This is a secure facility for juveniles, who are young people under the age of eighteen. In some areas it can also be referred to as a youth detention center. Many times these are offenders who are waiting to go to court. They can also be a long-term disciplinary care program for youths who are accused of crimes like robbery or drug possession. The youth offenders are usually held in a juvenile hall to make sure that they will appear in court on their appointed date. It may also be for public safety reasons. A juvenile criminal case begins with an arrest. If the youth is arrested for an offense that the court considers minor they may be released to their guardian or parents. If the youth has violated probation or it is a serious offense the youth offender is usually taken to juvenile hall to start the process of booking them into the center.
One part of the booking process will usually involve a medical assessment to determine if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or to see if they have any injuries. After the medical assessment it is determined that the youth is in an unfit condition then they will receive medical treatment before the process of booking continues. The youth is also searched for things like weapons and narcotics. The booking process is completed with the juvenile receiving clean clothes and then being assigned to a housing unit in juvenile hall where they will wait for a detention hearing.
At the detention hearing the judge will decide if the juvenile should be released to their parents or legal guardians. Being under the age of eighteen they are typically not able to be given jury trials or released on bail. At the hearing, in addition to the judge, the parents or guardians, an attorney for the juvenile, and any other court officials that are necessary will be there. When they are in juvenile hall, the youth offender could be placed in a housing unit where each will have one roommate. There may also be rooms for one person but they are normally reserved for a youth offender that displays aggressive or uncooperative behaviors. While in juvenile hall they will have meals in the unit. If they are sentenced for a period of time they will also have educational instruction. Aside for visits with family members and being released, a juvenile offender does not leave the unit. At juvenile hall, they may have other activities in addition to educational activities to participate in. They will also have sixty minutes of outdoor exercise each day.
