To learn more about Youth Study Center (YSC) call 215-686-4800

The Youth Study Center (YSC) is the only secure youth detention facility in Philadelphia. At the Center, court-ordered juveniles between the ages of 13-18, who are alleged to have committed a felony type offense and are deemed by the court to be a serious risk to the safety of the community or risk of failure to appear at their scheduled court hearings, await their hearing before Juvenile Court. All residents follow a strict schedule of activities that includes regular school sessions conducted on-site by the Philadelphia School District, individual and group counseling, and supervised outdoor recreation.

The 105-bed facility accommodates nearly 5,000 youth each year. The length of stay at the YSC varies but is typically between 6 and 10 days on average, depending upon the particular need of a juvenile, the availability of resources, and the complexity of the legal proceeding in each case.