Children admitted to detention are required to wear a detention uniform. They are also assigned to sleep in an individual room which is never shared with another resident. Residents are visually monitored on an intermittent basis for their safety. If there is any concern about self-inflicted injury, observation may be intensified. Meals are served in a group setting three times a day. Special dietary needs may be accommodated. The center participates in the National School Lunch Program.

All children admitted to detention receive educational, medical, counseling, physical education and recreational services. Academic subjects are taught by certified teachers provided through the Fort Worth Independent School District. Grades are maintained for all assignments and are available to each student’s home school upon request. If a student attends special classes, or if a student’s regular teachers will provide the assignments, detention teachers will monitor those assignments during class at the detention center. Community resources and volunteers supplement the program through the provision of various educational presentations, church and optional religious study. The program staff who supervise children are required to have a four-year college degree.

Basic health care screening is provided through an on-site medical clinic. If the detained child takes prescribed medication or has medical problems, the nurse or the Superintendent should be informed. A child’s medication should be provided to the nurse in currently labeled pharmacy bottles.

Each resident has opportunities to visit with immediate family members thirty minutes a day and may have a daily five-minute telephone call with a parent or legal guardian. Since a child is permitted only one visit daily, coordination with others in the family wishing to visit the child should be exercised. Parents are asked to provide personal photo identification upon arrival. Letters from residents may be sent at no cost and received without restriction. Parents are asked to follow visitation and telephone guidelines and to cooperate with staff requests to ensure the child’s successful adjustment in the center. The average length of time a child stays in the detention center is approximately 10 days.