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East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (EMJDF) - San Diego Co.

County Juvenile

Last Updated: March 24, 2025

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Address

446 Alta Rd, San Diego, CA 92158

Beds

290

County

San Diego

Phone

619-671-4400

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

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Looking for an inmate at this facility? Visitation Information, Times and Rules

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You can support your loved ones at East Mesa Juvenile Detention on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 619-671-4400.

The East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (EMJDF) - San Diego Co. is a medium to low-security detention center located at 446 Alta Rd San Diego, CA 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.

East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (EMJDF), is located in East Otay Mesa, north of Brown Field. It has a Board of Corrections maximum capacity of 290. EMJDF opened for operation in June 2004.

All youth housed at the Juvenile Halls are required to attend school Monday through Friday. The school at both sites is called the S.O.A.R. Academy and is run by the San Diego County Office of Education. Youth may earn credit towards receiving their high school diploma or earn their high school equivalency (HISET). Youth who already have their diploma or HISET may also have the opportunity to participate in college-level courses and earn college credit.

EMJDF offer a myriad of programs that are designed to assist our youth towards rehabilitation. Such programs include, but are not limited to, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Pet Therapy, Yoga, various Literacy Groups, Book Clubs and programs facilitated by SAY San Diego and Second Chance Programs. Additionally, special speakers are often times invited to encourage and inspire youth, such as renowned authors, professional athletes, and community leaders/volunteers.

Visits by Protestant and Catholic Church groups are also available to interested youth. Youth may also request to speak to a clergyperson of a different faith. Our Department makes every effort to arrange for such positive visitations.

When a youth is to be released, the probation officer will notify the parent or guardian with the date and time of release. Youth are to be picked up at Intake-Booking-Release (IBR) at the time of their release. The release procedure can take up to an hour after the parent has checked in with Booking.

If the youth is being released to Camp Barrett, their personal clothing will be transferred to the respective facility. If the youth is being released to the Department of Juvenile Justice the parents will be sent a letter outlining the procedure for obtaining the minor’s property. The East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility property rooms are small and a youth’s belongings will be held for 30 days; an appointment must be made prior to the pick up of the property.

Table of Contents for East Mesa Juvenile Detention

Inmate Locator

Juvenile facilities overseen by San Diego 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

East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (EMJDF) - Visitation

East Mesa Facility: Visiting occurs Monday through Friday (3:00 PM - 8:00 PM) and Sunday (last names A-L: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM and M-Z: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM).

Additionally, EMJDF offers Skype visitation. The purpose of Skype tele-visit is to allow youth the opportunity to visit with their parent/guardian/other approved visitor who is unable to come to EMJDF for a face-to-face visit. Only visitors who are on the “approved visitor” list, which has been updated by the assigned probation officer, are permitted to have a Skype visit. Skype tele-visitation is available for all youth detained at EMJDF. Skype tele-visitation is held Monday through Friday from 3:30pm to 8:00pm (the last Skype tele-visit will be scheduled at 7:30pm and will end by 8:00pm when the visiting center closes). Each Skype tele-visit is 30 minutes.

To schedule a Skype tele-visit for EMJDF, youth can request a visit from any officer. The officer will provide the Skype scheduler with the youth’s name and unit. The Skype Scheduler will contact the parent/legal guardian/approved visitor to set up a tele-visit. The interested visitor(s) can also contact the Skype Schedulers directly at (619) 671-4466 to schedule a Skype visitation appointment.

Holiday visiting hours remain the same except for Christmas Day, which follows the Sunday schedule.

Following are some regulations regarding visiting at Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (KMJDF) and East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (EMJDF):

Parents, legal guardians, and others who are pre-approved by their assigned Probation Officer are permitted to visit. You must bring a valid photo I.D.
Youth who have children can request to have visits with their children while in custody. These visits will also need to be approved through their assigned Probation Officer.
Special visits must be pre-approved through the minor’s Probation Officer, the KMJDF or EMJDF Watch Commander, or the Court for the visit.
When entering KMJDF or EMJDF you may only bring in your I.D. and one key. There are a limited number of pay-per-use lockers available to secure your valuables. They cost $0.25 per use.
You may bring in one (1) paperback book for your child, with their name and unit number written on it, to be placed in a receptacle in the lobby.

Frequently Asked Questions

East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility (EMJDF) - San Diego Co. - FAQs about Juvenile Detention Centers

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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