J.M. "Chick" Buckbee Juvenile Center

The inmate population at J.M. Chick Buckbee Juvenile Center consists exclusively of male juveniles who require maximum-security confinement. These young offenders typically have been adjudicated for serious felony offenses including violent crimes, repeat offenses, or have demonstrated behavioral issues requiring the highest level of secure detention. The facility houses both pre-adjudication youth awaiting court proceedings and post-adjudication juveniles serving committed sentences. With a current population of 14 residents out of a 24-bed capacity, the center maintains lower numbers than many juvenile facilities, reflecting its role as a placement for the most serious cases. Residents range in age from early teens to young adults approaching transfer age to adult facilities. The population includes youth requiring specialized mental health services, educational interventions, and behavioral modification programs. Hampshire County and surrounding eastern panhandle counties contribute to the population, though the facility accepts placements from throughout West Virginia based on security classification needs and bed availability.

Living conditions at J.M. Chick Buckbee Juvenile Center reflect its maximum-security classification with an emphasis on structure, safety, and accountability. Residents are housed in secure individual cells rather than dormitory-style arrangements, ensuring appropriate supervision and reducing potential conflicts. Each housing unit maintains strict schedules for daily activities including wake-up times, meals, education, recreation, and lockdown periods. The facility provides three nutritionally balanced meals daily prepared on-site to meet dietary requirements for growing adolescents. Recreation opportunities include supervised outdoor yard time in secure areas with basketball courts and exercise equipment, though activities are more restricted than lower-security facilities. Medical care is available through the West Virginia Department of Corrections healthcare system, with on-site nursing staff and access to physicians for routine and emergency needs. Mental health services play a critical role given the population's needs, with counselors and psychologists providing individual and group therapy sessions. Educational services are mandated for school-age residents, with teachers providing instruction to help juveniles continue their academic progress. The grievance process allows residents to formally address concerns about conditions, treatment, or services through written complaints reviewed by facility administrators. Given the Maximum security environment, movement throughout the facility is carefully controlled and supervised.

J.M. Chick Buckbee Juvenile Center offers specialized programs designed to address the educational, behavioral, and rehabilitative needs of serious juvenile offenders. Educational programming is mandatory for school-age residents, with certified teachers providing instruction toward GED completion or high school equivalency for those who have not graduated. Vocational training opportunities, though limited compared to adult facilities, introduce residents to basic job skills and work ethics that support successful reentry. Substance abuse treatment programs address addiction issues common among the juvenile justice population, utilizing evidence-based curricula to help residents understand and overcome dependencies. Cognitive behavioral therapy interventions teach anger management, decision-making skills, and victim awareness to address thinking patterns that contributed to criminal behavior. Faith-based programming offers spiritual guidance and moral development opportunities for residents seeking religious participation. Re-entry and reintegration planning begins upon admission, with case managers working to connect Hampshire County and statewide residents with community resources, family reunification services, and post-release supervision support. Given the maximum-security population, programs emphasize accountability, behavioral change, and preparation for either transfer to less-restrictive settings or successful community reintegration upon release.

Work assignments at J.M. Chick Buckbee Juvenile Center are structured differently than adult correctional facilities, focusing on teaching responsibility and basic work skills rather than prison industries production. Residents may be assigned to kitchen duties assisting with meal preparation and cleanup under staff supervision, providing practical food service experience. Laundry assignments teach residents to maintain facility linens and their own clothing properly. Maintenance and janitorial work assignments keep housing units and common areas clean while instilling pride in their living environment. Grounds maintenance during appropriate weather allows supervised outdoor work on the Augusta facility property. Given the Maximum security classification, all work assignments involve close supervision with security considerations paramount. Participation in work details can earn behavioral credits and demonstrates readiness for increased privileges or transition to lower security levels. These assignments help residents develop workplace skills, understand expectations, and establish positive work habits that will benefit them upon release.

J.M. Chick Buckbee Juvenile Center was established in 2003 to address West Virginia's need for a secure maximum-security juvenile detention facility in the eastern panhandle region. The facility was named in honor of J.M.

Visiting hours at J.M. Chick Buckbee Juvenile Center are carefully structured to balance family contact with security requirements of a maximum-security juvenile facility. Families should contact the facility directly to confirm current J.M. Chick Buckbee Juvenile Center visiting hours, as schedules may vary and visits typically require advance approval and scheduling. All visitors must appear on the resident's approved visitor list, which requires submission of visitor applications and background checks before approval. Approved forms of identification such as valid driver's licenses or state-issued IDs are mandatory for all adult visitors. The dress code strictly prohibits revealing clothing, gang-related attire, clothing resembling inmate uniforms, and other items that could compromise facility security. Visitors should search public records to confirm current housing status before traveling to the Augusta location. Upon arrival at 144 Jerry Lane, visitors undergo security screening including metal detectors and possible searches. Families traveling to Hampshire County should plan accordingly as the rural location requires proper directions and travel time consideration.

Families can contact juveniles at J.M. Chick Buckbee Juvenile Center through approved mail correspondence following specific guidelines. The correct J.M. Chick Buckbee Juvenile Center mailing address format requires the resident's full legal name, assigned identification number, facility name, and complete address: 144 Jerry Lane, Augusta, WV 26704. All incoming mail undergoes inspection for contraband and prohibited items before delivery to residents. Books and magazines must typically come directly from approved vendors or publishers rather than personal senders to ensure security compliance. Families interested in case details can look up arrest records to find booking information and charges. Phone communication requires establishing prepaid phone accounts through the facility's approved telephone service provider, with residents able to make outgoing calls during designated times. Some electronic communication services such as email messaging or video visitation may be available depending on current facility policies and contracted vendors serving the West Virginia Department of Corrections system.