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San Juan Co Juvenile Detention 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 - medium facility.
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
The San Juan County NM Juvenile Detention Center is a medium to low-security detention center located at 851 Andrea Dr Farmington, NM 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 Juvenile Services Center is a multi-faceted facility serving all levels of care for adolescents and their families in San Juan County and in some cases for the Navajo Nation. Levels of care range from emergency shelter care, intensive outpatient care, residential treatment, probation supervision, functional family therapy, judicial services, and drug court programs, to secure detention. The Juvenile Services Center is a “one-stop” complex providing a more effective and efficient method to identify and intervene with juveniles at-risk and prevention for juveniles and families.
The 47-bed secure detention facility holds juveniles in custody for an alleged delinquent act after a detention risk assessment instrument is completed and a determination is made that the child meets criteria for detention. The criteria for detention are pursuant to NM State Statute which governs the decisions for secure holding.
An objective for operations of detention is to provide a secure, safe, and structured setting for juveniles ages twelve (12) to eighteen (18). Separate housing units for males and females, as well as a fully staffed medical unit providing crisis rooms, isolation room which is used for contagious disease control.
Education is provided for all juveniles through a partnership with Farmington Municipal School District. Facility programming consists of daily Life Skills courses, Art classes, Health and Nutrition, and Career Readiness. On a monthly basis, Safe Sex and Sexually Transmitted Disease information classes are provided by the Department of Health. Additionally, religious services are available to all residents through various community faith providers and a facility Chaplain.
The Emergency Crisis Shelter is a 16-bed facility providing short-term shelter for youth who are in need of a safe haven, are runaways, or are awaiting placement into a residential treatment setting. The Crisis Shelter serves youth from ages nine (9) to eighteen (18). The shelter is provided for males and females. This is a non-secure setting that operates 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
Youths are referred and admitted into the Shelter by law enforcement, outside agencies, or protective services. Self-referrals are taken and parent/guardians may also make referrals after a complete assessment is conducted. The Shelter collaborates closely with the Navajo Nation to provide services for youths who are in the custody of their system.
Programming is provided for all youths housed in the shelter. Life Skills courses take place weekly, covering topics such as alcohol/drug abuse, anger/stress management, personal hygiene, runaway, and goal setting. Art classes and religious services are provided for residents on a voluntary basis.
Education is provided for shelter youth by Farmington Municipal School District operating on the regular school schedule.
Behavior Modification System
All juveniles are required to participate in the Behavior Modification System. This system has 4 levels. All youth placed in detention begin on Level 0. They may advance up to Levels 1, 2, and 3 depending on their participation, behavior, and length of stay. This system is to help modify behavior by juveniles following rules, regulations, and responsibilities and in the process, they earn privileges or removal of privileges.
The facility also has a Chaplin who is available to counsel juveniles every Monday afternoon. In addition, a Catholic Priest visits juveniles requesting a visit every Monday evening.
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous
A.A. and N.A. are available to all residents. A.A. is held on Monday nights on a rotating basis. N.A. is held on Wednesday nights on a rotating basis. Residents are to inform staff if they wish to attend. This is voluntary.
Education/School
School is provided through the Farmington Municipal School District. The facility is on the same school schedule as the Farmington District, all breaks and holidays fall consistent with the public schools.
Library
Juvenile Services has an on-site library for the educational, recreational, and informational purposes for residents. We have available Accelerated Reading material that is marked by reading levels. A check out system is available for residents on materials they need to complete school assignments such as book reports.
Mail Services
There are no limitations as to the volume of mail a juvenile can receive. All mail must have the full return address on the envelope before it will be delivered to the juvenile. All letters and packages will be inspected for contraband and opened in the presence of the child. Incoming mail from the court or child's attorney is considered privileged mail and will not be opened. This mail must be properly labeled in order to classify it as privileged mail. Personnel will not read any privileged mail.
Medical Services
Medical Services are available to all residents. Residents may request to see a nurse by filling out a "Medical Kite" form. There is a Nurses locked drop box located in every cell block for medical staff to access daily.
Juvenile Probation Officer/ Public Defender / Attorney
These services are provided by the Juvenile Justice System and are not provided by the San Juan County Juvenile Detention Center. Any information you may need about your case, please contact the Children Youth & Families Department, your Juvenile Probation Officer, your Private Attorney, or the Public Defender's Office.
Personal Hygiene / Disease Transmission Prevention and Awareness Class
The Department of Health conducts a Personal Hygiene / Disease Transmission Prevention and Awareness class once a month for all residents.
Juvenile facilities overseen by San Juan County do not publish the names of the offenders housed in their facility. As such, there is no public forum for this information.
All juveniles are allowed to receive visits from immediate family members based on a 24-hour advance appointment. Visits are 15 minutes long and are available for juveniles on the following schedule. The level the juvenile is on determines the number of visits eligible for.
Professional Visitation
All juveniles are allowed visits from attorneys, probation officers, counselors, or social workers, with exception to lunchtime. Accommodations will be made at any time by staff to all professional visitors.
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.