General Information for Parents
What is detention?
Detention is a secure place where juveniles are held until their next court hearing or until they have received their disposition. In some instances, your child may have been sentenced to detention as a disposition.
Your child will be treated fairly and with respect while at the Chesterfield Juvenile Detention Home (CJDH); however, residents of CJDH will be held accountable for their behavior, both positive and negative. If residents follow all the rules and participate in the program, they will earn extra privileges and freedoms. Negative behavior or failure to participate will result in a loss of privileges. Certain negative behavior, including damage or destruction of detention property or assault on staff or other residents, may result in additional charges against a resident.
Intake
When your child first arrives at CJDH he or she will be searched, instructed to take a shower and issued detention clothing and personal-hygiene items. A staff member will interview him or her to obtain information. It is at this time that one of our staff members will call to notify you of your child’s placement in detention. You will be given an opportunity to speak briefly with your child. We will address any questions you may have at that time.
Personal Property
At intake, all of the resident’s clothing and personal items are inventoried and safely stored and returned to the resident upon release.
Sleeping Rooms and Living Area
At intake, your child will be assigned to a housing unit and a room. Housing units consist of 10 individual sleeping rooms and a common area for meals and activities. Residents may not have any personal items (including letters or pictures) in their room at any time. Received mail and homework will be kept in a designated area in the housing unit.
Counseling Services
Staff is available to talk with your child at all times and to assist with his or her adjustment to CJDH. A professional counselor is also available to talk to your child upon your child’s request.
Medical Services
Your child will receive a medical screening by the CJDH nurse. The nurse will ask questions regarding medical history, give your child a brief medical exam and explain to him or her medical services that are available. It is the parent’s responsibility to arrange for payment for any outside medical appointments or services. At the time of intake, staff will send you a form regarding medical care and information. Please fill out the requested information and return it to CJDH, so we may provide the best possible care for your son or daughter.
School
State law requires that your child attend school while in detention (even if he or she has graduated or received his or her GED.)
Religious Services
Religious activities are offered regularly and participation in them is strictly voluntary. Parents or an assigned probation officer may make special arrangements through CJDH administrative staff for individual, religious counseling.
Meals
Residents are provided breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack each day. Residents are expected to practice good table manners; they are not to trade or give food away. Residents may have money to purchase special snacks as a privilege for positive behavior. You may bring money for your child--no more than $10 at one time. It is preferred that parents bring money for residents Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Hygiene and Clothing
All residents are expected to practice good hygiene while at CJDH. Residents will shower each day and brush their teeth twice a day. Clean socks, T-shirt and underwear will be given to them at shower time. Jumpsuits will be washed twice a week. Sweatshirts will be issued for outdoor recreation use. Residents are required to properly wear all issued articles of clothing. Residents may wear personal athletic shoes with non-marring soles or detention-home shoes. If a resident has non-approved shoes when admitted, he or she will be issued detention home shoes. Parents may bring one pair of athletic shoes to be exchanged for a resident’s personal shoes. If your child does not have the appropriate shoes at the time of intake and would like to wear his or her own athletic shoes, please bring one pair to CJDH Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Telephone Calls
Telephone calls are privileges that are based upon a resident’s behavior and participation in the CJDH program. Residents are permitted to call their parent or legal guardian only. Staff will verify the phone number, place the call and verify the person being called before allowing the resident to speak with the parent or legal guardian. Calls are limited to five minutes. Incoming calls from family or friends are not permitted, and staff will not take messages. Staff will notify residents of any family emergencies. Phone calls from lawyers, assigned probation officers, social workers, ministers or other professionals will be scheduled accordingly.
Mail
Residents will be provided scheduled opportunities for writing letters to anyone except a resident of another juvenile detention or correctional facility. Pencils, paper and envelopes will be provided by CJDH. Staff will collect the sealed envelopes and mail them. Staff is not permitted to read mail. It is important that residents address outgoing mail properly and clearly. Incoming mail will be distributed daily. While CJDH staff will not read mail, it will be opened to inspect for contraband.
Parent Visitation
Only parents and legal guardians may visit residents on Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., and on Sundays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Parents are not permitted to bring residents anything during visitation. Please bring proper identification and be advised of the following: Personal property items (purses, pouches, etc.) are not allowed in the facility and should be left in the car during visitation. All visitors are subject to electronic search upon entry. Please refrain from wearing shorts, hats, tank tops and T-shirts with derogatory logos or advertisements. Contraband items including tobacco products, alcohol, weapons, lighters, food, etc. are not permitted in the facility. Smoking, eating, and drinking are not allowed during visitation. You may not pass anything to the residents
Recreation/Planned Groups/Free Time
The daily schedule is structured in such a way that residents will be given an opportunity for recreational activities, planned group activities and free time. Residents are expected to participate and cooperate with staff during these activities.
Volunteer Activities
Volunteers come to CJDH on a regular basis to spend time with residents and engage them in activities, games, etc. Residents are expected to participate, display proper manners and a positive attitude.
Television/Movies
Television is a privilege at CJDH. It is not a regular part of the daily schedule. There will be opportunities for watching movies on the weekends.
Release
Residents may only be released by order of the court. At the time of release, please bring proper identification, and be prepared to sign paperwork.
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