The Pre-Adjudication Institutional Division consists of the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) located in the Juvenile Justice Center in downtown Houston, a secure detention facility. The Juvenile Detention Center houses youth pending court or awaiting transfer to the post-adjudicated facilities such as the Burnett-Bayland Rehabilitation Center, the Harris County Leadership Academy, the Harris County Youth Village, other private placements and TYC. The Juvenile Detention Center consists of six housing floors accommodating 250 youth. The Juvenile Detention Center features private sleeping rooms, multi-purpose activity rooms, gymnasiums, visitation and counseling areas, facilities for medical, dental, psychological and social services. In addition, the JDC has a separate intake section and a courtroom. Advanced monitoring systems including digital video recordings and architectural design provide security and safety without bars. During their stay, youth undergo physical and psychological assessments, short-term therapy and crisis intervention.

Recreation specialists provide daily physical education activity. Highly trained staff and volunteers work to promote feelings of self-worth, to establish trust and teach youth to relate to others through structured unit activities. Each youth can express their own religious preference and maintain regular contact with family members through visits, written correspondence and phone calls. The detention center adheres to the guidelines of the National School Lunch Program, and three well-balanced meals are provided to each resident daily. Additionally, a full range of medical, dental and ophthalmologic services including follow-up care or treatment is available for each youth.