Program Statement
The Muskegon County Juvenile Transition Center is a secure coeducational child caring institution which functions under the auspices of the Muskegon County Department of Community Corrections. Youngsters are referred to the Center by Family Court or one of its designates. Only youth who are accused of or adjudicated for law violations are placed in detention. The facility assures that all legal rights of the youth are protected while in custody and that confined youth live free from fear of assault or intimidation by staff or other juveniles. Detention Center personnel are responsible for the care, guidance, and control of youth placed in their custody. Youth are released only upon authorization of the Court or its designates.
The Muskegon County Juvenile Transition Center provides a short term, physically restrictive, safe and humane environment for incarcerated youth. Muskegon County Juvenile Transition Center offers an individualized education program that is qualified to meet special educational needs. All children are required to participate in the school program. Residents received three nutritionally balanced meals and an evening snack each day. The Detention Center provides a variety of recreational and physical activities which are available to and required of each resident. There is strong emphasis on individual and communal hygiene and youth are required to shower daily, change clothing and bedding often, and maintain their rooms in a clean and healthy manner.
Voluntary religious services are conducted regularly and there is emphasis on incorporating social skills and character development. The facility affords initial health screening and medical care. All youth are given a physical examination within seven days of admission. Emergency mental health assessment is available and case workers are expected to maintain regular on site contact with their charges.
Detention Center program components are designed to meet each individual youth’s nutritional, emotional, spiritual, educational, recreational, and physical needs.
1. Nutrition Program - Residents receive three balanced meals each day with opportunity to have additional snacks as well. Special dietary needs can be prepared upon the direction of the facility or child’s physician.
2. Religious Services - Youth are given the opportunity to participate in nondenominational religious services on a voluntary basis. Attendance and/or participation are not mandatory. In addition, the child’s own clergy is welcome to provide counseling or other services as deemed appropriate and as approved by the court.
3. Educational Program - The facility provides an individualized educational program that is qualified to meet special educational needs through the School Service Provider. All youth are required to attend school while at the facility.
4. Recreation Program - The facility provides a variety of recreational and exercise opportunities. Youth are required, if medically able, to participate in various sporting and large/small muscle activities. Leisure games, reading, and television are available at appropriate times.
5. Hygiene Program - The program strongly emphasizes personal and communal hygiene in each resident’s daily routine. Adequate time is provided for daily showers, brushing of teeth, etc. Hygiene products are supplied by the facility and youth receive clothing and linen changes on a regular basis.
6 Health Services - The facility conducts an initial health screening at time of admission. Each youth must receive a physical examination within seven (7) days of admission. Emergency care is available.
7. Counseling Services - Although counseling services are not part of the ongoing detention program, emergency mental health services are provided as needed. Arrangements for school counselor/social worker services can be facilitated. Probation Officers are caseworkers are expected to visit regularly.
8. Other Services - The Center welcomes and encourages collaborative or voluntary endeavors which provide programming to meet individual or group needs not otherwise specifically offered as routine Center programming.
