Sebastian County Juvenile Detention Center

Sebastian County Juvenile Detention Center basic information to help guide you through what you can do for your inmate while they are incarcerated. The facility's direct contact number: 479-783-3532

This facility is for juvenile residents.

The Sebastian County Juvenile Detention Center is a medium to low-security detention center located at 800 South A St Fort Smith, AR that is operated locally by the Juvenile Justice Department and holds youths awaiting the determination of punishment for the crimes which they are accused. Most of the adolescents are here for less than two years.

The mission of the Sebastian County Juvenile Detention Center is to provide a safe, educational environment for young offenders.
Services Offered:

• Providing a clean, safe, structured environment
• Providing educational services including an excellent GED program, life skills, parenting classes, and hygiene training
• Providing mental health counseling
• Providing tutors and inspirational speakers
• Providing good role models for the juveniles
• Assisting the parents of young offenders
• Providing religious services for all denominations

The following items are provided to all inmates:
Two (2) postal stamps per week
Food: (3) meals and (1) snack per day
Clothing and personal hygiene items

Medical Needs
Needs are addressed through consultation with a contract Nurse who approves medications and performs an initial evaluation of youth. If your child has medical needs, please promptly advise Detention Staff.

Education
School classes are held Monday thru Friday, following the Sebastian Public School schedules for holidays and policies. Classes are conducted by on-site, state-licensed Special Education and Middle School teachers. Students work primarily in the areas of reading, language, and math to strengthen their skills.
Parents/guardians are asked to bring youth's work from their home school districts to work on while in detention and then to pick the completed school work up to deliver back to their school districts. Questions concerning the Education Department may be directed to (479) 444-1670 ext 5.

Physical Education
As part of the education program, the facility is fortunate to have a Physical Education teacher on-site to provide physical education services to youth who are detained. This structured activity assists with the overall mental health functioning of the Youth and with meeting the AR Juvenile Detention Standards Code for daily large muscle movement.

Nutrition Services
The facility meals and snacks are planned by the facility's Food Service Coordinator and must meet nutritional standards, as regulated by the National School Lunch Program. If you have questions or concerns regarding allergies, please contact the Food Service Coordinator by calling 479 444-1670 ext 4 or by emailing Judy Marion.

Mental Health Needs
Needs are addressed through on-site clinical services provided by the Social Work Intervention Program. Additionally, for youth who are currently receiving mental health services, their therapist may visit them to continue services while in detention.

Specialized Services
Community groups, organizations, and churches, we well as individuals donate their time for specialized services such as hair care, health classes, clergy services, etc.
The Washington County Juvenile Detention Center also offers additional programming, including the following:
"Be Proud, Be Responsible" HIV Prevention
This program is designed to increase knowledge about transmission and prevention of HIV infection. This program helps explain the importance of responsible sexual decision-making, including abstinence.
Why Try
A strength-based approach program utilizing lesson plans for all learning styles (visual, auditory, & kinesthetic) to help youth overcome their challenges and improve outcomes in areas of truancy, behavior, and academics.
Educational Training
Utilizing videos and group activities, Residents are given additional education on topics such as drugs, teen pregnancy, gangs, and STDS, with consent of the Resident's parents. Residents are also given the opportunity for self-expression and empathy training through arts and crafts.
Skills / Character

visitation Info

Visitation schedule:
Saturday 9-11 am and 1-3 pm or Sunday 9-11am or 12pm – 2pm
Legal guardians only
Must bring photo ID and proof of legal guardianship if not listed as legal guardian