The Juvenile Detention Center at 1200 Congress is a secure residential facility for juveniles requiring a restricted environment while awaiting court action. The Intake Screening staff is responsible for assessing immediate circumstances and deciding if a youth is to be detained or released. When thought to present a threat to self or to the community or is likely to run away and not return for a court appearance, the youth will be held in detention. The Detention Center also houses youth awaiting transfer to the Burnett-Bayland Reception Center, private placement or TYC.

The Center features private sleeping rooms, multi-purpose activity rooms, gymnasiums, outdoors recreation areas, visitation and counseling areas, facilities for medical, dental, psychological and social services, a separate intake section and a courtroom. Advanced monitoring systems and architectural designs provide security and safety without bars.

During their stay, juveniles undergo physical and psychological assessments, short-term therapy and crisis intervention. Recreation specialists provide daily physical education activities. Highly trained staff and volunteers work to promote feelings of self-worth, to establish trust and teach juveniles to relate to others through structured unit activities.

The Harris County Juvenile Justice Charter School provides an educational program that focuses on areas in which these students are generally deficient such as remedial reading, language and math skills. Volunteers and other agencies provide additional services including health awareness, self-esteem workshops, tutoring, and individual visitation.

A maximum of 48 juveniles can be held at the Westside Detention Center to avoid crowding at West Dallas. Detention hearings by teleconference avoid unnecessary transporting. In 2005, 6,098 juveniles were referred to the Detention Centers.