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Orange County - Youth Guidance Center

County Juvenile

Last Updated: March 24, 2025

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Address

3030 North Hesperian St, Santa Ana, CA 92706

Beds

County

Orange

Phone

714-836-2700

Orange County - Youth Guidance 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.

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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

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You can support your loved ones at Orange County - Youth Guidance Center on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 714-836-2700.

The Orange County - Youth Guidance Center is a medium to low-security detention center located at 3030 North Hesperian St Santa Ana, 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 80-bed Orange County Youth Guidance Center (YGC), operated by the Orange County Probation Department, offers Substance Abuse rehabilitation for minors ranging from 13 through 20 years of age. The facility provides centrally located accommodations to meet the commitment needs of the Juvenile Court. Of the 80 beds at the facility 60 are for boys and 20 are for girls.

YGC offers two programs aimed at drug and alcohol abusers that focus on the wide range of needs of juvenile offenders. The primary goal of each program is to provide cognitive-behavioral interventions to encourage pro-social thinking and to develop the minor emotionally, behaviorally, vocationally and academically to prepare the minor for re-entry back into the community.

Each program establishes individualized treatment plans geared towards a youth’s specific needs. Each 20-bed unit has a dedicated on-site Psychologist and Drug Counselor as well as on site Probation Officer who, along with an assigned Deputy Juvenile Correctional Officer and the School, establish objectives and goals for the minors to follow and achieve during their stay. In addition volunteers and mentors help augment the programs.

All minors are required to participate in an academic program at the institution’s Rio Contiguo High School. The scope and level of educational services will vary with the minor’s age, skills level and school credits. Students normally attend six periods per day. However, selected minors may attend off-grounds college courses, or available correspondence and televised courses for college credit.

Work experience is an integral part of life at YGC. Both boys and girls take part in the culinary arts program as well as assist with the laundry and perform basic housekeeping along with building maintenance/carpentry and horticulture/landscaping. The Youth Guidance Center, in collaboration with the North Orange County Regional Occupational Program, also offers an on-grounds “Career Training for Transition Course” for interested minors 16 years of age or older. The youth gain work experience on-site and even assume job opportunities off-site through this collaborative effort.

Restorative Justice is also part of the program at YGC. Minors give back to the community by way of community service and volunteer work such as feeding the homeless, planting trees in the community, cleaning up the beach, volunteering at 5K runs/walks, assisting at a homeless shelter, helping out at the Wildlife Rescue Center, reading to underprivileged children, helping out at Retirement Homes, decorating the Rose Parade Floats, helping sort items at a Thrift Store and gift wrap presents for a book store.

A.S.E.R.T.

The A.S.E.R.T. program (an acronym for Addiction, Substance Abuse, Education and Recognition Treatment) provides education and intervention services for minors committed to juvenile institutions for 6 months to one year. Case plans are individualized to address the varying needs of each participant. Minors take part in activities designed for emotional, behavioral, educational and vocational development through the collaborative efforts of Deputy Juvenile Correctional Officers, Clinical Psychologists, a substance abuse counselor, the Orange County Department of Education, the Health Care Agency and the North Orange County Regional Occupational Program. Unlike the Breakthrough program, participation is not voluntary.

S.T.E.P.

S.T.E.P. (an acronym for Sobriety Through Education and Prevention) is a comprehensive treatment program designed with the specific needs for the female population in mind. Drug education along with classes in Anger Management, Parenting, and Life Skills/Self Concepts help form a base for the program. Sexual Assault/Victimization groups, Drug Relapse groups, Narcotic Anonymous/Alcoholics Anonymous along with a dedicated Psychologist (who provides individual as well as family therapy) and a dedicated Drug Counselor add to the core of the program. Guest Speakers are brought in to augment the various segments and the use of VIP’s and Mentors are also used as an augmentative tool. An integral part of the program is “Baby Think it Over”. A “real baby” simulator is used by the participants for a two-week period at which time they have to address their peers on what it was like to be a full time parent to a newborn. Treating the whole girl and addressing the issues, not the symptom, is the goal of the program.

Table of Contents for Orange County - Youth Guidance Center

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 714-836-2700. The facility staff will provide comprehensive guidance to ensure a smooth and compliant visitation experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange County - Youth Guidance Center - FAQs about Juvenile Detention Centers

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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