Broward Juvenile Detention Center

The facility houses male juveniles ranging from pre-adjudication detainees awaiting court hearings to adjudicated youth serving commitment sentences. The population typically includes juveniles charged with or convicted of offenses ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including property crimes, drug offenses, assault, and other criminal violations. Because Broward County is Florida's second-most populous county, the facility receives youth from diverse backgrounds throughout the Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area. The classification system separates residents based on age, offense severity, behavioral history, and security needs. Special attention is given to vulnerable populations, including first-time offenders, youth with mental health needs, and those requiring protective custody due to safety concerns within the general population.

Youth at Broward Juvenile Detention Center are housed in dormitory-style or individual cell configurations depending on their classification level and behavioral status. The facility provides three daily meals that meet nutritional standards established for juvenile populations by state regulations. Residents have access to indoor and outdoor recreation time, which includes physical education activities and structured programming. Medical services are available on-site, with healthcare staff providing routine examinations, sick call, and medication management for chronic conditions. Mental health services include counseling, crisis intervention, and treatment for youth with diagnosed behavioral health disorders. Educational services continue during detention to comply with Florida's mandatory education requirements for minors. The facility maintains a formal grievance process allowing residents to report concerns about their treatment, living conditions, or facility operations to administrative staff and outside oversight agencies.

Broward Juvenile Detention Center provides educational programming to ensure detained youth continue their academic progress, including classroom instruction aligned with Florida's educational standards and opportunities to work toward grade-level advancement or high school equivalency credentials. Vocational awareness programs introduce residents to potential career paths and basic job readiness skills. Substance abuse education addresses addiction issues among youth with drug or alcohol involvement. Counseling services include individual and group therapy sessions focusing on anger management, decision-making skills, and behavioral modification. Religious services and faith-based programming are available on a voluntary basis. Re-entry planning begins during detention, connecting youth and families with community resources, educational placements, and support services to reduce recidivism upon release from the facility.

Youth detained at Broward Juvenile Detention Center participate in various work assignments as part of their daily structure and rehabilitation. Inside jobs include facility maintenance, food service assistance, laundry operations, and janitorial duties, which teach responsibility and workplace expectations. These assignments help maintain facility operations while providing residents with practical skills and structured activity. Work participation is often linked to the facility's behavior management system, with cooperative youth earning privileges and positive recognition. Unlike adult facilities, juvenile detention centers typically do not operate extensive prison industries programs, focusing instead on education and age-appropriate skill development that prepares youth for successful community reintegration.

While the exact founding date of Broward Juvenile Detention Center is not documented in available public records, the facility has served Fort Lauderdale and Broward County for years as part of Florida's juvenile justice infrastructure. The center was established to meet the need for secure detention capacity in one of Florida's largest metropolitan areas, where population growth and juvenile crime patterns necessitated dedicated youth detention resources separate from adult jails. Currently under the superintendency of Jonathan Hackley, the facility continues fulfilling its role as a medium-security detention center with a 102-bed capacity. The center operates within Florida's evolving juvenile justice framework, which increasingly emphasizes rehabilitation, education, and community-based alternatives while maintaining secure custody for youth who present public safety concerns or flight risks during court proceedings.

Visitation at Broward Juvenile Detention Center allows families to maintain contact with detained youth according to facility-specific schedules and procedures. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification and typically undergo a background check and approval process before their first visit. The facility enforces a dress code prohibiting revealing clothing, gang-related attire, and items that could pose security concerns. Visitation may be conducted in-person through contact or non-contact formats depending on the resident's classification and behavior status. Families should expect to pass through security screening, including metal detectors. Scheduling procedures and visiting hours vary, so families are strongly encouraged to call the facility in advance to confirm current visitation policies, obtain approval, and schedule appointments.

Mail sent to youth at Broward Juvenile Detention Center should be addressed with the resident's full name and identification number, followed by the facility address at 222 NW 22nd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. All incoming mail is subject to inspection for contraband and prohibited materials. Books and publications typically must be sent directly from approved vendors or publishers rather than individuals. The facility may offer telephone services through prepaid accounts that families can fund, allowing residents to make outgoing calls during designated hours. Some Florida juvenile facilities provide electronic messaging or email systems, though availability varies. Families should contact the facility directly to confirm current communication options, funding procedures, and any restrictions on correspondence content or materials.