Juvenile Detention Center

The Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) is a secure 24-hour pre-adjudication facility housing 10- to 17-year-olds while their cases are assessed by the court. In some cases, youth 18 years and older may also be held at this facility.

The facility has a capacity of 87 beds with a nine-day average length of stay.

The JDC follows an intake and release process (PDF) for admitting a youth into the facility.

Those visiting in-person need to follow the county building requirements.

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Visiting residents

Who can visit?

Only parents or legal guardians can visit. Due to confidentiality laws, siblings, extended family and children are not allowed to visit.

When are visits?

You can visit in-person on Tuesday and Thursday or virtually on Saturday. No visits are allowed on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

In-person

All in-person visitors must present photo identification.

If you have been sick or have symptoms, please stay home and arrange a time for video visiting.

Hours

Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30–9 p.m.
Visits are limited to 30 minutes.
No appointment necessary.

Visitation requirements

Bring your current photo ID. The ID must be current, valid and either be a state-issued ID or driver's license, a military ID or a passport.
No one is permitted to wait in the lobby. If you require a ride, the person who drops you off will need to return to pick you up at the end of the visitation. Drivers and/or children are not allowed to wait in the building.
A COVID-19 screening will be performed and your temperature will be taken using a contactless thermometer. If you have specific symptoms, or temperature over 100 degrees, the in-person visit will be denied.
A face mask, which is required in the facility, will be provided to you. The mask must cover both mouth and nose, as well as be secured to the head with ear loops at all times. To adhere to CDC guidelines and safety precautions, no physical contact will be allowed. If you refuse to comply with the visiting requirements, you may not be allowed to visit.
It is best to secure all items prior to coming into the facility. There are some small combination lockers on site to secure belongings, however there may not be enough for multiple people visiting at the same time.

Parking

Parking is available at downtown meters or at the Hennepin County Medical Center or other area ramps for a fee.

Saturday video visitations

Parents or legal guardians may schedule video visits using Zoom.

To schedule call 612-348-8122.
Saturday at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Admissions process

Admission to the Juvenile Detention Center is determined based on detention criteria and the alleged offense. A detention hearing is held to determine if a juvenile will be released or held for additional hearings.

If you are the parent or legal guardian of a child who has been arrested and admitted into the Juvenile Detention Center, you will receive a call from our intake staff.

Programs and services

In addition to a safe and secure environment, a variety of educational programs and services are provided at the facility.

Stadium View School

Residents 18-years-old and younger who have not graduated from high school or have not earned a GED are enrolled in school in the Juvenile Detention Center. The school offers:

High school credits that are transferable to a resident's home school — students can earn .25 credit for every eight hours they work on one subject
Classes taught by teachers from the Minneapolis Public Schools
After school programming to help residents make up credits and/or improve their academic skills
A GED readiness program

Electronic Home Monitoring

Electronic home monitoring is a community-based program for low-risk offenders.

Counseling and liaison services

Volunteer chaplains and spiritual counselors provide counseling and conduct nonsectarian worship services.

Medical care

Corizon Health Care provides a full-time medical team for routine and emergency medical treatment.

Activities

A diverse range of activities are provided within the living units and in our recreational areas. Activities include leisure, recreational exercise, life skills, debate, meditation and many other programs that are beneficial to youth.

Volunteer programs

Community volunteers bring a wide variety of educational, recreational, spiritual, and entertainment activities to the center each week.

Wellness policy

Juvenile Detention Center Resident Wellness policy (PDF)

Parent and resident grievances

The Juvenile Detention Center provides high-quality care to juveniles residing at the facility. However, if a parent or resident feels they would like to object to their experience at the facility, they can submit a grievance procedure form (PDF).

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