Porter County Juvenile Detention Center (coed)

County Juvenile

Last Updated: March 24, 2025
Address
1660 South State Road 2, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Beds
24
County
Porter
Phone
219-465-3520
Fax
219-465-3623
Email
jbisacky@porterco-ps.org

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Porter County Juvenile Detention Center (coed) is for County Juvenile offenders have not been sentenced yet and are detained here until their case is heard.

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Satellite View of Porter County Juvenile Detention Center (coed)

You can support your loved ones at Porter County Juvenile Detention Center (coed) on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 219-465-3520.

The Porter County Juvenile Detention Center (coed) is a medium to low-security detention center located at 1660 South State Road 2 Valparaiso, IN 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.

Juvenile detention, as part of the juvenile justice continuum, is a process that includes the temporary and safe custody of juveniles whose alleged conduct is subject to court jurisdiction who require a restricted environment for their own and the community’s protection while pending legal action. Juvenile detention may range from the least restrictive community-based supervision to the most restrictive form of secure care. The critical components of juvenile detention include:

Screening to ensure appropriate use of detention;
Assessment to determine the proper level of custody, supervision, and placement;
Policies that promote the safety, security and well being of juveniles and staff;
Services that address immediate and/or acute needs in the educational, mental, physical, emotional and social development of juveniles.”

DETENTION SERVICES:
Behavior Program: Juveniles in the center agree to participate in the facility’s Behavior Program in order to join most facility activities. The program is based upon the principles of behavior modification. Juvenile earn points for performing expected behaviors in order to maintain and advance in phases of the program. There are four phases of the program, the higher the phase, the more privileges associated with it. Graduated sanctions for inappropriate behavior occur with consequences including loss of phase, time out of program, or suspension from the program.
Educational Services: The mission of the education program is to provide appropriate educational services to all residents regardless of age or ability level. A structured school day is provided to all residents Monday – Friday. All residents are administered an educational placement test upon admission. For those residents enrolled in school, schoolwork is requested from the resident’s home school. Assistance to complete all schoolwork is provided by detention teaching staff. General Education Diploma (GED) and SAT instruction is also available.
Medical Services: The center’s health care program consists of educational classes on health topics, medical assessments, routine care of illnesses and injuries, continuation of medically prescribed treatment programs initiated prior to detention, special medically prescribed diets, confidential counseling and testing on sensitive health issues, and emergency medical care as needed. Medical assessments are conducted by nursing staff within 24-hours of intake (48 hours on weekends, and holidays). The Porter County Health Department provides confidential counseling about HIV and other sensitive health issues, upon request.
Mental Health & Counseling Services: All residents are given a mental health screen within 24 hours of intake. Further intake information is received by the juvenile’s parent/guardian. Mental health and counseling services are provided pursuant to the juvenile’s identified need. Group counseling is provided twice per week with a therapist from the Family & Youth Services Bureau. Activities of Daily Living (ADL) groups are administered daily. Emergency evaluation services are provided by the Family & Youth Services Bureau and Porter Starke Services.
Religious Services: Formal religious services are not routinely conducted in detention, but made available upon request. Volunteers from various churches are routinely scheduled to conduct voluntary religious services and bible studies. Upon request of the juvenile, or upon request of a parent, clergy may visit with the juvenile in detention. If the juvenile or the juvenile’s family does not have local clergy able to visit, the Valparaiso Ministerial Association will help find clergy of the juvenile’s faith.

Inmate Locator

Juvenile facilities overseen by Porter 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 219-465-3520. The facility staff will provide comprehensive guidance to ensure a smooth and compliant visitation experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Porter County Juvenile Detention Center (coed) - 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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