NCDPS – Pitt Regional Juvenile Detention Center

Juvenile detention centers are secure, temporary facilities where a juvenile will stay while waiting to go to court or until placement can be arranged. Juveniles are placed in detention by court order pending a hearing, disposition or placement. Prior to adjudication, the statute requires that the court review the need for continued secure custody so juveniles have frequent court appearances where alternatives to detention are considered. Youths are typically housed in a detention center closest to their home county. The centers receive admissions through assigned regions or catchment areas.

Juveniles transferred to Superior Court for trial as adults are housed in juvenile detention pending trial if they are not released on bond. Juvenile detention centers provide quality services and programs for juveniles based on their individual needs, to give youths opportunities for positive behavioral change and development. Juvenile detention centers provide a safe, secure, controlled and humane environment for juveniles and staff. All detention centers are co-ed and are staffed to provide appropriate oversight by same-sex staff members.

Upon admission to a juvenile detention center, each youth receives a mental health screening. More comprehensive mental health and substance abuse assessments are completed when screening indicates a need. Medical screening is conducted, with urgent or emergent follow-up medical services. These screenings assist the Division in more appropriately serving the youth in its care.

During a short-term stay at one of the Division's detention centers, youths are provided with basic educational services that mirror the course of study adopted by N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Treatment programming and services offered at each detention center varies according to the needs of the youth.