Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center

State Juvenile

Last Updated: November 21, 2019
Address
200 S Whiting St, Alexandria, VA 22304
County
Alexandria City
Phone
703-751-3700
Fax
703-751-7320
Email
victor.martin@acps.k12.va.us

N VA Juvenile Detention is for State 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 State juvenile - medium 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

Satellite View of Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center

You can support your loved ones at N VA Juvenile Detention on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 703-751-3700.

The Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center is within the jurisdiction of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice located at 200 S Whiting St, Alexandria, VA.

The facility provides supervision of youth in a safe, secure and humane environment. Services for youth include education, mental health, substance abuse, and health care. Medical and mental health are contracted services. Educational services are funded by the Virginia Department of Education through local school districts.

A typical day in secure detention would involve hygiene, meals, school, structured physical and educational activities, and court appearance as scheduled. The average length of stay in secure state detention is approximately 60 days.

The Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center School (NVJDCS) is a regional state-operated program whose local educational agency is ACPS. NVJDCS provides full-day educational services for school-aged students who are residing at the detention center. The school is a secure facility with a capacity of 70 students who are pre and post-judicial disposition. NVJDCS’ students are enrolled for short periods of time, ranging from 1 day to 1 year for pre-dispositional and up to 180 days for students in the post-disposition program. The school receives funding for school staff and instructional needs from the VDOE State Operating Programs, as well as Title I funds for the literacy coach position. All teachers are licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

What makes us unique?

  • Students reside at the detention center
  • Short enrollment periods
  • Rolling enrollment
  • Multi-grade, multi-ability classes
  • Educational transfer summaries used for students enrolled for more than five days
  • Collaboration with detention center security staff
  • School programming for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Children Services/Unaccompanied Alien Children program/Office of Refugee and Resettlement (ORR)
  • Secure facility
  • Co-Teaching content areas
  • Post-disposition program called New Beginnings

Academic Curriculum

NVJDCS' academic program includes English, mathematics, social studies, and science. The school also offers:

  • Project-based learning
  • Art therapy with a certified art therapist each day
  • Physical education classes each day with a certified P.E. teacher
  • 3 certified English as a Second Language teachers
  • 3 special education teachers/case managers
  • 1 certified reading specialist
  • Literacy period daily
  • Character education program
  • Pre GED and GED testing

Technology - Each classroom is equipped with a SMARTboard and laptops. iPads and Nooks are used regularly. SmartReponse clickers are also available.

The Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center is a state-operated program with ACPS as the local educational agency. Our staff members adhere to state regulations for educating youth who are detained. All teachers are certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Awards and Honors

  • NVJDCS: 2014 The National Evaluation and Technical Assistance Center for the Education of Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent or At Risk (NDTAC) highlighted in program showcases
  • Kathleen Fitzpatrick: 2013 ACPS Teacher of the Year
  • Byron Brown: 2013 & 2014 National Endowment for the Humanities Award recipient
  • NVJDCS: 2013 & 2014 Alexandria's Anti-Stigma HOPE Campaign featured NVJDC Students' Artwork
  • NVJDCS: 2013 Winning entry in the national Week-in-Rap Shout-Out Contest
  • NVJDCS: 2014 Recognized by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and US Department of Education (DOE) as a model juvenile detention education program. School was chosen as the site for the release of the Guidance Package which included: Guiding Principals for Providing High Quality Education in Juvenile Justice Secure Care Setting.
  • Kathleen Fitzpatrick: Fulbright Program, India 2016
  • Bret Dunlap: James Madison Fellowship Program Recipient 2016

Inmate Locator

Juvenile facilities overseen by the State of Virginia 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 this state 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 703-751-3700. The facility staff will provide comprehensive guidance to ensure a smooth and compliant visitation experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Northern Virginia 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.

Ask The Inmate

Connect directly with former inmates and get your questions answered for free. Gain valuable insights from individuals with firsthand experience in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and GEO and CoreCivic-run private prisons. Whether you're seeking advice, clarification, or just curious about life behind bars, this unique opportunity allows you to ask questions or explore answers to previous inquiries from the InmateAid community. Engage in meaningful discussions and get informed perspectives from those who truly understand the system.