a crime if committed by an adult. In some jurisdictions when a juvenile commits a serious crime they can be tried as an adult. A juvenile hall can also be referred to as a youth detention center.

Most that are housed here are there for a long-term disciplinary program or waiting for court hearings. The ones that are being held long term are there for committing juvenile crimes like robbery or drug possession. They are held there for public safety reasons or to make sure they are there at their court date.

A juvenile criminal case begins with an arrest and if they are a minor they could be released to their guardians and not have to go to juvenile hall. If they have violated probation or have committed a serious crime they will be taken to juvenile hall to be booked. One part of the booking process usually will involve a medical assessment to check for any injuries that may have occurred when they were arrested or during the committing of the crime. They are also checked to see if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Medical treatment will be given if necessary before they are finished being booked. They are also searched to see if they have anything on them like a weapon or drugs. Once this is all done they will get clothes and be assigned to a certain housing unit while they wait for a detention hearing

When housed in juvenile hall they may be placed in a housing unit where they will usually have a roommate. For the juveniles who have aggressive or uncooperative behaviors are housed in a one-person room. They will have educational instruction and their meals in the housing unit where they are housed. They only time they will leave the unit is to go to their detention hearing or have a visit from family members, plus sixty minutes a day outdoor exercise, which is required. In juvenile hall they may also have other activities to participate in besides their educational programs. There are enforced quiet times for doing homework, reading, or studying. With good behavior they can have phone calls or do evening activities like board games.