LaPorte County Juvenile Detention

County Juvenile

Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Address
364 S Ziegler Rd, LaPorte, IN 46350
Beds
40
County
La Porte
Phone
219-326-9898

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LaPorte County 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 City 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 LaPorte County Juvenile Detention

You can support your loved ones at LaPorte County Juvenile Detention on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 219-326-9898.

The LaPorte County Juvenile Detention is a medium to low-security detention center located at 364 S Ziegler Rd LaPorte, IN 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 purpose of the LaPorte County Dorothy S. Crowley Juvenile Services Center (JSC) is to provide services and programs to the Juvenile Courts of LaPorte County. The primary goal is to effectively service the troubled and at-risk youth of the County by intervening in the least restrictive manner different than and separately from adults. The Facility is structured to provide services to juveniles as opposed to being punitive and protects juveniles from abuses that might occur in adult institutions.

All programs will meet applicable Constitutional, Federal, and State Laws, Local Ordinances, and standards and regulations set forth by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Indiana Department of Child Services, the Indiana Department of Correction, and the American Correctional Association.

Further, juvenile detention and residential care both provide and maintain a wide range of helpful services administered by a trained and professional staff which include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Behavior Program that structures time and offers a fair/consistent system of rewards for positive behavior and consequences for negative behavior.
  • The development of an individual educational plan which addresses remedial needs.
  • The development of individualized care plans to address the social/emotional needs of the client.
    • Creative Arts Programming that encourages self-expression
    • Vocational Education
    • Physical Education
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Law Related Education
    • Individual and group counseling
    • Nutrition Education
    • Medical and Dental screenings which include daily sick call

The Juvenile Services Center also includes and provides a system for clinical observation and problem-noting which supplements the wide range of helpful services provided by the Court, including Home Detention, Electronic Monitoring, and Day Reporting.

LETTER POLICY

No letters will be accepted unless sent through the United States Mail. Notes or letters are not accepted at the door of the JSC or at Court.

Mailing Address:
Resident's Name
LaPorte County Juvenile Services Center
0364 South Ziegler Road
LaPorte, IN 46350

Residents are furnished envelopes and stamps per week based upon their level.

Residents will not be restricted from receiving or sending mail unless there is a valid court order specifically detailing the "NO CONTACT" guidelines.

PHONE POLICY

Residents may make personal phone calls only with the approval of their placing agency or the Judge.

Residents are not to receive any incoming phone calls from parents/guardian.

Residents are afforded opportunities to make business calls during the day to their attorneys, placing agency, etc.

PERSONAL CALLS

Level 4 (4): 10-minute calls
Level 3 (3): 5-minute calls
Level 1 & 2 (2): 5 minute calls

PHONE CALL TIMES

Secure Unit
Monday - Friday: 7:30PM - 9:00PM

Residential Unit
Weekdays: 7:00AM - 8:00AM, 3:00PM - 3:45PM, and 7:00PM - 8:00PM
Weekends: 10:00AM - 11:45AM, 3:00PM - 3:45PM, and 7:00PM - 8:00PM

Phone call privileges can be revoked by the Judge, Probation, Placing Agency or Juvenile Center Staff.

Inmate Locator

Juvenile facilities overseen by La Porte 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

LaPorte County Dorothy S. Crowley Juvenile Services Center (JSC) - Visitation

SECURE UNIT VISITING HOURS

All visits are at half-hour intervals

Wednesday: 7PM-8:30PM
Saturday: 7PM-8:30PM
Sunday: 1PM-4PM & 7PM-8:30PM

SECURE DETENTION

Secure Detention is a temporary and secure custody of children accused or adjudicated of conduct committed while the child is between 8-18 years of age, subject to the jurisdiction of the juvenile court, who require a physically restricting environment for their own or community’s protection while pending legal action.

SECURE UNIT VISITATION POLICY

  • All visitors must be approved by the Probation Department or Placing Agency.
  • Visitors must provide picture identification.
  • Visitors are to enter to the Center’s Secure Unit entrance. Secure all personal property in the vehicle, with the exception of a picture ID card. Cell phones are not allowed on the units.
  • Visitations must be scheduled prior to arrival.
  • Visits may be cancelled due to the resident’s behavior.
  • Visitors are not to give anything including money directly to a resident.
  • Anyone who has obviously been drinking or under the influence of drugs will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to visit. Proper behavior is expected during visits, or visits may be terminated.
  • Before admittance into the building, all visitors will be subject to a security check to check for contraband and/or weapons.

RESIDENTIAL UNIT VISITING HOURS

All visits are at half-hour intervals

Tuesdays: 6PM-8PM
Weekends/Holidays: 1PM- 3PM & 6PM-8PM

RESIDENTIAL CARE

Residential Care is a temporary placement for status offenders and children in need of services who have been authorized by the juvenile court for placement at the JSC, Residential Unit. The Residential Unit is licensed by the Department of Child Services to care for children who are 6-17 years of age.

RESIDENTIAL CARE VISITATION POLICY

  • All visitors must be approved by the Probation Department or Placing Agency.
  • Visitors must provide picture identification.
  • Visitors are to enter to the Center’s Main entrance, Secure all personal property in vehicle or lockers provided in the lobby, with the exception of a picture ID card. Cell phones are not allowed on the units.
  • Visitations must be scheduled prior to arrival.
  • Visits may be cancelled due to the resident’s behavior.
  • Visitors are not to give anything including money directly to a resident.
  • Anyone who has obviously been drinking or under the influence of drugs will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to visit. Proper behavior is expected during visits, or visits may be terminated.
  • Before admittance into the building, all visitors will be subject to a security check to check for contraband and/or weapons.

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DRESS CODE FOR JSC VISITORS

Our facility is designed to serve the children of LaPorte County. Every child who is placed at our facility is an individual with his/her own reasons for being with us. Every child has different needs, wants and desires. To assist our children with the complexity of their own areas of improvement, we have established standards for dress attire for visitors. Thank you for abiding by our standards.

Visitors should always be appropriately dressed. This means that your attire should be free of:

  • Revealing or excessively short clothing
  • Clothing that advertises alcohol, tobacco, gang affiliation or drugs

Hats are not permitted to be worn within the Center.

If you are asked to leave the Center or are denied visitation due to your attire, please exit the building and return when you meet the visitor dress code during the established visitation hours.

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Frequently Asked Questions

LaPorte County Juvenile Detention - 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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