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MCJDC 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.
The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.
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
The Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center (MCJDC) is a medium to low-security detention center located at 300 E Scott St Youngstown, OH 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 MCJDC is a 24-hour, 40-bed coed detention facility. The primary purpose of the center is to provide a secure and safe environment for youth during the Court hearing process on a delinquency charge or while awaiting placement or commitment to another facility.
Jurisdiction extends to Mahoning County youth 17 and under. If the delinquent act was committed prior to the age of 18, jurisdiction may be extended to age 21. Youth from outside Mahoning County who are accused of an offense in Mahoning County, runaways, or those under court order, may also be detained in the MCJDC.
Each student in Detention has a private room on a unit composed of 10 rooms and a large common space. Students are assigned to a unit based on age, charge(s), physical size, and sex. Two Juvenile Corrections Officers Supervise each unit during the waking hours and one supervises during sleeping hours.
Placement - At times, the MCJDC place students in placement upon their release from the facility. Students may be released to the following placements:
Detention Center Policies
Mail Policy - Students are permitted to write 2 letters per week. Incoming mail will have stamps, stickers, and/or tape removed, and then will be opened in front of the student and inspected for contraband. Mail may be read and/or censored when based on legitimate facility interests and/or security reasons.
Telephone Policy - Students are permitted to make a phone call upon admission, and are only permitted to call parents, guardians, or an attorney at that time. Phone calls are permitted for students on Level 3 and 4 only, and only parents, grandparents, and guardians may be called. Phone calls are made in alphabetical order on certain days based on the student’s last name. Students are permitted to speak for 10 minutes. No three-way calling or transferring of calls is permitted. Phone calls are recorded and monitored. Any violation of these rules will result in the loss of phone call privileges. All calls are collect calls.
Students here also receive one hour of large muscle activity per day. They may also participate in organized sports, in addition to activities of a non-competitive nature. Available recreational facilities include a gymnasium and an outdoor basketball court.
Juvenile facilities overseen by Mahoning County do not publish the names of the offenders housed in their facility. As such, there is no public forum for this information.
Visitation days/hours are as follows:
Approved Visitors
Parents, grandparents, step-parents, or legal guardians with proper identification may visit on all three visitation days. Special visits may also be granted.
Clergy, Probation Officers, and Attorneys are permitted to visit at times other than those provided above.
Please try to be here 20 minutes prior to the start of visitation. No one will be admitted after 10 minutes prior to the start of visitation.
At no time will anyone (such as children) be permitted to wait inside the building during visitation.
Items Allowed
No purses, wallets, cell phones, or personal items may be brought into the Detention Center.
Lockers are available to hang coats and hats.
Visits may be suspended if there is a risk to the safety and security of other students, staff and the facility.
Absolutely no items of any kind can be given to a child at visitation. Any visitor who passes cigarettes, matches/lighters, money, or any other contraband to a child may jeopardize his/her visitation privileges and could be subject to criminal prosecution.
Introduction of drugs, firearms, weapons, or other contraband will be met with prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
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.