Montgomery County PA Youth Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at Montgomery County PA Youth Detention Center on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 610-631-1893.

The Montgomery County PA Youth Detention Center is a medium to low-security detention center located at 540 Port Indian Rd Norristown, PA 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 Youth Center is a 48-bed coed residential facility where 10- to 18-year-old juveniles reside while they are awaiting juvenile court hearings. The Youth Center operates two separate and independent programs:

• 12-bed shelter that houses juveniles for minor delinquent offenses and dependency issues, such as runaway, truant, or ungovernable behavior. Children ages 12 to 18, who are in need of shelter care, must have the approval of either the Montgomery County Juvenile Probation Department or the Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth before they can be admitted to the program. A signed and notarized petition alleging either a delinquent or dependent act must accompany the youth. In some instances, a court order is required. The shelter is usually reserved for juveniles charged with a minor delinquent act or dependency issues such as runaway, ungovernable, or truant behavior. The shelter also serves as a haven for those teenagers who have been physically or sexually abused and are in need of a safe place to stay when foster care is not immediately available. All shelter residents have their own individual room. Once there are 12 residents in-house, admissions to the shelter are closed until an opening occurs. Children are never doubled up under any circumstances. Shelter residents wear their own clothing. Parents are asked to supply about six sets of clothing when their child is admitted to the program. All clothing worn by youth in the shelter program must be appropriate. A washing machine and dryer are available, as residents must do their own laundry. Toiletries are provided, but parents may bring residents another brand if they desire. The shelter program will not accept any personal bedding or pillows.
• 36-bed secure detention unit that houses juveniles alleged to have committed a delinquent act. Any child who is referred for admission to Secure Detention must be approved by the Montgomery County Juvenile Probation Department and be accompanied by a legally signed and notarized petition alleging a delinquent act or a signed court order authorizing detention. A detention hearing before the juvenile judge must then be held within 72 hours to determine if the child is to remain in custody pending further court action. The basic purpose of the detention program is to provide secure short-term protective care and custody to juveniles, ages 10 to 18, who have allegedly violated the law or have been adjudicated delinquent for a criminal offense and have been deemed to represent a danger to either themselves or the community. All detention residents attend school Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Detention counselors provide residents with structured activities after school and on weekends. Secure Detention counselors supervise the residents at all times to assure the residents’ safety and security.

The primary objective of the Youth Center is to provide for the physical and emotional well-being of all residents in a safe and secure environment. The community is thereby safeguarded while residents are held accountable for their behavior and learn new skills to affect positive change in their lives. Juveniles in our custody are provided with around-the-clock direct supervision by the shelter staff or detention staff.

Another vital role of the center is to provide the court a full psychosocial evaluation for use at the time of the resident’s disposition hearing. An educational assessment and behavioral evaluation are completed on each resident. Most residents receive a psychological evaluation and many receive a psychiatric evaluation. These reports, along with a full social and criminal investigation conducted by the Juvenile Probation Department, aid the judge in determining a suitable disposition for the child.

A third role is to initiate relevant and appropriate treatment services necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the juveniles during their stay in the center. Our hope is to provide every juvenile with a positive and helpful experience designed to enable the child to return to the community or prepare him or her for possible residential placement for the next several months.