NYC ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN’S SERVICES
CROSSROADS AND HORIZON JUVENILE CENTERS RESIDENT HANDBOOK
EDITED AND ILLUSTRATED BY RESIDENTS FOR RESIDENTS
Division of Youth
and Family Justice Detention Services
“I HOPE KIDS FEEL SAFER BECAUSE OF WHAT WE DID.” In 2016, a hard-working group of Residents edited and redesigned this handbook as part of a Youth Employment Program. These Residents had been living in detention for a while, and they wanted to change the illustrations, design, and attitude of the handbook so that it had a voice like an older brother or sister who knew what was going on.
You should read this handbook, because there’s a lot of important facts you need to know. Ask a lot of questions if you don’t understand somethng. Here is what some of the Residents who worked on this handbook had to say about their work:
“I had a job that does something for other people!” “I never thought about how rules might make ME safe.” “That looks fire!”
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WELCOME!
You are now a Resident in Secure Detention at either Crossroads or Horizon Juvenile Centers, run by NYC Administration for Children’s Services Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ). We’re not here to judge. We’re here to keep you safe and comfortable while guiding you to choices that add up to the best possible outcome. Let us help. While staying with us here at Secure Detention, you will make decisions every day that change your future. All your choices add up; you create the report that the Judge will read when deciding your outcome, so make good choices.
HORIZON JUVENILE CENTER 560 BROOKS AVENUE BRONX, NY 10455 (718) 401-3126
CROSSROADS JUVENILE CENTER 17 BRISTOL STREET BROOKLYN, NY 11212 (718) 240-3800
TABLE OF CONTENTS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW
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Orientation Page 8
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What’s Going to Happen?
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My Medication Page 9
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My Allergies or Dietary Restrictions
Page 9
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What Happened to My Stuff?
Page 9
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What Are the Rules?
Page 9
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What Are My Rights?
Page 10
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What if I Feel Unsafe, or if My Rights
Page 8
Were Violated •
The Top 10+1 Things to Remember about PREA
Page 13
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW EVERY DAY •
Your Actions Matter – The Rules
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Rules about Yourself Page 17
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Rules about Other Residents
Page 18
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Rules about the Building
Page 18
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Rules about Your Room and Resident Hall
Page 18
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Daily Activities Page 19
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A.S.P.I.R.E. Page 19
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Meals Page 20
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Your Clothing and Supplies
Page 21
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Uniforms and Jewelry
Page 22
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Personal Grooming and Hair Care
Page 23
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School Page 24
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Chores Page 24
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Activities and Free Time
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Page 16
Page 25
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW SOMETIMES •
Visits and Visiting Hours
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Phone and Mail Page 30
Page 28
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Medical and Mental Health Services
Page 31
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STAIR-A – a Skill-Building Group
Page 32
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Religious Worship Page 32
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Restraints Page 33
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Staff Titles and Roles
Page 34
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEAVING •
Possible Outcomes Page 40
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How to Increase Your Chance of a Better Court Outcome Page 41
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Court Day Page 41
LEGAL DEFINITIONS •
Legal Definitions
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Page 44
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW ORIENTATION
As a Resident of the facility, you will first live in the orientation hall for about a week. During this time, we get to know you and you get to know us. We will talk about things like your health, school, and social service needs. You will meet your Juvenile Counselor (JC) and other members of the staff, who will help you adjust, counsel you, and speak with your family and your lawyer. JCs make sure that all of your physical, emotional, educational and social needs are met.
WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN?
During the first 72 hours of admission, we will give you a health screening and physical. You should tell medical and mental health staff about any problems you are having or any problems you may have had in the past. After 7 to 10 days at the orientation hall, you’ll be assigned to your regular hall. During the first 7 days of admission, we will give you a full mental health evaluation and physical. This will be more indepth than the one you had at your intake interview. Within the first 20 days of admission, we will give you a complete dental examination.
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MY MEDICATION
If you were taking any medication at home, please let the staff know as soon as you come in.
MY ALLERGIES OR DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
If you have any allergies, including food allergies, any dietary restrictions on what you can eat for medical or religious reasons, or preference of being a vegetarian, please tell your JC, the medical staff, and your Case Manager right away. The kitchen staff will cook food to meet your needs.
WHAT HAPPENED TO MY STUFF?
We are keeping it safe for you. You cannot keep jewelry, money, or other personal items with you while you are here. All the things you had when you arrived are safely stored and locked away. Everything, except for Contraband, will be returned to you when you leave secure detention.
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
See the Rules section on page 16 in the next chapter What You Need to Know Every Day.
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WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS? • You have a right to be safe and supported. • You have a right to basic needs, including healthy food, clothing, shelter, and a safe place to sleep at night. • You have a right to exercise every day; however, if the weather is bad, you may not be able to go outside. • You have a right to reasonable phone calls and visits with your lawyer or someone who represents your lawyer. • You have a right to equal treatment. Nobody should treat you differently because of your age, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, language, religion, or learning needs. • You have a right to practice your religion and attend religious services.
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• You have a right to get help if someone is doing or saying anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. You will not be punished or harassed for asking for help. • You have a right to medical and mental health care. • You have a right to freedom from sexual abuse or harassment. No adult or other Resident should touch your private parts, stare at you while you are undressed, or ask you or force you to touch or kiss them in a sexual way. No adult or other Resident should talk about your body, or the way you act, or who you date, in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. • You have a right to express yourself. You may ask the staff and other Residents to call you a name that matches the gender you feel you are. You may choose whether to be called he or she or another pronoun. You may express yourself in a way that matches the gender you feel you are.
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WHAT IF I FEEL UNSAFE, OR IF MY RIGHTS WERE VIOLATED? • You won’t get in trouble if you ask for help. • You can ask to call the Justice Center at:
(855) 373-2122.
• Ask your lawyer, a friend, or family member to get help for you. • You can tell an adult you trust, including a staff member. • You can write or talk to the Ombudsperson. The Ombudsperson is here to protect your rights. Fill out a Resident Request for Ombudsperson Services form, or just write down what is happening and put it in the Ombudsperson’s box. You don't have to tell your name or even the name of the person bothering you if you don’t want to. You may also talk with the Ombudsperson when he or she visits your hall.
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THE TOP 10+1 THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT PREA:
PREA is the Prison Rape Elimination Act, crated to help keep you safe. It is a national law that all DYFJ detention facilities follow that makes sure that there is zero tolerance for sexual abuse or sexual harassment for the youth in our care. 1. Everyone has the right to feel safe in Detention. 2. No adult or any other youth should touch any of your private parts, say things about, or do anything to your body to make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. 3. We need to respect the rights of everyone. No one should make fun of someone because of who they like, who they date, how they look, how they act, or how they feel about themselves. 4. You need to know when you are crossing someone else’s boundaries – or when they’re crossing yours. 5. Asking for help protects everyone; it’s not snitching to ask for help. 6. You can report if something happened to you or to someone else. 7. You can ask any staff member or any adult that you trust for help. 8. Your family, your friend, your caseworker, or your lawyer can safely make a report for you. 9. No one is allowed to harass or punish you if you ask for help or make a report. 10. Staff must take you seriously and help you if you ask for or need help. +1. When making a report or asking for help, neither you, nor anyone reporting for you, has to give your name or the name of the person hurting you. That information can remain private. 13
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW EVERY DAY
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YOUR ACTIONS MATTER – THE RULES
It is DYFJ’s responsibility to keep everyone safe. If you follow the rules, it helps you keep safe and as comfortable as possible. We may share your behavior with your Judge, your Attorney, and your family. When you show self-control and follow the rules, you help make the report to these people more positive.
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RULES ABOUT YOURSELF 1. Follow all staff instructions.
2. During fire drills and emergencies, be quiet and follow staff directions. 3. Show respect to get respect. Don’t touch or threaten staff members. 4. Stay in a room until a staff member says you can leave. Ask when you need to use the restroom. 5. You’re not allowed to participate in any gang activity, including making gang symbols or signs, using gang code words, or using any gang writing. You also can’t recruit gang members, send messages to gang members, or follow any gang instructions. 6. While you’re in Detention, you can only keep the things that we give you. You can’t have any Contraband (items that aren’t allowed). Contraband includes cell phones, money, jewelry, cigarettes, gum, illegal drugs, weapons or anything that could be used to make a weapon. You also can’t have your medicine unless staff is giving it to you. 7. During routine Security Searches, staff will search you, your room, and your things, including looking for any kind of Contraband. If something is not on the list of personal items you are allowed to have, it’s probably Contraband. If you are found with Contraband, you may be subject to arrest, and your Judge will be informed. 8. Cooperate with staff on all Security Searches. You will be routinely searched while you are inside the facility, when you come back from Court, after all visits, and anytime you come in from outside the facility. Security Searches may include staff touching private areas of your body over your clothing. 9. When moving through the facility, be calm, and walk in a line. 10. Having your pants hanging below your hips is not allowed for boys or girls. Keep your pants and shorts pulled up. 17
RULES ABOUT OTHER RESIDENTS
1. Treat others with the respect you wish to be treated. 2. Don’t hit, threaten, bully, or attack other Residents. 3. Don’t touch or ask to touch anyone’s private parts, or ask or force anyone to kiss or touch you in a sexual way. 4. Don’t talk about another person’s body or who they date.
RULES ABOUT THE BUILDING 1. Leave everything as you found it.
2. Respect the place where you live. Don’t damage any part of the building or anything in it, including furniture, equipment, electronics, or even your personal items. 3. Don’t write graffiti or punch the walls.
RULES ABOUT YOUR ROOM AND RESIDENT HALL 1. Never enter another Resident’s room.
2. Fold your sheets, blankets, and mattress at the foot of your bed every morning. 3. Re-make your bed for sleeping during evening showers. 4. Keep your bedroom clean and neat at all times. 5. You may not have more than the maximum number of allowed items in your room. 6. Pencils, pens, and markers are not allowed in bedrooms. 7. Leave the window to your room door uncovered. 8. Your bedroom and bathroom doors are to stay locked during the day to protect your belongings. 9. Only go on the terrace when staff is present. 10. Clean the dayroom or bathroom when it is your turn. 11. Ask permission to change TV channels or touch the stereo.
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DAILY ACTIVITIES
Weekday wake-up is at 5:30 AM. Bedtime depends on your level in A.S.P.I.R.E., which is described below.
A.S.P.I.R.E.
A.S.P.I.R.E. is a program of points, levels, and rewards to encourage good behavior. You can earn points for good behavior or lose points for misbehaving or breaking the rules of the facility. Your rewards are based on how many points you have or what level you are on. Rewards include things like extra phone calls, buying special things, attending programs, and special meals. A.S.P.I.R.E. stands for: Actions: Your actions matter. There are consequences for bad behavior and rewards for good behavior. Safety: All residents and staff have the right to be safe. Participation: Actively participate in the program by demonstrating positive behaviors and skills. Inner Development: Continue to use the tools learned to make better choices. Respect: Show respect to all people and things. Education: Be willing to learn, and finish your classwork and homework.
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MEALS
Usually breakfast is served starting at 6:30 AM, lunch is served from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and dinner is served between 4:30 and 6:00 PM. The menu is posted in the dining room. We follow a healthy diet; therefore, there are no fried foods, our milk is low-fat, and our breads and cereals are whole-grain. All foods have regulated levels of salt and sugar which may be lower than you’re used to. Foods can also be prepared to accommodate you if you have any food allergies, medical or religious dietary restrictions, or if you are a vegetarian.
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YOUR CLOTHING AND SUPPLIES These items will be provided for you and you can keep them in your room:
MALE
FEMALE
1 towel
1 towel
2 washcloths
2 washcloths
5 pairs of boxers
4 panties
3 pairs of ankle socks
5 bras
3 T-shirts
3 pairs of ankle socks
2 polo shirts
3 T-shirts
2 pants or shorts
2 polo shirts
1 robe
(depending on season) 1 pair of sneakers
1 robe
2 pants or shorts (depending on season)
1 sweatshirt
1 pair of sneakers
1 pair of slippers
1 sweatshirt
1 blanket
1 pair of slippers
1 blanket, sheet, pillow, and
1 blanket
pillowcase 1 deodorant, toothbrush, and hairbrush 1 laundry mesh bag
1 blanket, sheet, pillow, and pillowcase 1 deodorant, toothbrush, and hairbrush 1 laundry mesh bag
You may have up to 10 letters or postcards, 10 appropriate photos, and 2 authorized magazines or softcover books given or sent to you. You can also have items that you received from Commissary in your room.
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UNIFORMS AN D JEWELRY You will wear a uniform whil e in detention; however, when you go to Cour t, you will wear your own clothi ng. All personal cl othing should be appropriate Court. You cann for ot wear jewelr y or have in your possession mone y or other pers onal items. Al items will be l taken from you up on admission an held until you d are released fr om custody. Af your release, te r you may come ba ck with a pare guardian to pi nt or ck up your thin gs.
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PERSONAL GROOMING AN D HAIR CARE ed be suppli You will ming o onal gro with pers oap, such as s , s e i l p p u s er, condition shampoo, thbrush , and too t n a r o d o e d r use paste, fo and tooth are here. while you
Hair care services are provided to youth while in detention. Residents can visit the barber or beautician.
UNIFORMS 23
SCHOOL
All Residents are required to go to school. The Department of Education runs our school: Passages Academy. Your teachers will explain the school day and the school rules. You must complete your homework. Your schoolwork is included in the report your case manager receives every day. It will also be shared with your Judge. Your school work at Passages will count as credits towards your diploma and will qualify you to take the New York State Regents and other exams.
CHORES
You are responsible for keeping your own room clean. All Residents on the hall take turns to help to keep the bathrooms, day rooms, and other areas clean. If you clean up after yourself, it will make things better and healthier for everyone.
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ACTIVITIES AND FREE TIME
Recreation and program activities are available to Residents when they are not in school. This includes reading a book or magazine; playing sports; watching TV; playing board and video games; creating art, music, and poetry; and learning new skills. There are special activities for Residents on the highest level of A.S.P.I.R.E.. Residents also have the opportunity to earn money through summer youth employment and internship programs.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW SOMETIMES
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VISITS
Every Resident is entitled to visits from their guardians, grandparents, children, and siblings. Your parents or guardians are usually the only ones who can tell your Case Manager which relatives are allowed to be on your visitors list. Aunts and uncles can visit on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month. You may receive up to three (3) visitors at once. If more than three visitors come, they can take turns. An authorized adult visitor must accompany authorized brothers and sisters under the age of 18. The normal visiting time is one hour total, but may be shorter or longer depending on how crowded the facility is on a given day. Special visits can be earned through the A.S.P.I.R.E. program. Your Case Manager can arrange visits of other family members or important people in your life usually approved by your guardian. Visitors cannot bring food or anything else with them during visits. Anything brought in is considered Contraband, and bringing Contraband into a detention facility is a crime. Visitors can lose their right to visit or may be arrested and lose their right to visit. Staff always supervises visits.
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REGULAR VISITING HOURS TUESDAYS: 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM 6:00 PM – 8:45 PM WEDNESDAYS: 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM 6:00 PM – 8:45 PM SATURDAYS: If your last name begins with A – M, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM If your last name begins with N – Z, 1:30 PM – 4:45 PM SUNDAYS: If your last name begins with N – Z, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM If your last name begins with A – M, 1:30 PM – 4:45 PM
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USING THE PHONE
You may make at least one 10-minute phone call every week. You may earn more phone time with good behavior. You may only call family members on the authorized phone list kept by your Case Manager. Your Case Manager will track your calls in a log. Your Case Manager or other staff will dial the phone numbers for you.
Resident mail is private. Staff will open your mail in front of you to check for Contraband, but they will not read it. Mail from your attorney will only be opened by you. You may choose to keep up to 10 pieces of mail or you may ask your Case Manager to keep it for you. Any mail from residents of other correctional facilities will be sent back to them unopened. The only exception to this rule is if we have confirmation the mail is from your parent, guardian, or sibling. 30
MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Any time you feel sick, tell staff and they will give you a Sick Call Form to fill out. And remember - let a staff member know if you were taking medication at home and need to see the medical staff about it. If you have an emergency, let the staff know immediately. If you are nervous, scared, anxious, sad, or feel like hurting yourself at any time, tell your staff immediately; they will help you.
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STAIR-A – A SKILL-BUILDING GROUP
STAIR-A stands for “Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation of Adolescents.” A therapist or mental health team member will help you learn to cope better with some stresses in your life. Participation in the program is completely voluntary. STAIR-A includes three interactive groups, led by a Juvenile Counselor (JC) and a mental health clinician. • Session One is about your feelings and how to make a safety plan. • Session Two is about how stress and strong emotions affect your health, how to take care of yourself, and how to learn to relax when you are upset. • Session Three is about how people communicate with each other. You can get a letter to give your lawyer and your Judge when you finish all three sessions. This may show the Judge that you are learning to make positive choices or changes.
RELIGIOUS WORSHIP
There are religious services at this facility. Attendance is always voluntary. If you would like to speak to the chaplain, ask the staff and they will arrange it. Whatever your religion is, we will do our best to help you.
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RESTRAINTS
Restrain means to limit a person’s movement by holding the person. If a Resident becomes a threat to himself or herself, to other Residents, or to the staff, he or she may be restrained. Restraints are also used to break up fights, and to prevent Residents from escaping. Staff will try to talk to you before they use physical force; they only use restraints as a last resort when someone’s safety is at risk. You will be released from restraints once you have calmed down, and the staff is sure that you will no longer harm yourself or others any more. Physical restraints may be used by any trained staff, which includes JCs, Special Officers, and Tour Commanders. Here in detention, we may sometimes have to use handcuffs or leg cuffs to help restrain a Resident. At no time is any staff member permitted to use any type of chemical spray, a restraint that will restrict breathing, or one that could cause serious physical injury. If you feel that anybody used a restraint improperly, whether on you or another Resident, you have the right to report it – please tell another staff member, a supervisor, a manager, medical staff, mental health staff and/or the Ombudsperson (see page 33). We will take all reports seriously, your concern will be investigated, and you won’t get into trouble for making a report that you believe is true.
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STAFF TITLES AND ROLES STAFF YOU SEE EVERY DAY Juvenile Counselor (JC) • The first member of the staff you meet here • Fills out your paperwork in the Admissions Office • Introduces you to the building and programs • Stays with you wherever you are • Helps you all day • Keeps you on time • Takes you everywhere • Searches you and your living area • Reminds you of the rules and enforces them • Keeps everyone safe • Writes reports on how you are doing Associate Juvenile Counselor (AJC) • Supervises the JCs • Makes sure the JCs keep you safe and on time • Helps the JCs enforce the rules • Searches you and your living area • Helps guide you through problems Tour Commander (TC) • Supervises all the JCs and AJCs during a work tour (or shift) • Writes reports about your behavior, your attitude and what you do every day • Makes sure all additional staff do everything to: • Take care of you • Keep you, other Residents, and staff safe at all times • Keep you involved in the daily programs • Keeps track of your behavior • Can also ounsel or just talk with you 34
Special Officers and Senior Special Officers (Sergeants) • Responsible for security • Responds to calls when help is needed • Arrests Residents who commit a crime • Searches Residents, including before and after visits • Help JC’s keep you safe and secure STAFF YOU SEE SOMETIMES Operations Manager • Supervises Tour Commanders and is the team leader of a hall Case Manager • Sets up contact with your family, your lawyer, your aftercare worker, or any other authorized person by scheduling visits and phone calls • Interviews you when you arrive • Asks about your general health and well-being • Connects you to services you may need while in detention • Assists with signing you up for special programs and recreation, including the Summer Youth Employment Program and paid internships • Makes sure you are attending school and other programs • Checks whether or not you have clothing for Court • Speaks with you about how you are doing at school • Writes reports to your Judge about your behavior and how you are doing 35
STAFF TITLES AND ROLES Case Manager Supervisor • Supervises all of the Case Managers • Makes sure you get all the services you should • Makes sure all of your reports are complete and sent to Court Ombudsperson • Is the advocate you speak to if you feel you are being treated unfairly or have any other problems • Your family may also go to the Ombudsperson on your behalf if they feel you are being treated unfairly or need more help Recreation/Program Staff • Run the physical and recreational programs • Oversee the projects brought into the facility by other agencies • Arrange free-time activities Chaplain • Oversees all religious services • Arranges for any of your special religious needs • Provides counseling upon request • Leads religious service volunteers • Visits with Residents in the chapel if you ask Medical Staff • Provide professional medical care • May be a doctor or a physician assistant (PA) • Evaluate and treat you • Make arrangements for treatment by someone else if you need special care that they can’t give you
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Mental Health Staff • Give confidential support to help you work through feelings or thoughts you find hard to handle Visiting Agency Employees • Come from DYFJ-approved outside organizations to bring you special events, services, and activities ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Executive Director (ED) • The Boss – the first person in charge of running the facility and leading the management team Director of Operations • The second person in charge of running the facility when the ED is away and supervises the Operation Managers (see page 35) Director of Administration • The person who oversees all the paperwork and administrative duties (records, legal documents, and more) and supervises the Special Officers and Sergeants • Director of Programs • Oversees recreation and special programs services, and Case Management Other Staff • Food Services staff cook and serve healthy food • Custodial Staff clean the facility and make repairs • Office Staff complete paperwork, organize the offices and make appointments 37
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEAVING
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LEAVING
It is natural and okay for you to feel stressed about your court hearing. You can talk about how you are feeling with your Case Manager or someone in mental health.
Never discuss your court case with other Residents or staff!
POSSIBLE OUTCOMES
There are many programs available to you if you do well in detention, which may increase your chances of going to a community program or going home instead of a placement residence. If you get into a fight, get arrested again, or hurt or disrespect other people, that will work against getting a better outcome with your Judge.
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HOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF A BETTER COURT OUTCOME
• Show respect and follow the rules • Try your best in school. You don’t have to be an “A” student, but you should pay attention in class, study for tests, and finish your homework every night • Work to get points in the A.S.P.I.R.E. program • Participate in STAIR-A • Participate in special programs when you can • Apply for and take part in internships • Show up for all your court appointments
COURT DAY
On the day of your hearing: • Dress neatly. Your parent or guardian may bring appropriate clothing for you. • Be ready to leave on time so you are not late for Court. • Look directly at the Judge or the person asking questions. • Speak clearly so everyone can hear your answers. • Use polite language when speaking in Court, such as, "Yes, your Honor,'' or "No, your Honor." • Ask questions if you don’t understand anything.
WHAT IS THE JUDGE LOOKING FOR?
The judge in your case needs to know that you care about what happens to you. He or she is looking for you to come to every court date even if you don't think anything important is going to happen that day. When you appear before your Judge, it's your only chance to talk to him or her about what is going on with you, how you're doing, and have your lawyer ask any questions that you might have.
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LEGAL DEFINITIONS
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LEGAL DEFINITIONS Arrest: Being taken into custody and charged with breaking the law. Breaking the law while in Detention means you can be arrested again while you are still here. This will have a negative impact on your case. Bail: Usually a sum of money allowing temporary release from custody with the promise that you will return for your court dates. It is usually your parent or guardian who will pay the bail amount set by the Judge. Behavior Support Plan/Care Plan: A written plan about the care you need and all the things staff can do to help you do well. Confiscate: When the staff takes something away from you that you should not have (see Contraband below). Contraband: Anything banned by DYFJ or the law or held by you or another resident without permission. If it’s not on the list of personal items you are allowed to have, it’s probably Contraband. Court Admit: Your Judge sends you to secure detention. Family Conferences: Meetings between you, staff, and your parent(s) or guardian(s) to talk about your needs and how you are behaving in detention. Your family will try to help keep your behavior positive so the Judge will hear a good report. 44
Juvenile Delinquent (JD): Someone younger than 16 years old charged with an act that, if an adult did it, would be considered a crime. The case is heard in Family Court. Juvenile Offender (JO): Someone as young as 13 years old - but usually 14 or 15 - charged with a serious crime (also called a designated felony). The case is heard in the adult Supreme Court. Non-Secure Detention (NSD): Places for Residents with less risk who are in Family Court or who have been accused of less serious crimes. These places are group homes, but Residents still can’t go wherever they want to or leave the building without being accompanied by staff. Police Admit: Police bring you directly to secure detention before you see a Judge. Remand: A Family Court Judge’s choice that sends you to secure or non-secure detention while you wait for your trial or hearing. Open Remand: When a Judge marks your status as an open remand , the DYFJ will decide whether you will go to secure or non-secure detention. Specific Non-secure Remand: When a Judge specifically decides whether you go to Secure or Non-Secure Detention. 45
LEGAL DEFINITIONS, CONTINUED Resident: You are a Resident while living in a detention facility. Secure Detention: For all Juvenile Offenders and some Juvenile Delinquents remanded by their judge. Secure Detention can be for those who have been accused of more serious crimes, those who are a higher risk to the community, or for those with behavior problems. These places have the tightest security; the doors are locked at all times. The two DYFJ secure detention locations are Horizon Juvenile Center in the Bronx and Crossroads Juvenile Center in Brooklyn. Security Search: A physical search by staff of you and your things. The search may include staff touching private areas of your body over your clothing.
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Division of Youth
and Family Justice Detention Services ACS works to improve the lives of young people through safe and secure custodial care, effective re-entry services and other protective services.