Juvenile Detention

The Probation Department operates Peterson Juvenile Hall (PJH), a temporary detention facility for youth that provides a humane, safe and secure facility to care for youth from the time of their booking through their Court proceedings.

Juvenile Detention funds the operations of Peterson Juvenile Hall, Camp Peterson (for Court-committed youth and utilized as a “step-down” program for youth committed to a Secure Track Commitment pursuant to SB 823), Youth Advocacy and Programming, Compliance and Training, Intake and Transportation, Auxiliary Services (Booking, Control, Court Services and Visiting) and the Work Project Program.

Upon entering the facility, youth receive screening/assessments at intake to identify potential trauma, or other stressors that may require immediate intervention.  Youthful offenders also have access to immediate behavioral health services. Youth receive meals prepared on site based on specific nutritional requirements as set by the State of California.

In 2021-2022, the Department redeveloped the PJH Camp recreation yard, so that youth committed to the facility would have viable exercise options. Youth assigned to the Greater Valley Conservation Corps have also been able to participate in a portion of the landscape work.

In response to Senate Bill 823 (SB 823), signed into law in 2020, Camp Peterson and another unit in PJH became the home of the Secure Youth Treatment Program (SYTP).  The closure of the Division of Juvenile Justice led to the return of youth to local detention centers. The Program is housed in a two-dormitory, minimum-security facility adjacent to juvenile Hall with a rated capacity of 45 beds. The program structure is designed to support the principles of trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and a developmental approach to youth rehabilitation.

Goals among the PJH Secure Youth Treatment Program include:

• • Provide a secure, intensive, evidence-based treatment program for youth.
  • Reduce recidivism.
  • Provide high-quality, intensive aftercare services that support community and family reunification/stability.