Juvenile 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, juveniles may have been sentenced to detention as a disposition.

Parental Information

Your child will be treated fairly and with respect while at Chesapeake Juvenile Services; however, residents 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 Chesapeake Juvenile Services, 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 & Living Area

At intake, your child will be assigned to a housing unit and a room. There are common areas 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 Chesapeake Juvenile Services.

Medical Services

Your child will receive a medical screening by the nurse at Chesapeake Juvenile Services. 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. You may turn all properly labeled prescriptions into the main entrance reception.

School

State law requires that your child attend school while in detention.

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.

Hygiene & Clothing

All residents are expected to practice good hygiene while at Chesapeake Juvenile Services. Residents will shower each day and brush their teeth twice a day. Clean socks, t-shirts and underwear will be given to them at shower time. Residents are required to properly wear all issued articles of clothing. 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 to Chesapeake Juvenile Services Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Telephone Calls

Telephone calls are privileges that are based upon a resident's behavior and participation in the Chesapeake Juvenile Services program.

Residents are permitted to call their parents or legal guardians 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.

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 can receive mail and are provided opportunities to write letters to anyone except a resident of another juvenile detention or correction facility.

Parent Visitation

Only parents and legal guardians may visit residents.

Visitation Schedule

Wednesdays:
- Residents with Last Names beginning with A through M: 7 to 7:45 p.m.
- Residents with Last Names beginning with N through Z: 8:15 to 9 p.m.
Sundays:
- Residents with Last Names beginning with A through M: 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.
- Residents with Last Names beginning with N through Z: 2 to 2:45 p.m.

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.

Television / Movies

Television is a privilege at Chesapeake Juvenile Services. 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.

FAQs

What is the address of the detention home and how do I write to a juvenile?

Juvenile's Name
420 Albemarle Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23322

Rules:

Residents will be provided scheduled opportunities for writing letters to anyone except a resident of another juvenile detention or correction facility.
Pencils, paper, and envelopes will be provided by Chesapeake Juvenile Services.
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 Chesapeake Juvenile Services staff will not read mail, it will be opened to inspect for contraband.

When is visitation and who can visit?

Only parents and legal guardians may visit residents.

Visiting hours are Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, 3:30 to 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.

How can I find out if a juvenile is detained?

During the intake procedure of a juvenile, one of our staff 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.

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