Orange County CA Youth - Leadership Academy

County Juvenile

Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Address
3155 West Justice Center Way, Orange, CA 92868
Beds
120
County
Orange
Phone
714-935-7099

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Orange County CA Youth - Leadership Academy 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.

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Satellite View of Orange County CA Youth - Leadership Academy

You can support your loved ones at Orange County CA Youth - Leadership Academy on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 714-935-7099.

The Orange County CA Youth - Leadership Academy is a medium to low-security detention center located at 3155 West Justice Center Way Orange, CA 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 Leadership Academy (YLA) is a 120-bed, juvenile detention facility operated by the Orange County Probation Department. Centrally located within Orange County, the facility opened in July 2006 and consists of two, two-story modular living units that are designed to each house up to 60 youth. The facility is self-contained and includes laundry and intake/release services. Each building contains a control center, dayrooms, dining, and multi-purpose areas with shared access to five school classrooms and outdoor recreation space. There is a third building that functions as the administration building and includes staff parking.

The Youth Leadership Academy utilizes Evidenced Based Programs and activities that have been proven effective through research which includes a risk/needs assessment, individual motivators, targeting appropriate intervention, rewiring the brain, and increasing positive reinforcement. Thinking for a Change (T4C) and Decision Points are used as an integrated, cognitive approach to changing behavior through cognitive restructuring, social skills development, and problem solving. YLA provides two residential programs, the PRIDE Program and the Youth Leadership Program.

The PRIDE Program is a comprehensive residential program designed for youth who receive extensive local commitments. This program is open to male youth ages 14 to 20 years of age. The program targets youth who would have been formally sentenced to the Department of Juvenile Justice and are sentenced to lengthy commitments at the local level. The program includes a behavioral based phase advancement program and allows transitional services with the Safe Schools therapists that incorporates furloughs and family reunification counseling to aid in a smooth transition to the community. PRIDE also participates in the PAW Program (Puppies and Wards Program). This is a collaborative effort between the Orange County Animal Shelter, a non-profit organization, and the Probation Department. The program pairs shelter dogs with youth serving commitments in the PRIDE Program.

The Youth Leadership Program focuses on preparing youth to re-enter and transition back into the community. This program houses older male youth who are 17 – 20 years of age. The Youth Leadership Program encourages our youth to be leaders in the program and in their communities upon release. There are four levels of leadership for youth to achieve in the program ranging from Level 1 to Level 4. Youth will be given more responsibilities as they promote to each level, which may include off-site schooling, employment, furloughs, and field trips. The goals of the program is to help the youth increase their responsibility and build a sense of confidence, which in turn builds self-esteem, pride, and true control over one’s own life.

Comprehensive academic and special education services are provided by Otto Fischer School, which is operated by the Orange County Department of Education. The Department of Education provides a certified counselor/clinician to provide vocational instruction and employment as well as referral for Wrap Around services. On-site medical services are provided by the Orange County Health Care Agency. Mental health services are provided by the Orange County Health Care Agency, through the Clinical Evaluation and Guidance Unit (CEGU) and include crisis, individual, group, and family counseling. OCDE Safe Schools provides drug and alcohol education, assessments, individual and group treatment, and sober activities. Religious programming, reading skill building, educational tutoring, community service and restorative justice opportunities are provided through the use of volunteers in Probation. Our ultimate goal at YLA is to develop our youth so that they may transform into young men of character, honor, and integrity.

Inmate Locator

Juvenile facilities overseen by Orange 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

Visitation at the county or regional 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 714-935-7099. The facility staff will provide comprehensive guidance to ensure a smooth and compliant visitation experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Orange County CA Youth - Leadership Academy - 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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