NoVA Juvenile Detention Center's Future Is Being Studied

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The three jurisdictions that operate Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center will study what should become of it in the future. With utilization of the detention center down from years past, the study will look at closure and other possible options.

The juvenile detention center is a 70-bed facility operated by the City of Alexandria, City of Falls Church and Arlington County. It typically holds youths ages 16 or 17 with multiple misdemeanor or felony offenses and who present significant danger to themselves or others. The detention center provides basic educational services and centralized intake and community-placement programs. It's located at 200 South Whiting Street in Alexandria.

The lessening use of the detention center reflects declining juvenile incarceration rates nationwide. According to an analysis, juveniles spent a combined 5,574 bed days at the facility in 2019, down from 20,092 in 2006. Contributing factors include a decline in juvenile crime due to increased diversion, alternatives to secure detention, and changes in juvenile court practices. Lower utilization has led to an increase in per diem costs to jurisdictions, since there are fixed costs associated with operating the detention center.

The study will determine how the center can operate more efficiently while serving the three jurisdictions and juvenile populations. The option of closing the center would mean sending juveniles to another detention center in Northern Virginia. Fairfax County has its own juvenile detention center.

The Moss Group, an independent criminal justice contractor, is conducting the study. A final report is expected in January 2020.

The City of Alexandria, City of Falls Church, and Arlington County will host community meetings and gather feedback through an online survey. The survey is open through Dec. 6.

Meetings are set for the following times:

• City of Falls Church: Thursday, Nov. 14, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. City Hall, Laurel Room, 300 Park Ave., Falls Church, VA 22046
• City of Alexandria: Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Lee Center Exhibit Hall, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria VA 22314
• Arlington County: Thursday, Nov. 21, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Central Library Auditorium, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, VA 22201

Visit the juvenile detention center study page for more information.