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Santa Clara County - Juvenile Hall

County Juvenile

Last Updated: March 24, 2025

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Address

840 Guadalupe Parkway, San Jose, CA 95110

Beds

390

County

Santa Clara

Phone

408-278-5820

Fax

408-280-5172

View Official Website

Santa Clara County - Juvenile Hall is for County Juvenile offenders have not been sentenced yet and are detained here until their case is heard.

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You can support your loved ones at Santa Clara County - Juvenile Hall on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 408-278-5820.

The Santa Clara County - Juvenile Hall is a medium to low-security detention center located at 840 Guadalupe Parkway San Jose, 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.

Juvenile Hall has 390 beds. Both boys and girls stay here while they wait for the Court to decide their cases. There are different “living units.” The unit where you stay depends on your age, history and what you’re charged with.

Juvenile Hall has a Mental Health Clinic, a Medical Clinic, and religious services. Minors go to a county school in Juvenile Hall.

Programs include:

Drug abuse
Dealing with anger
Kids in gangs
Family responsibilities
Victim awareness
Mental health treatment and counseling
Girl Scouts
Career/job planning
Court work program
Foster grandparent program

Right now only a few communities have services to help parents with troubled teens. Santa Clara County is taking steps to provide more services by creating the Status Offender Services (SOS) Task Force. The Task Force is made up of different people from the community. It will make an action plan for a system of care for this county.

Here are some places to get help in Santa Clara County. There might be other places to get help, but these are well-known:

Alum Rock Counseling Center (ARCC)
1245 E. Santa Clara St.,
San Jose, CA 95110
(408) 294-0500
www.alumrockcc.org
Hotline: (408) 294-0579 , or 1-877-SOSARCC (7 days a week, 24 hours a day)

ARCC has a lot of affordable programs and services for minors and families. They help them have and keep healthy lives. It’s mostly for kids from 11-17 years old. There are ARCC services for younger children, but they have to be referred. ARCC takes in runaways. They will help them find temporary housing.

They also offer:
- Youth and Family Services - Low cost counseling and support groups. For kids, teens, families and couples. In English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
- Victims of Violent Crimes - Long-term counseling. For victims of rape, incest and assault.
- School-Based Programs - Counseling for at risk students. Counselors work with the school to help students succeed.
- Mobile Response Unit - A 24-hour moving crisis intervention service. Helps runaways and troubled young people and their families solve fights. They answer calls from anywhere in the county.
- Homeless Youth Outreach - A lot of different services like counseling, help with jobs, legal help, case management, and street outreach for homeless youth.
- Independent Living Skills Program - Helps young people, 18-26 years old, who are leaving foster care, find a place to live.
- Family Wellness - 8-10 week program. Teaches families how to deal with family issues and fights. Role-playing is part of the program.
- HIV/AID Prevention and Education Program - Recruits and trains high-risk kids to be Health Promoters. Then the kids teach formal and informal HIV education and prevention to other kids.
Bill Wilson Center
3490 The Alameda,
Santa Clara, CA, 95050
(408) 243-0222
www.billwilsoncenter.org

Bill Wilson Center helps families stick together. And, it helps young people solve problems and build self-esteem. They offer these services:
- Family and Individual Counseling Center – Counseling for individuals, couples, families and groups. There are seminars on recent issues and therapy techniques for counselors.
- School Outreach Counseling - With the Santa Clara Unified School District. Counseling for:
  - Depression,
  - Suicide,
  - Problems at home,
  - Doing badly in school,
  - Preventing drug abuse, and
  - Sexuality.
  They also help new Vietnamese immigrants and their families adjust.
- Runaway and Homeless Shelter – 16 beds for teens who have run away, are homeless or troubled. They can stay for a short time. For kids 11-17 years old. They have counseling to bring the family together, if possible.
- Service Center for Homeless Street Youth – Help for homeless kids:
  - Food,
  - Clothes,
  - Counseling,
  - Job training,
  - Help finding a place to live,
  - Information about HIV/AIDS,
  - How to stay safe on the street, and
  - How to prevent pregnancy
- Transitional Housing Program - Full services for older teens (16-20). Also help homeless teen parents and their children. And long-term shelter (up to 18 months).
- Independent Living Skills Program - Training for young people in temporary housing and foster care. Teaches:
  - How to find a job,
  - How to manage a house,
  - People skills,
  - Where to find housing,
  - Parenting, and
  - How to get help in the community.
- Quetzal House – Live-in program for runaway teen girls in the dependency system.
- Project Safe House - Trained people answer calls 24 hours a day. They give kids who are in trouble or in danger a safe place to go.
- HIV Prevention/Health Education Program – They teach young people about HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and how to prevent gang violence. And train kids of all ages to be counselors for other kids.
- Project Action - A program for sexually active teens from 12 to 21 years old. They try to lower teen pregnancy and STDs. They teach teens to make smart decisions and be responsible about sex.
Go to the Bill Wilson Center website to get tips for parents who are having problems with their children.
Mexican American Community Service Agency (MACSA)
130 No. Jackson Ave.
San Jose, CA 95116
(408) 928-1122
http://www.macsa.org/
- Alviso Youth Center 1585 Liberty Ave. Alviso, CA 95002 (408) 942-6633
- East San Jose Youth Center 660 Sinclair Dr. San Jose, CA 95116 (408) 929-1080
- El Toro Youth Center 17620 Crest Dr. Morgan Hill CA 95037 (408) 779-6002
- Gilroy Community Youth Center 7400 Railroad St. Gilroy, CA 95020 (408) 847-4686
- MACSA 451 Lewis St. Gilroy, CA 95020 (408) 847-2425
MACSA has a lot of programs for the Latino community. They focus on social, money, health and education needs. These are some of the programs for young people and families:
- Eagle Warrior Athletics - For kids from 6 to18. Sports and training to give kids:
  - Basic athletic skills,
  - Cultural awareness, and
  - Self-esteem
- Eagle Warrior Recreation - For kids from 6 to18.
  - Game room activities & tournaments,
  - Arts and crafts,
  - Baking,
  - Movie days,
  - Field trips, and
  - Learning programs
- Teatro Familia Aztlan - Helps young people be artistic and learn acting. They put on plays and tour Bay Area schools & youth centers.
- Zero Drop Out Youth Academy - For kids from 8 to 11. After-school programs to help kids do better in school. Tutors kids, has learning activities and builds self-esteem. Parents can go to meetings every month.

Juvenile Dependency Resources

Department of Family and Children's Services: Parents meet with social workers here to talk about case plans and how their case is going. See the County Dept. of Family and Children's Services website, which is part of the County Social Services Agency . Their address is: 373 W. Julian St. San Jose, CA 95110, Phone: (408) 501-6300 .

Also see our page on Services for Family Members in Juvenile Dependency Cases.

Local resources:

Clover House Visitation Center, 2248 North First Street San Jose CA 95131, (408) 491-6450
Kindred Souls Family Visitation Center, 2248 North First Street San Jose, CA 95131, (408) 491-6449
Dependency Intake Unit, 373 W. Julian St. San Jose, CA 95110, (408) 501-6400
Juvenile Dependency Ombudsman , Juvenile Welfare Office of the Ombuds, 2310 North First Street, Suite 100, San Jose, CA 95131, (408) 993-4114 OMBUDS@ohr.sccgov.org
Parents Helping Parents (PHP) 1400 Parkmoor Ave. Suite 100 San Jose CA 95121, Voice: (408) 727-5775 Fax: (408) 286-1116
California Department of Education 1430 North Street Sacramento California 95814, General: (916) 319-0800 TTY/TDD: (916) 445-4556

National resources:

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities P.O. Box 1492, Washington, DC 20013-1492, 800-695-0285 Voice/TTY: (202) 884-8200 nichcy@aed.org
CHADD - Children with Attention Deficit Disorder 8181 Professional Place Suite 150 Landover MD 20785, Information about AD/HD: 800-233-4050 , National Office: (301) 306-7070 Fax: (301) 306-7090
ADD Resources Attention Deficit Disorder Resources 223 Tacoma Ave S #100 Tacoma WA 98402, (253) 759-5085

Table of Contents for Santa Clara County - Juvenile Hall

Inmate Locator

Juvenile facilities overseen by Santa Clara 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 408-278-5820. The facility staff will provide comprehensive guidance to ensure a smooth and compliant visitation experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara County - Juvenile Hall - 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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