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Montgomery County Youth Center
Norristown, Pennsylvania | Juvenile Shelter & Secure Detention
The Montgomery County Youth Center is a 48-bed coed residential facility for youth ages 10 to 18 who are awaiting juvenile court hearings. It is a juvenile facility, not an adult jail.
This page explains the difference between the shelter and secure detention programs, the juvenile court timeline, and the county's visitation rules, so families know whom to contact.
This is an information page. Juvenile matters are handled by the juvenile court and Juvenile Probation, and families should contact the Youth Center directly.
Ages 10–18Shelter & Secure DetentionFamily Visitation Rules
Family Information
Questions About a Youth in Custody?
Contact the Youth Center or the assigned caseworker for case-specific family information. Juvenile custody and release are decided by the juvenile court with Juvenile Probation. Do not submit a minor’s alleged offenses, identification, health records or other confidential information through website forms or chat. Bring any requested documents directly to the facility.
About the Youth Center
The county says the Youth Center provides secure detention and shelter services, education, and court evaluations for juveniles ages 10 to 18. Residents attend school, take part in structured activities, and are supervised by staff at all times.
During a stay, the Youth Center provides the court with a service plan covering behavior, education reports and any court-ordered evaluations, which the juvenile judge uses in deciding the outcome of the case.
Official sources:Youth Center(opens in a new tab)
Shelter vs. Secure Detention
12 Beds
Shelter Program
Houses juveniles for minor delinquent offenses and dependency issues, such as running away, truancy or ungovernable behavior.
- Parents and immediate family may visit
- Residents wait with parents before hearings
36 Beds
Secure Detention
Short-term secure care for juveniles alleged to have committed a delinquent act and considered a danger to themselves or the community.
- Only parents and guardians may visit
- School Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The two programs are separate and independent, with different visiting rules.
The Juvenile Court Process
The county describes these general timelines. These procedural deadlines remain subject to attorney review. Exact timing and exceptions depend on the case; confirm with the Youth Center, Juvenile Probation or the child's attorney.
- 1Detention hearing: normally within 72 hours of admission. In Montgomery County these are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
- 2Adjudication hearing: if the youth is detained, generally within the next 10 days. The judge decides whether the youth committed the act.
- 3Disposition hearing: generally within the next 20 days. The court decides whether the youth returns home under supervision or goes to placement.
A youth has the right to an attorney at every stage. If there is no private attorney, the court may assign a public defender. Most hearings are held in the Youth Center courtroom on weekdays starting at 9 a.m.
Official sources:Youth Center Court Process(opens in a new tab)
Admission and Custody Rules
The county says any child referred to secure detention must be approved by the Montgomery County Juvenile Probation Department and arrive with a signed, notarized petition alleging a delinquent act or a signed court order authorizing detention.
A juvenile judge then decides at the detention hearing whether the youth stays in custody. This is a juvenile-court decision; it is not the adult bail-bond process.
Official sources:Secure Detention(opens in a new tab)
Family and Guardian Resources
The county asks parents coming to the center for the first time to bring the items below. Bring these documents to the Youth Center in person; do not send them through any website form.
- The child's Social Security card or number
- A copy of immunization records, if available (copies can be made at the center)
- Name and phone number of the family doctor and dentist
- Photo ID of anyone permitted to visit
- Medical insurance card
The center provides clothing and toiletries; residents may wear their own sneakers.
Youth Center Visitation Rules
Scheduling
Visits are arranged through the assigned caseworker. The county describes two visits weekly and an additional visit after a hearing, subject to program rules, approval and institutional restrictions. Confirm the schedule directly.
Who May Visit
Secure detention: parents and guardians only. Shelter: parents and immediate family such as siblings and grandparents where permitted. Confirm each visitor’s eligibility with the assigned caseworker; do not assume approval.
Security
All visitors need a photo ID and pass through a metal detector. Phones, purses, tobacco, lighters and other contraband are not allowed.
Professionals
Clergy, probation officers and attorneys may visit at any time; advance notice is requested.
Contact and Official Resources
Address
Youth Center
540–550 Port Indian Road, Norristown, PA 19403. Secure detention is listed at 540 Port Indian Road.
Phone
610-631-1893
Call for questions about a youth in shelter or secure detention.
Montgomery County Youth Center FAQs
Answers for parents and guardians.
A 48-bed coed residential facility in Norristown for youth ages 10 to 18 awaiting juvenile court hearings. It runs a 12-bed shelter program and a 36-bed secure detention program.
It is not an adult jail. It is a juvenile facility, and juvenile cases follow the juvenile court process rather than the adult criminal bail process.
The shelter houses youth for minor delinquent offenses and dependency issues such as running away or truancy. Secure detention is short-term secure custody for youth alleged to have committed a delinquent act and considered a danger to themselves or others.
Admission must be approved by Juvenile Probation with a signed, notarized petition or a court order. A juvenile judge then decides at the detention hearing whether the youth stays in custody.
The county says it is normally held within 72 hours of admission, and Montgomery County holds detention hearings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Confirm the date with the Youth Center or your child's attorney.
Juvenile detention decisions are made by the juvenile court, not through the adult commercial bail-bond process. Contact the Youth Center, Juvenile Probation or your child's attorney about release.
Only parents and guardians. In the shelter, parents and immediate family may visit. Visits are scheduled through the resident's caseworker, two per week plus a visit after a court hearing.
Photo ID, your child's Social Security card or number, immunization records if available, your family doctor and dentist's names and numbers, and the medical insurance card.
Yes. A youth may be represented by an attorney at every stage, and the court may assign a public defender if there is no private attorney.
Call 610-631-1893. The address is 540–550 Port Indian Road, Norristown, PA 19403.
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