NY DJJOY - Columbia Girls Secure Center

State Juvenile

Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Address
P.O. Box 265 419 Spook Rock Road, Claverack, NY 12513
Beds
16
County
Columbia
Phone
518-851-3211
Fax
518-851-2403

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NY DJJOY - Columbia Girls Secure Center is for State Juvenile offenders have not been sentenced yet and are detained here until their case is heard.

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The NY DJJOY - Columbia Girls Secure Center is within the jurisdiction of the New York Department of Juvenile Justice located at P.O. Box 265 419 Spook Rock Road, Claverack, NY.

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 New York 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.

NY DJJOY - Columbia Girls Secure Center - Program Description

Columbia Secure Center for Girls is located in the Hudson Valley region of New York State, southeast of the City of Hudson. There are two connected living units on campus -- Opportunity Wing and Liberty Wing -- each housing a maximum of eight youth. The living units are connected to a dining hall, kitchen, education and medical area and administration offices. A second building contains the gymnasium, library and a classroom.

The youth served are juvenile offenders/youth offenders who, while under the age of 16, committed certain designated felonies and were convicted and sentenced in adult criminal court. Depending upon the youth's sentence, these youth may remain in OCFS placement up to 21 years of age.

In addition, juvenile delinquents under the jurisdiction of the family court may also be placed at Columbia if they have been reassigned or "fennered" from a limited secure facility for violent behavior. Juvenile delinquents may remain in OCFS custody up to the age of 18 depending on their placement order. Youth adjudicated as restricted juvenile delinquents generally range in age from 13 to 21.

Services:

Counseling: A youth counselor and clinician work collaboratively with a treatment team and the youth to coordinate an individual treatment plan for each youth. This plan includes goals and treatment strategies to address individual skill acquisition, growth and development in various interpersonal and program areas, family involvement and release planning. The entire treatment team process is monitored by the Assistant Director for Treatment Services.

As part of the treatment process, various group sessions are conducted by the youth counselors, clinicians and/or Youth Division Aides (YDA’s). Individual counseling sessions focus on specific treatment goals and are conducted by counselors a minimum of once a week. Additionally, each youth is assigned a clinician who also provides weekly counseling. YDA’s and other program staff are involved in individual counseling through their daily contact with youth. Weekly mentoring is also provided by an assigned YDA.

Education: The facility provides educational programming for youth according to New York State Education Department requirements. The Committee on Special Education (CSE) addresses special education needs for classified students and Individual Education Programs (IEPs) are developed for students with disabilities. State assessments, including Regents Examinations and Regents Competency Tests, are also provided to eligible students. Qualifying youth may also enroll in the Alternative High School Education Programs and pursue a Testing Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC). Opportunities involving collaboration with several community colleges may permit students to take some college coursework.

Academic and vocational courses are offered so students can earn credits which can be applied toward a high school diploma upon a student’s return to a community school. Students also complete a “portfolio,” which provides a summary of relevant documentation, outlines work history, any certifications earned, and experiences gained.

Vocational Opportunities: Instructors provide trade skills training in technology, computers, keyboarding, gardening and food service.

Health Services: Comprehensive health services are provided by licensed health professionals. Registered nurses are on duty during day and evening shifts seven days a week. A nurse practitioner provides primary medical care and a physician visits the facility twice a month.

Upon admission, each youth has a comprehensive health assessment and an initial plan of care is developed. Immunizations are brought up to date following current public health recommendations. Eye care is also provided on site. Dental services are provided at the OCFS dental clinic in Rensselaer, New York.

Nursing sick call occurs daily. Nurses refer health problems that cannot be addressed via routine nursing interventions to the nurse practitioner or facility physician. Health staff initiate or continue needed health services via scheduled follow-up appointments.

Mental Health: Mental health treatment is delivered by a team of psychologists, licensed social workers and clinical nurses. A psychiatrist is also is assigned to the facility. Access to professional level care is provided for all youth.

Assessment services include mental health and substance abuse assessment, evaluation of sex offense treatment needs, psycho-educational evaluation and neuro-psychological assessment. Treatment services include crisis evaluation and intervention, individual/group/family therapy, mental health treatment planning and mental health discharge planning. In instances where psychiatric hospitalization is needed, clinicians facilitate the placement and serve as the facility liaison to the hospital during the youth’s stay.

Recreational Opportunities:Recreational programming is provided to encourage personal confidence, build self-esteem, support sportsman-like conduct and provide opportunities for productive use of leisure time. Recreational activities include arts and crafts, hobbies, games, physical fitness and sporting events.

Religious Services: A Chaplain coordinates religious services to provide for the various religious denominations of the youth. Additional religious activities and services are conducted by volunteers from the community.

Special Programs and Community Partnerships: Columbia offers a number of recreational opportunities via community partnerships that include pet therapy, Zumba, arts and crafts, cosmetology sessions and music therapy.

Pre-Release Orientation: Release planning begins at intake. The facility support team members work closely with residents, parents and community support team (CST) members to ensure that residents and their families receive the support needed for a timely and successful return to the community.

Inmate Locator

Juvenile facilities overseen by the State of New York do not publish the names of the offenders housed in their facility. As such, there is no public forum for this information.

Visitation Information

NY DJJOY - Columbia Girls Secure Center - Visitation

Families are vital to the treatment for youth in placement and are encouraged to visit on weekends. Special arrangements are made for week day visits as requested by the family.

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Frequently Asked Questions

NY DJJOY - Columbia Girls Secure 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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