What to Expect in the First 24 Hours After Intake at Missoula County Juvenile Detention

At Missoula County Juvenile Detention, newly processed youth spend the first 24 hours in isolation while staff make a placement determination. This decision affects where your child will be housed and what contact is possible right away. During this intake period, your child can make one initial phone call. Visits with parents or guardians aren't allowed until the following day.

Expect one phone call from your child during the 24-hour intake isolation period. After that, contact may be limited until the next day. If you missed the call or need to check on what's happening, the Missoula Juvenile Detention Center phone line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (406) 258-4054.

If your child is being held in detention, Montana law requires a detention hearing before a judge within 24 hours of placement. Weekends and holidays don't count toward that window. At this hearing, a judge reviews the situation and decides whether detention continues or whether your child can be released to a less restrictive setting.

4

• ✓ Call Missoula Juvenile Detention at (406) 258-4054 (answered 24/7) to confirm your child is there and ask what to expect next.
• ✓ Track the detention hearing timeline: it must happen within 24 hours of placement, excluding weekends and holidays.
• ✓ Contact the Youth Court Office at 311 Woody Street, (406) 258-4735 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed weekends and holidays).

1. Call the detention center for immediate information: Use (406) 258-4054, the line is answered 24/7.
2. Follow up with Youth Court during business hours: Contact the Youth Court Office at (406) 258-4735 or go to 311 Woody Street.
3. Keep your timeline focused on the hearing window: The detention hearing must be held within 24 hours of placement, excluding weekends and holidays, so plan your calls around the next court day if a weekend or holiday is involved.

Don't expect in-person visits during the first 24 hours. Newly processed youth are held in isolation while placement is determined. During that time, they're limited to one phone call and aren't available to visit with parents or guardians until the following day.

For the fastest updates at any time of day, call the Missoula Juvenile Detention Center at (406) 258-4054 (answered 24/7). For case-related questions and next steps around court, contact the Youth Court Office at 311 Woody Street or by phone at (406) 258-4735. Many families use detention staff to confirm custody status and immediate logistics, then reach out to Youth Court during business hours for court scheduling and follow-up.