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Montgomery County PA Youth Detention Center

County Juvenile

Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Address
540 Port Indian Rd, Norristown, PA 19403
Beds
24
County
Montgomery
Phone
610-631-1893
Fax
610-631-5394

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Montgomery County PA Youth Detention Center 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

Looking for an inmate at this facility? Visitation Information, Times and Rules
Satellite View of 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.

Table of Contents for Montgomery County PA Youth Detention Center

Inmate Locator

Juvenile facilities overseen by Montgomery 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

Montgomery County Youth Center - Visitation

GUIDELINES AND RULES
Special visiting times can be arranged through the Youth Center caseworker if a parent is unable to visit at the times listed below. If requested, significant others may be granted permission to visit by the caseworker just prior to a resident’s discharge to another program. A written permission form must be available from the caseworker to authorize the visit.

All visitors must have a photo ID and must pass through a metal detector prior to their going back into the living units. Cell phones, purses, tobacco products, matches, lighters, or other contraband may not be brought into the building.

When parents come to the center for the first time they should bring with them the following:

  • Child's Social Security card or a copy of his/her Social Security number
  • Copy of the child’s immunization records if available, copies can be made at the center
  • Name and phone number of the family doctor and dentist
  • Photo ID of anyone permitted to visit the child
  • Medical insurance card

SECURE DETENTION VISITATION
Only parents and guardians may visit residents of Secure Detention.

HOURS

  • Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

SHELTER VISITATION
In the shelter, parents and immediate family (siblings, grandparents, etc.) may visit.

HOURS

  • Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery County PA Youth 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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