Benton County AR Juvenile Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at Benton Co Juvenile Detention on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 479-271-1713.

The Benton County AR Juvenile Detention Center is a medium to low-security detention center located at 1301 SW Melissa Dr Bentonville, AR 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 primary job of the detention facility is to maintain the safety, security, custody, and control of all juveniles detained who have been charged with a criminal offense and either have been found guilty or plead guilty to the alleged offense. All criminally charged juveniles must be authorized by the juvenile circuit court judge, intake officer, or probation officer to be detained and before the juvenile can be transported by law enforcement to the juvenile detention center.

In addition to the detention of juvenile criminal offenders, this facility also holds Family In Need of Services (FINS) juveniles charged with status offenses through the authorization of a valid court order (VCO) and an intake officer.

Phone Calls: Pre-trial residents are allowed to make one 10-minute phone call per day between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Delinquent and FINS residents are allowed to make one 10-minute phone call per week. These phone calls will take place on Wednesday between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

All phone calls are to parents, grandparents, and guardians.

Messages: Juveniles in the facility may not receive calls from family. Do not telephone staff to leave messages for residents.

Mail: Residents may write to and/or receive letters from parent/guardian, grandparents, or privileged mail only. Residents may mail two letters per week at the center’s expense. Each piece of incoming mail will be opened then searched by staff in front of the resident. All out-going mail will also be scanned with the exception of privileged communications to attorneys, counselors, court officials, caseworkers, or clergy. In addition, letters addressed to residents must be received through the US postal system. Any mail sent to residents by persons other than those approved will be placed in the resident’s personal property so that they may have it when they leave.

Special Requests: In the event that you need other special accommodations, please ask the staff at the detention center for a special request form. Each request will be reviewed by administration and you will be contacted when they reach a decision.

To ensure proper separation and understanding of all detained residents' statuses, the residents are issued color-coded clothing as follows:

Pre-adjudicated or Pre-trial residents-TAN. These residents who have been criminally charged but have pleaded not guilty and are waiting to receive a detention hearing within the first 72 hours or awaiting trial within the first 14 days after the detention hearing.

Adjudicated/Sentenced or Adjudicated But Awaiting (ABA)-BLUE. These residents who have either plead guilty or have been found guilty of a criminal offense and have been sentenced or awaiting disposition on sentencing.

Family In Need of Services (FINS)-RED. These residents who have been detained due to rule infractions as defined by the terms and conditions of a VCO. These status offenses are offenses that cannot be considered as criminal offenses for adults (e.g. truancy, minor in possession of alcohol, runaway, etc.).

Medical Needs
Needs are addressed through consultation with a contract Nurse who approves medications and performs an initial evaluation of youth. If your child has medical needs, please promptly advise Detention Staff.

Education
School classes are held Monday thru Friday, following the Sebastian Public School schedules for holidays and policies. Classes are conducted by on-site, state-licensed Special Education and Middle School teachers. Students work primarily in the areas of reading, language, and math to strengthen their skills.
Parents/guardians are asked to bring youth's work from their home school districts to work on while in detention and then to pick the completed school work up to deliver back to their school districts. Questions concerning the Education Department may be directed to (479) 444-1670 ext 5.

Physical Education
As part of the education program, the facility is fortunate to have a Physical Education teacher on-site to provide physical education services to youth who are detained. This structured activity assists with the overall mental health functioning of the Youth and with meeting the AR Juvenile Detention Standards Code for daily large muscle movement.

Nutrition Services
The facility meals and snacks are planned by the facility's Food Service Coordinator and must meet nutritional standards, as regulated by the National School Lunch Program. If you have questions or concerns regarding allergies, please contact the Food Service Coordinator by calling 479 444-1670 ext 4 or by emailing Judy Marion.

Mental Health Needs
Needs are addressed through on-site clinical services provided by the Social Work Intervention Program. Additionally, for youth who are currently receiving mental health services, their therapist may visit them to continue services while in detention.

Specialized Services
Community groups, organizations, and churches, we well as individuals donate their time for specialized services such as hair care, health classes, clergy services, etc.
The Washington County Juvenile Detention Center also offers additional programming, including the following:
"Be Proud, Be Responsible" HIV Prevention
This program is designed to increase knowledge about transmission and prevention of HIV infection. This program helps explain the importance of responsible sexual decision-making, including abstinence.
Why Try
A strength-based approach program utilizing lesson plans for all learning styles (visual, auditory, & kinesthetic) to help youth overcome their challenges and improve outcomes in areas of truancy, behavior, and academics.
Educational Training
Utilizing videos and group activities, Residents are given additional education on topics such as drugs, teen pregnancy, gangs, and STDS, with the consent of the Resident's parents. Residents are also given the opportunity for self-expression and empathy training through arts and crafts.
Skills / Character
Additional skill-based and character-building training are facilitated by the Staff Development Coordinator / Trainer utilizing innovative methods including technology to engage, empower, and equip youth to make better decisions.
CPR / First Aid
Residents are offered periodic training in the American Heart Association's CPR and First Aid curriculum.