Youth Services Center (Secure Detention)
810 East Ferry Street, Buffalo, NY, 14211
Secure detention houses Juvenile Delinquents, youth who are alleged to have committed acts that would be considered criminal before age 16, and Juvenile Offenders, youth age 13-15 who have been charged with serious crimes and are being prosecuted in the adult criminal justice system.
The facility provides health, mental health and educational services along with a variety of programs and appropriate interventions. Detention is a temporary facility for youths awaiting the outcome of their Court proceedings.
Youth remanded to the secure facility are in custody either through law enforcement arrest, family court order, or outstanding warrant.
If a youth is apprehended outside of Family Court business hours they will be brought directly to the facility:
- The parent/guardian is notified as soon as possible.
- The youth’s immediate physical and mental state are assessed and safety assured.
- The youth will be transported to Youth Services Downtown offices at the Family Court Building the following business day to appear in Family Court.
- Parents should report to the Youth Services/Detention Offices in the Court Building Lobby (Rm. 125) for guidance on the court appearance.
- The youth may be released as a result of this initial hearing (possibly with conditions) or may be remanded to secure detention pending further proceedings.
Research shows that the great majority of youths detained in facilities such as the Youth Services Secure Center, do not become persistent adult offenders. Though it is vital that problem behaviors be addressed.
Important information regarding the youth’s stay at detention is available at the following phone numbers:
- Central Intake 923-4062, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week
- Central Administration 923-4000, Business Hours 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. [Monday - Friday] (Includes voice message with phone numbers of key staff)