The First 24 Hours: What to Expect When Your Child Is Detained in Miami‑Dade

Your child should appear before a judge within 24 hours of being taken into custody. This detention hearing is where the judge decides what happens next: continued detention or release under certain conditions.

If the judge continues detention, your child could stay up to 21 days or longer. That's supposed to be "short-term," but it won't feel that way. Start planning now for school, work, and family logistics - just in case.

Your first priority: find out who's handling your child's case. Direct any questions about charges or next steps to the assigned Juvenile Probation Officer (JPO). Don't have a name yet? Keep asking. Having one point of contact makes everything - court dates, expectations, next steps - much clearer.

• ✓ Ask how your child will be represented at the detention hearing and how to contact that attorney.
• ✓ If you’re hiring a lawyer, start immediately - this hearing happens within 24 hours, so waiting a day can mean missing the window.
• ✓ Write down the hearing time and any instructions you’re given so you can share them with the attorney.

• ✓ Ask how visitation approval works for parents/legal guardians and what the current rules are for visiting.
• ✓ Plan for check-in: visitors are required to sign in and sign out on the youth’s Visitor’s Log.
• ✓ Bring proper photo ID - visits can be denied if you don’t have it.
• ✓ Expect security screening. Entrance can be denied if you refuse to be searched, act disruptive/uncooperative, or appear to be under the influence.
• ✓ Ask what the facility needs to know about your child’s medical needs right away, and how you’ll be notified if emergency medical services are needed during your child’s stay.

1. Start a simple notes log - use your phone or a notebook and write down every date/time you call, who you spoke with, and what you were told.
2. Confirm the detention hearing details - record the hearing time and any instructions you’re given about attending.
3. Get the JPO’s information - write down the assigned Juvenile Probation Officer’s name and contact details so case questions go to the right place.
4. Capture attorney contact details - whether appointed or hired, keep the attorney’s name, office number, and any case reference information together in one place.

During intake, staff will inventory your child's belongings. Valuables go in the facility safe. Everything else - clothing, shoes - gets locked in storage until release.

All youth entering detention receive a routine medical screening within 72 hours of admission. If your child needs emergency medical services during their stay, you will be notified.