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1. Why doesn't a youth go to Detention for committing an offense?

Detention centers provide short-term lock-up for delinquent youth awaiting adjudication, placement, or serving a sentence as ordered by a Juvenile Court Judge. Delinquent youth can only be held in detention if they meet Rule 23 or are ordered into Detention by a Juvenile Court Judge. A juvenile may be seen first by a probation officer for an intake.

2. My child was detained where will they go?

Youth who are detained in Cochise County are transported to Santa Cruz or Pinal County Juvenile Detention Facilities; the probation officer managing the case will advise you where your child will be going. In January of 2021 the Cochise County Juvenile Detention Center transition to the Detention Screening and Transport Facility. This is a partnership with Santa Cruz and Pinal Counties where youth will reside during their time of detainment. Our youth who require detainment remain our youth. Our community partners remain in place. Probation will continue to work with the youth and family through the court process. Youth are present for their court hearings via Zoom from Santa Cruz or Pinal. Once ordered released the Cochise Detention Screening and Transport team will bring the youth back to Cochise County for out-processing.

3. Who pays for medical and/or dental work completed while my child is in Detention?

The Detention Center will provide emergency care only. Parents are financially responsible for ongoing medical and dental care received by the youth.

4. When is a youth released from Detention?

Youth can be in Detention for as little as a few hours or as long as several months depending on the Juvenile Court, the nature of the offense, and the individual circumstances with that youth.

5. After admission to Detention, how long does it take for a youth to see a Judge?

The Juvenile Court holds a detention hearing within 48 hours after admission. The Judge decides if a youth should continue to stay in Detention or be allowed to go home until the next hearing. The Judge decides if the youth will be held or released. A youth is held if they are a danger to themself or the community or is at risk to not appear in court when summoned.

6. If a youth is allowed to go home, what happens?

Generally, a youth is released to their parents. The court, however, can determine if there is another responsible adult, family member, or program to which the youth can be released. The youth must agree to appear at the next scheduled hearing. If no parent, guardian, custodian or other responsible person can be located, the court shall release the juvenile to the Department of Child Services.

7. How do I visit a youth?

Visitation and phone contacts can be coordinated with the Santa Cruz Juvenile Detention Center by calling 520-375-58195 or the Pinal County Juvenile Detention Center by calling 520-866-4000.

Special visits shall be authorized when ordered by the court or may be authorized if the parent is participating in a scheduled Individual Education Plan (IEP). All visits are dependent upon facility safety and security variables.