The Orange County Juvenile Hall

Updated May 16, 2022

(A resource guide to parents whose child is detained at the Orange County Juvenile Hall)

Operated by the Orange County Probation Department, the Orange County Juvenile Hall serves as a temporary holding facility for minors accused of crimes as they proceed through the court process. It houses both young males and females typically between the ages of 12 and 18 years old that are assigned to living units which accommodates 20 to 60 youths.

Each living unit at the Orange County Juvenile Hall provides sleeping quarters, bathrooms, and a multi-purpose room where the minors are able to perform individual or group activities as a form of leisure. The minors are segregated into housing units by age group and gender which are supervised by a Deputy Probation Correctional Officer, who also provides counseling and keeps the youth in order.

The Orange County Juvenile Hall also receives educational programming fully accredited by the Department of Education. Furthermore, the minors also receive health benefits provided by nurses and dentists from the Orange County Health Care Agency available on site. Minors who need psychiatric or other types of mental treatment are also accommodated.

It is located at 331 City Drive, City of Orange, CA 92868 directly adjacent to the Betty Lou Lamoreaux Juvenile Justice Center.

Below our Orange County criminal defense lawyers explain the following:

• 1. Intake procedure of minors at the Orange County Juvenile Hall
• 2. How to contact a minor detained at the Orange County Juvenile Hall
• 3. Visiting procedures and schedule at the Orange County Juvenile Hall
• 4. Rules and regulations on mail correspondence with minors at the Orange County Juvenile Hall

We also invite you to see our related pages on the Orange County Central Jail, California juvenile & criminal law, the juvenile court process, sealing juvenile court records, and when juveniles get prosecuted in adult court.

1. Intake procedure of minors at the Orange County Juvenile Hall

Minors that will be detained at the Orange County Juvenile Hall once admitted will go through a physical health evaluation. This is a standard procedure in the intake process to address any health or medical concerns as early as possible. After the physical examination, and if they are cleared, they will be assigned to a housing unit.

Once they are assigned to a housing unit, all minors are provided with their individual supplies for their personal use only. They are given a sufficient amount of personal care items to maintain their hygiene. These items are replenished on a regular basis or as necessary. Minors are not allowed to share these items with each other, and none of the supplies are recycled for use with other minors.

As soon as court proceedings are concluded (or in other cases when a minor is court-ordered for transfer to a different detention facility), he or she will be released wearing their personal clothing. All personal belongings kept in storage while detained at the Orange County Juvenile Facility will then be returned at the time of discharge.

2. How to contact a minor detained at the Orange County Juvenile Hall

Phone access is conveniently available to the minors who are detained at the Orange County Juvenile Hall. They are entitled to make collect calls only restricted to their parents, grandparents, and/or legal guardians during their free time or after school hours. Incoming calls are not permitted as a standard rule in most detention facilities, this one included.

To inquire about your child’s status while detained at the facility, you may contact and speak with his or her designated Supervising Probation Correctional Officer at (714) 935-6660 to discuss any issues regarding your child. Calls are suggested to be made during normal business hours, but all calls are accepted 24 hours a day seven days a week.

3. Visiting procedures and hours at the Orange County Juvenile Hall

Note: As of March 1, 2022, in person visitation has resumed at OC Juvenile Hall.¹ The facility will be following CDC precautions in regards to Covid-19, so masks might be mandatory and social distancing protocols could be enforced. For the latest information, see the CDC’s guidance page.

The minors detained at the Orange County Juvenile Hall are able to receive visitors restricted to their parents and/or legal guardians only (with the ability to prove legal right as guardians). Visiting schedules are organized according to designated housing units. Special visits may be arranged with the approval of the court or by the Deputy Probation Correctional Officer.

Everyone entering the facility for purposes of visiting a minor will go through a search of his/her person and his/her belongings for safety measure. A valid proof of identification must be presented upon search of an identity. Only government-issued identifications are accepted to be allowed entry. No visitors under the age of 18 years old will be allowed.

All visitors are expected to arrive at the facility in proper attire. Clothing that is sexually provocative or revealing in nature, with images that show sex, drugs, violence, or any act of gang activities are strictly prohibited. Shoes must be worn when walking into the visiting area at all times. Sandals and slippers are not allowed. The dress code is strictly enforced, and non-compliance will result in denial of entry.

Bringing food and drinks in the visiting area is not permitted. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and all types of contraband are strictly prohibited in the facility. Any visitor caught in possession of these illegal items will be denied entry and will face possible prosecution. Non-compliance with all the regulations cited above will result in rejection of visiting privileges.

Below is the schedule of visiting hours at the Orange County Juvenile Hall:

Appointments are not necessary prior to arrival. That being said, it is advisable to arrive an hour early to allow for check-in time. Ideally, calling ahead and speaking to one of the Duty Officers to inquire about your child’s housing unit assignment before arriving is suggested. It will also be a great opportunity to address other inquiries and gain information that concerns your child before conducting your visit.

4. Rules and regulations on mail correspondence at the Orange County Juvenile Facility

For all intents and purposes, corresponding through mail with minors detained at the Orange County Juvenile Hall is the most efficient way of communication. They are supplied with necessary materials that enable them to write and send letters out to the public. In turn, they are also allowed to receive incoming mail as often possible and not limited as to any amount.

Consequently, all mail correspondence are inspected and reviewed for security reasons. The staff reserve the right to inspect all mail. Letters must have a return address at all times or otherwise will not be delivered. No packages or parcels are allowed to be sent or received in the mail. No letters may show slogans or images that pertain to gang-related activities. Letters may not contain any illegal drugs and/or contraband.

All mail correspondence at the Orange County Juvenile Hall that does not comply with the regulations listed above will be confiscated and will not be delivered. Minors who do not abide by the rules set by the facility on mail correspondence consistently will be placed on mail review status which will eventually result in suspension of mail correspondence privileges.

NOTE: If you have a child detained at the Juvenile Hall or the Orange County Central Jail and who needs legal counsel, please contact the Orange County criminal defense lawyers at the Shouse Law Group for help.