Allegan County MI Juvenile Detention Center

County Juvenile

Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Address
2243 33rd St, Allegan, MI 49010
Beds
22
County
Allegan
Phone
269-686-4628
Fax
269-673-5875

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Allegan County MI Juvenile Detention Center is for County Juvenile offenders have not been sentenced yet and are detained here until their case is heard.

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The Allegan County MI Juvenile Detention Center is a medium to low-security detention center located at 2243 33rd St Allegan, MI that is operated locally by the Juvenile Justice Department and holds youths awaiting the determination of punishment for the crimes of which they are accused. Most of the adolescents are here for less than two years.

The juvenile justice system differs from the adult system, focusing on rehabilitation and recognizing the developmental differences in juveniles. It aims to protect both the child and the public and helps juveniles become productive adults.

Juveniles are detained if they pose a threat, may miss court, or violate court orders. Parental involvement is crucial for effective supervision and rehabilitation.

Key differences in terminology include "taken into custody" instead of "arrest" and "supervision" instead of "probation." Referrals usually come from law enforcement, and an intake social worker decides the juvenile's placement. An inquiry can lead to dismissal, corrective action, or court involvement.

The process includes a plea hearing, possible evaluations, a pre-trial conference, a fact-finding hearing, and a dispositional hearing to determine the case's outcome. Parents may need to cover associated costs.

The Allegan County Juvenile Center is a 22 bed co-ed secure facility for youth between the ages of 10-17. The function of juvenile detention is to provide temporary care for youth requiring secure custody pending court and disposition or pending transfer to another jurisdiction or agency. Youth are admitted only by court order; voluntary placements can not be accepted.

Youth are involved in structured programs during all waking hours. Daily schedules include the school program, work skills training, personal hygiene, and physical recreation, both inside and outside. All youth participate in Aggression Replacement Training. Training modules include: Anger Control Training, Moral Reasoning Training, Skill Streaming Skills, and Rational Behavior Training (RBT). In addition female residents attend The Girls Circle Group. Trained staff supervise and facilitate all groups and activities with youth.

School Program

The school program is provided through the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency. Classes include core academics geared to each youth’s specific learning needs. In addition the detention program offers GED study and testing for court ordered youth age 16 or older. Instruction for the GED program is provided by the detention center staff. The GED test is coordinated through the Michigan Works program in Allegan County.

GED

The court may order a youth complete the GED if age appropriate (must be 16 to test) and successful graduation is unlikely due to lack of credits. Youth on probation and living in the community can participate in the GED program Monday – Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the detention center. Due to security and safety reasons, personal items are not allowed and clothing must be appropriate and consistent with public school expectations. Youth ordered into the program will be provided with a list of guidelines on the first day of class. The successful completion of GED requires a minimum score of 410 and a combined average score of 450 in the areas of: Math, Writing, Science, Reading and Social Studies. GED study is self paced therefore, the amount of time needed to complete is dependent on the motivation of the individual. The average length of study is 10 weeks. Tests are scheduled through the Michigan Works Agency and are held either at the Juvenile Center, Allegan Alternative School or at the Vocational Center. Youth must receive a passing test score on the GED pre-test before they can be scheduled for the official GED exam.

Groups

One of the outcomes expected for youth is that once released they will have new skills and information they did not have prior to their admission. Since the average detention stay is 7 days it is expected that each youth will participate by attending and role playing in the groups that are offered by the detention staff.

RBT (Rational Behavior Training): will give youth tools that will allow them to identify thinking patterns that aren’t working well and demonstrate how to gain control over their own actions and life. Attitudes, beliefs, and thinking patterns guide our feelings and behavior.

Pro-Social Skills: helps youth increase the chance of having successful interactions with people in day-to-day life. Goals in this skill area include better social interactions, problem-solving skills and impulse control.

Anger Control Training: Youth will learn and practice ways to deal with the stressors in life other than losing their temper and resulting in more harm. Knowledge is power and youth will learn that “getting mad” is a choice that’s made, and not something that simply happens.

Moral Reasoning Skills: help youth understand how thinking, values, and choices affect their behavior and to recognize thought processes that rationalize negative behavior. Strengthening skills in this area involve helping youth find principles to live by and guidelines for making good choices.

Workforce Skills: help youth improve the likelihood of being able to financially pay their own way in life after school is done. This area includes a general set of skills for getting jobs, keeping jobs, and getting promoted. The goal for this area is economic self-sufficiency.

Independent Living Skills: will help older teens, especially those coming out of placement or foster care, to improve their ability to live successfully on their own. Skills in this area relate to topics such as money management and budgeting, educational and career planning, knowing how to get financial aid, housing assistance and medical insurance. The goal for this area is self-sufficient living.

Girls Circle (Just for Girls!): is a group that teaches resiliency and helps girls figure out by themselves what is important to them, developing their own value system that they can carry through life. http://www.girlscircle.com/

Inmate Locator

Juvenile facilities overseen by Allegan County do not publish the names of the offenders housed in their facility. As such, there is no public forum for this information.

Visitation Information

Regular Visitation Regular visitation hours are: Sunday: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wednesday: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Holiday Visitation Holiday visitation is held from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Recognized Holiday’s are: New Year’s Eve New Year’s Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Eve Christmas Day

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Frequently Asked Questions

Allegan County MI Juvenile Detention Center - FAQs about Juvenile Detention Centers

  1. What is a juvenile detention center?
    A juvenile detention center is a secure facility designed to house minors who have been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime. Unlike adult jails, these centers focus on rehabilitation, education, and structured supervision. Youth housed in these facilities may be awaiting trial, serving short-term sentences, or completing mandated treatment programs aimed at reducing delinquent behavior.

  2. How does a juvenile detention center differ from an adult jail?
    Juvenile detention centers differ from adult jails in their approach to discipline, rehabilitation, and environment. They prioritize counseling, education, and structured activities over punitive measures. While adult jails emphasize punishment and security, juvenile facilities are designed to address the root causes of delinquent behavior, such as trauma, lack of parental guidance, or substance abuse issues.

  3. Who can be sent to a juvenile detention center?
    Juvenile detention centers house minors under 18 who have been arrested for criminal activity, ranging from status offenses (such as truancy or curfew violations) to serious felonies like robbery or assault. Some youth may also be placed in detention for violating probation, running away from court-mandated programs, or awaiting transfer to another facility.

  4. What types of offenses lead to juvenile detention?
    Youth may be detained for a variety of offenses, including property crimes (theft, vandalism), drug-related offenses, assault, gang activity, or firearm possession. In some cases, juveniles are detained for non-criminal behavior, such as repeatedly skipping school or running away from home. The severity of the offense, prior record, and risk level typically determine whether a juvenile is detained or placed in an alternative program.

  5. How long do juveniles stay in detention centers?
    The length of stay depends on the case. Some juveniles are held for a few days or weeks while awaiting trial, while others may serve months or years depending on their sentence. Youth placed in long-term detention typically participate in rehabilitation programs, educational courses, and mental health counseling. Courts may also mandate step-down programs, where youth transition into community-based supervision before full release.

  6. Are juvenile records sealed after release?
    In many states, juvenile records are sealed or expunged once the individual reaches adulthood, provided they meet certain conditions. However, serious offenses such as violent felonies or sex crimes may remain on record, potentially affecting future employment, housing, and educational opportunities. In some cases, a juvenile may petition the court to have their record expunged after demonstrating rehabilitation.

  7. Do juveniles in detention attend school?
    Yes, most juvenile detention centers provide on-site educational programs that allow youth to continue their schooling while in custody. These programs may include core academic subjects, GED preparation, and vocational training. Some facilities work with local school districts to ensure that credits earned in detention transfer back to public schools upon release.

  8. Can family members visit juveniles in detention?
    Yes, but visitation policies vary by facility. Families typically need to schedule visits in advance, follow strict security protocols, and comply with dress code regulations. Some detention centers offer video visitation or family counseling sessions to strengthen relationships before the juvenile is released. Regular contact with family members can significantly reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation outcomes.

  9. Are juveniles allowed to make phone calls?
    Most juvenile detention centers allow monitored phone calls, though the frequency and duration depend on facility rules, the youth’s behavior, and their case status. In some cases, juveniles may call only pre-approved family members or legal representatives. Facilities may also restrict calls if an inmate violates behavioral rules.

  10. What rehabilitation programs are available?
    Programs often include substance abuse counseling, anger management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, vocational training, and life skills workshops. These services are intended to help juveniles develop positive coping mechanisms, make better decisions, and reintegrate into their communities upon release. Some centers also offer mentorship programs where at-risk youth receive guidance from former inmates or community leaders.

  11. Are juveniles placed in solitary confinement?
    While some facilities still use room confinement or restricted housing as disciplinary measures, prolonged solitary confinement for juveniles is widely discouraged due to its negative psychological effects. Many states have passed laws limiting or banning solitary confinement for minors, encouraging the use of alternative discipline methods such as behavioral interventions and conflict resolution programs.

  12. Can juveniles be transferred to adult prison?
    In some cases, juveniles may be tried as adults for severe offenses, such as murder, armed robbery, or sexual assault. If convicted, they can be transferred to adult prison upon turning 18. Some states allow judges to reconsider these transfers based on the juvenile’s rehabilitation progress, age, and psychological evaluations.

  13. What rights do juveniles have in detention?
    Juveniles have the right to education, medical care, legal representation, and protection from abuse. They are also entitled to due process, meaning they cannot be detained indefinitely without a hearing. Inmates must be provided with access to rehabilitative services and fair treatment under the law. Any allegations of abuse or mistreatment must be investigated by oversight agencies.

  14. How do juveniles reintegrate into society after detention?
    Many juvenile detention centers offer reentry programs, including mentorship, transitional housing, probation supervision, and vocational training. Youth are often connected with caseworkers, social services, and education programs to help them successfully reintegrate. Some facilities also arrange family reunification counseling to strengthen support systems at home.

  15. What happens if a juvenile violates probation after release?
    If a juvenile violates probation, consequences can range from increased supervision and mandatory counseling to community service or re-detention. In severe cases, the juvenile may be returned to detention or sent to a more restrictive program. Courts typically evaluate the circumstances of the violation, the individual’s progress, and any external factors before making a decision.

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