Erie County NY Juvenile Detention Center

County Juvenile

Last Updated: February 23, 2025
Address
810 E Ferry St, Buffalo, NY 14211
County
Erie
Phone
716-923-4000

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

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for County juvenile - low facility.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of Erie County NY Juvenile Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at Erie Co Juvenile Detention on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 716-923-4000, 716-924-4062.

The Erie County NY Juvenile Detention Center is a medium to low-security detention center located at 810 E Ferry St Buffalo, NY 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.

YOUTH SERVICES CENTER (SECURE DETENTION) - Secure detention houses Juvenile Delinquents, youth who are alleged to have committed acts that would be considered criminal before age 16, and Juvenile Offenders, youth age 13-15 who have been charged with serious crimes and are being prosecuted in the adult criminal justice system.

The facility provides health, mental health and educational services along with a variety of programs and appropriate interventions. Detention is a temporary facility for youths awaiting the outcome of their Court proceedings.

Youth remanded to the secure facility are in custody either through law enforcement arrest, family court order, or outstanding warrant.

If a youth is apprehended outside of Family Court business hours they will be brought directly to the facility:

  1. The parent/guardian is notified as soon as possible.
  2. The youth’s immediate physical and mental state are assessed and safety assured.
  3. The youth will be transported to Youth Services Downtown offices at the Family Court Building the following business day to appear in Family Court.
  4. Parents should report to the Youth Services/Detention Offices in the Court Building Lobby (Rm. 125) for guidance on the court appearance.
  5. The youth may be released as a result of this initial hearing (possibly with conditions) or may be remanded to secure detention pending further proceedings.

Research shows that the great majority of youths detained in facilities such as the Youth Services Secure Center, do not become persistent adult offenders. Though it is vital that problem behaviors be addressed.

Important information regarding the youth’s stay at detention is available at the following phone numbers:

  • Central Intake 923-4062, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week
  • Central Administration 923-4000, Business Hours 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. [Monday - Friday] (Includes voice message with phone numbers of key staff)

Non-Secure Detention - The Division contracts with New Directions/Gateway-Longview, a residential partnership of two youth programs, to provide non-secure detention services. Primarily non-secure detention is utilized by the Family Court to temporarily house Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) status offenders, alleged to be ungovernable, truant, or away from parent/guardian custody for more than 24 hours without permission. PINS are 9-17 years old. Low-risk Juvenile Delinquents may also be housed at New Directions/Gateway-Longview at the discretion of the Court. The program works closely with the Family Services Team (an interdepartmental program charged with directing PINS services) and the Youth Services Family Court Detention Office.

If a PINS warrant youth is apprehended during non business hours, the youth will be taken directly by the law enforcement agency to:

New Directions/Gateway-Longview
Gateway-Longview Main Campus
6350 Main Street
Williamsville, New York 14221

The parent/guardian is notified immediately

Girls Non-Secure Detention
783-3371
Dwyer (Courage) Cottage Supervisor: Marcus Cooley
783-3368
mcooley@gateway-longview.org

Boys Non-secure Detention
Curry Cottage
783-3317
Supervisor: Shawn Smith
783-3369
ssmith@gateway-longview.org

Non-Secure Detention Program Social Worker: Deb Felschow, LCSW
783-3315
dfelschow@gateway-longview.org

All Family Court appearances of detained PINS youth are managed through the Youth Services Office at the Family Court Building similar to Juvenile Delinquent case management.

Youth remanded to New Directions/Gateway-Longview are in custody either through Family Court Order or outstanding warrant.

If a youth is apprehended outside of Family Court business hours they will be brought directly to New Directions/Gateway-Longview:

  1. The parent/guardian is notified as soon as possible.
  2. The youth’s immediate physical and mental state are assessed and safety assured.
  3. The youth will be transported to Youth Services Downtown offices at the Family Court Building the following business day to appear in Family Court.
  4. Parents should report to the Youth Services/Detention Offices in the Court Building Lobby (Room 125) for guidance on the court appearance.
  5. The youth may be released as a result of this initial hearing (possibly with conditions) or may be remanded to secure detention pending further proceedings.

Juvenile Justice Services encompasses secure youth detention, Family Court Building located services, contracted non-secure youth detention, and partnership in the Juvenile Delinquency Services Team.

Erie County has been selected as one of six counties in NYS to participate in a nationally recognized, evidence-based Juvenile Justice System reform project launched in 1992 by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) is founded on the vision that all youth involved in the Juvenile Justice System have opportunities to develop into healthy, productive adults. The focus is Juvenile Detention because studies show youth are often unnecessarily or inappropriately detained at great expense, with long-lasting negative consequences for both safety and youth development. In communities across the country, JDAI efforts are improving public safety, eliminating inappropriate and unnecessary detention, enhancing community-based alternatives, improving the conditions of confinement, and reducing the disproportionate representation of youth of color in secure detention.

Inmate Locator

Juvenile facilities overseen by Erie 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

Visitation at the county or regional juvenile facility is restricted to immediate family members only, including mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers. The visitation guidelines are stringent, and it is advisable to contact the facility staff to ascertain specific limitations. For information on visitation schedules, visiting room regulations, and other relevant details about your visit, please contact 716-923-4000, 716-924-4062. The facility staff will provide comprehensive guidance to ensure a smooth and compliant visitation experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Erie County NY 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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