The San Diego County Probation Department and the juvenile court will be hosting public tours of the Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility, as part of a “cared straight” campaign, officials announced.
The nearly one-hour free tours are offered in English and Spanish, and will take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are open to the entire community and no reservations are required.
“Probation officials and staff want to invite everyone to learn what it is like for detained youth and what kind of programs are offered to help young people and their families that struggle with behavioral or emotional issues underlying juvenile crime,” according to a county news release.
During the tours, the public will walk through a juvenile court room, a classroom, a recreation room and living quarters. Visitors will also get to see the uniforms, communal showers, food and daily juvenile hall schedule.
For privacy, the tours will be routed through an empty unit and none of the detained youth will be visible.
The juvenile hall tours are offered on one day every other year. Past open houses have attracted thousands of visitors including families, youth and school clubs, and other groups, according to the county.
Backpacks, purses, cameras, weapons, food, drink and tobacco products are prohibited on the tour.
The Kearny Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility is located at 2851 Meadow Lark Drive.
–Staff
