Juvenile Detention Center

These are the rights afforded to residents while in custody at the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center. 

JDC Mission, Vision and Resident Rights 2024:

• English (PDF, 1MB)
• Somali (PDF, 1MB)
• Spanish (PDF, 1MB)
   

Who can visit?

Only parents or legal guardians can visit. Due to confidentiality laws, siblings, extended family and children are not allowed to visit.

When are visits?

You may visit your child in person any time within the first 24 hours of admission.

Regular visiting hours:

Residents with last names A - M:

• Monday and Wednesday 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
• Sunday 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Residents with last names N - Z:

• Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
• Sunday 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

In person

All in-person visitors must present photo identification.

If you have been sick or have symptoms, please stay home and arrange a time for video visiting. 

Visitation requirements

• Bring your current photo ID. The ID must be current, valid and either be a state-issued ID or driver's license, a military ID or a passport.
• No one is permitted to wait in the lobby. If you require a ride, the person who drops you off will need to return to pick you up at the end of the visitation. Drivers and/or children are not allowed to wait in the building.
• It is best to secure all items prior to coming into the facility. There are some small combination lockers on site to secure belongings, however there may not be enough for multiple people visiting at the same time. No personal belongings are allowed inside the facility.
• You may not use restrooms once inside the facility. Please use lobby restroom before entry.

Parking

• Parking is available at downtown meters or at the Hennepin County Medical Center or other area ramps for a fee.

Video visitations

• A limited number of 30-minute video visitation sessions are available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• JDC may limit video visitation to youth who cannot receive in-person visits.
• Only legal guardians may be on video visitation.
• Contact admissions to schedule your video visit: 612-348-5868

If you are the parent or legal guardian of a youth who has been arrested and admitted into the Juvenile Detention Center, you will receive a call from our intake staff.

Admission to the Juvenile Detention Center is determined based on detention criteria (see below) and the alleged offense. If a juvenile is detained, the court will hold a detention hearing and make a decision whether the juvenile will be released or held for additional hearings.

View a detailed flowchart of the admission and release process. (PDF, 1MB)

View a comprehensive list of admission criteria. (PDF, 1MB)

View a full list of mandatory hold offenses. (PDF, 1MB)

If a juvenile does not meet the admission criteria, law enforcement may request an exemption. Arresting officers should call the JDC before transporting if:

• The offense is a misdemeanor (other than DWI or domestic assault). An admission exemption will be needed.
• It’s a gross misdemeanor (other than DWI or domestic assault). An admission exemption will be needed. 
• You have any questions about admissions criteria or the admissions process.

In addition to a safe and secure environment, a variety of educational programs and services are provided at the facility.

Stadium View School

Residents 18-years-old and younger who have not graduated from high school or have not earned a GED are enrolled in school in the Juvenile Detention Center. The school offers:

• High school credits that are transferable to a resident's home school — students can earn .25 credit for every eight hours they work on one subject
• Classes taught by teachers from the Minneapolis Public Schools
• After school programming to help residents make up credits and/or improve their academic skills
• A GED readiness program

Electronic home monitoring

Electronic home monitoring is a community-based program for low-risk youths.

Counseling and liaison services

Volunteer chaplains and spiritual counselors provide counseling and conduct nonsectarian worship services.

Medical care

Centurion provides a full-time medical team for routine and emergency medical treatment.

Activities

A diverse range of activities are provided within the living units and in our recreational areas. Activities include leisure, recreational exercise, life skills, debate, meditation and many other programs that are beneficial to youth.

Volunteer programs

Community volunteers bring a wide variety of educational, recreational, spiritual, and entertainment activities to the center each week. 

Parent and resident grievances

The Juvenile Detention Center provides high-quality care to juveniles residing at the facility. However, if a parent or resident feels they would like to object to their experience at the facility, they can submit a grievance procedure form (PDF).