DETENTION – FAQ’S
GENERAL
Why is my child in Detention?
Admissions to Skagit County Juvenile Detention are authorized only if law enforcement has arrested a juvenile for a crime or the juvenile is presented pursuant to a Court Order (i.e. - warrant/etc.) requiring confinement of the juvenile in question.
Where is the Detention facility?
Map and directions
How can I get more information?
• to speak to Juvenile Detention/Court staff, call 360-416-1230.
• to speak to a Public Defender, call 360-416-1650.
• to speak to a Prosecutor, call 360-416-1600.
What is the Detention Level System?
The Level System is a choice based opportunity for the juvenile to earn good behavior points that result in additional privileges, while in Detention.
Are there any costs to me for my child being in detention?
Possibly, if ordered by the Court. The Court may not impose detention fees at all, especially when the parent/guardian is the victim in the case.
How are medical and/or mental health needs addressed?
The County provides medical & mental health professionals to assess and address needs. Previously scheduled appointments need to be rescheduled by the parent/guardian, unless it’s an emergency. Medications need to be made known to detention staff by the parent/legal guardian in order to be dispensed as needed.
How are my child’s educational needs addressed?
Skagit County contracts with the Northwest Educational Services District 189 (NWESD189) to provide Washington State certified programming/staff to facilitate individualized educational lesson plans. Physical exercise is also part of the plan.
Are there other programs/services offered?
Yes. Varieties of positive youth development programs are available during free time for everyone on Level II or above. These programs include sessions relating to respect for self, others, and authority; victim awareness; accountability; self-worth; responsibility; work ethics; good citizenship; literacy; and life skills. Participation and practice of learned skills is encouraged.
VISITATION
Who can visit?
Juvenile must be a level III or IV to receive visitors. Only parents/legal guardians may visit. Picture ID is required. No siblings, etc.. Appropriate behavior & language is expected and required. Visits may be cancelled at any time by detention staff. Visitation exceptions must be approved by assigned probations counselors AND Detention staff administration. (visits by attorneys, case workers/providers, clergy, etc. may be arranged at other times)
When can I visit?
Monday and Wednesday; 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday; 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
What can I bring?
Purses/bags/etc. are not allowed and there is nowhere to store them at the detention facility (leave in car or at home). Upon admission, the juvenile’s personal belongings are inventoried and stored (locked) pending release. Juveniles are given a toothbrush, comb, bar of soap, toilet paper, cup, deodorant, towel, and cards. Other supplies are given as needed. Soap & shampoo will be given at shower times. Parents/guardians are not allowed to bring any personal belongings or supplies.
PHONE CALLS
Who may my child call? Detention staff attempt to call/notify a parent/legal guardian, upon admission. Thereafter, Parents/guardians, clergy, and attorneys may be called by the juvenile after a Securus account is set up (directions below).
When may my child make a phone call?
Juveniles on a level III or IV status, may make calls to parents/guardians from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00/10:00 p.m.. Juveniles on a level I or II may make calls to parents/guardians during day recreation time. Exceptions to this policy require specific written approval by the assigned probation counselor and/or Detention Manager. Length of phone calls are limited according to Detention population and/or staff discretion.
What do I need to do to enable my child to make phone calls? Parents/guardians need to set up a Securus Phone services (Friends and Family) account:
1. Login in to https://securustech.online/#/facilities-we-serve
2. Pick the state (Washington) and facility (Skagit County Juvenile Detention Center)
3. Set up an Advance Connect account using PIN# provided by Detention staff
MAIL
Where can I send mail via USPS?
Mail may be sent to the “Office of Juvenile Court – Detention, 605 S 3rd Street, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273”. All mail is subject to screening/inspection before delivered to the juvenile. Mail may be subject to law enforcement review and action. No references to gang/s, criminal behavior, graffiti, gang behaviors, etc. will be allowed/delivered.
Can my child send mail via USPS?
Pencil, paper, envelopes, and postage may be provided, to the juvenile, by detention staff. Outgoing mail must include a return address to:
Office of Juvenile Court – Detention
605 S 3rd Street
Mount Vernon, WA, 98273
All mail is subject to screening/inspection before it is forwarded to USPS for delivery. Mail may be subject to law enforcement review and action. No references to gang/s, criminal behavior, graffiti, gang behaviors, etc. will be allowed/delivered.
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