Juvenile Detention Center
The Allegan County Juvenile Center is a 22 bed co-ed secure facility for youth between the ages of 10-17. The function of juvenile detention is to provide temporary care for youth requiring secure custody pending court and disposition or pending transfer to another jurisdiction or agency. Youth are admitted only by court order; voluntary placements can not be accepted.
Vision & Mission
Vision Statement
It is the vision of the Juvenile Center in partnership with all associated agencies, to provide for the safety, well being, dignity and positive development of every person we serve.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Juvenile Center is to demonstrate positive leadership as we provide services for youth and their families in an encouraging, culturally sensitive and caring way.
Visitation/Guidelines
Visitation for youth is limited to parents/guardians and grandparents whose rights have not been terminated. No other persons, juvenile or adult, may visit during visitation hours. Visitors are not allowed to bring personal belongings in the building. Coats, cell phones, and purses must be left in your vehicle. You must produce photo identification in order to visit. First time visitors will be provided a list of visitation guidelines at the time of the visit. All personal items are provided to the child, therefore, parents are asked not to bring anything in for their child. Understanding it may be difficult to visit youth are allowed to receive phone calls from parents during the scheduled visitation hours.
Regular Visitation
Regular visitation hours are:
- Sunday: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Holiday Visitation
Holiday visitation is held from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Recognized Holiday’s are:
- New Year’s Day
- Independence Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Programming/Skill Building
Youth are involved in structured programs throughout the day. Daily schedules include the school program, life skills training, personal hygiene, and physical recreation, both inside and outside. All youth participate in staff facilitated Why Try Curriculum and Book Club.
School Program
The school program is provided through the Outlook Academy. Classes include core academics geared to each youth’s specific learning needs. In addition the detention program offers GED study and testing for court ordered youth age 16 or older.
Services and Resources
The Allegan County Juvenile Detention Services provides and/or offers the following services as needed:
- Medical Screening and physical; by a contracted nurses.
- Prime for Life Groups by Allegan County Community Mental Health
- Religious Education; Coordinated by Barnabas Ministries
- Education; Contracted by Outlook Academy.
- Pre-Employment skills training by Michigan Works.
- Music Therapy provided by contracted therapist.