Juvenile Detention Center

The Nassau County Juvenile Detention Center is a 16 bed secure facility designed to house juvenile offenders who have criminal cases pending in Family, County, or District Courts. It is under the supervision of the Nassau County Department of Probation and is certified by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

The detention center is designed to be a short-term facility and houses youths until final dispositions of their cases. Based upon the dispositions made, the youths are returned to their communities, placed on probation, or referred to agencies that provide longer-term care.

The average length of stay at the center is approximately 14 days, but can be significantly longer for those charged with more serious crimes. The center accepts approximately 250 admissions per year. While primarily meant to house Nassau County youths, residents from other counties are also accepted on a space available basis.

Youngsters as young as 10 years old may be accepted as well as a number of juveniles 16 years or older for violation of probation for crimes committed as juveniles; however, the majority of our residents fall into the 14-17 year old range.

Historically in this century a distinction has been made between children who commit crimes as opposed to adults. The Juvenile Detention Center strives to maintain this philosophy by providing children with a safe, caring environment while at the same time insisting on accountability and acceptable standards of behavior.

Safety for All

In accordance with the 2003 federal civil statute PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act), the Nassau County Juvenile Detention Center maintains zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment. It is the policy of the Nassau County Juvenile Detention Center to safeguard the rights of all youth in its care and custody. Youth and third parties, such as family members, attorneys, and guardians of youth, shall have the opportunity to report confidentially about any needs, concerns, or complaints. Staff shall respond in a fair and timely manner and have a responsibility to take measures to protect youth in custody from sexual abuse, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment.

If there is a concern about something that a child has experienced at the Nassau County Juvenile Detention Facility, please report it immediately by doing the following:

  • Contact the JDC Caseworker, 516-571-9260
  • At the JDC, ask to speak with someone from management, i.e. Youth Group Supervisor, Assistant Director
  • Call the NYS Justice Center at 855-373-2122 

Data and Agency Annual Reports

Follow the links to download JDC annual reports on the sexual abuse allegations and outcomes of investigations into those allegations.