For Parents and Guardians

If your child is involved with the Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services, you can expect that the staff will work hard to provide evidence based programming, teach skills and will work with your family to ensure that your child receives the tools he or she needs to succeed upon returning home. Commonly asked questions can be found here.

Parent’s Bill of Rights: The Parents’ Bill of Rights is our promise to take care of your child, and an invitation to you to be involved in their treatment and guarantee the time they are with us is meaningful. As parents of youth committed to JJYS, you have the following rights:

You and your child will be treated fairly regardless of race, religion, national origin, language, economic status, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or age.
We will provide a safe, secure, and sanitary environment for your child. You will not be judged, blamed or labeled because of your child’s delinquency status.
You may be a vocal and active advocate on behalf of your child.
You may be an active participant when decisions are made in regards to your child’s medical, therapeutic, behavioral, and educational treatment.
You can expect to be informed about matters related to your child’s welfare. Access to your child’s records. (See G.R.A.M.A)
Right to communicate with child including visitation, telephone, and mail.

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Phone Recording Notice

In an effort to improve safety and security in our secure programs, phone and virtual calls will now be recorded and monitored. Secure Care and Detention facilities will begin recording phone calls and virtual visits July 1, 2024.

Signs shall be posted at each unit telephone location to advise youth that their phone and virtual conversations will be recorded and monitored, with the exception of verified privileged calls.
Privileged calls and virtual visits will not be recorded. This includes calls with attorneys, clergy, victim advocates, and the child protection hotline.
Youth may only use designated land-line phones on the units. Exceptions to this must be cleared with the facility director.
Third-party calling, call waiting, and call forwarding, are prohibited.
All phone calls shall be in English unless the youth or their family are unable to communicate in English and are authorized by the facility director to speak another language. This decision occurs during the initial child and family team meeting or during the intake to detention or initial advocate parents contact.
Youth are not allowed to receive incoming calls, except for privileged calls