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Non-Secure Detention
Non-Secure Detention (NSD) offers a less restrictive setting for lower-risk Juvenile Delinquents who have court cases pending in the Family Court.
NSD group homes house up to 12 youth, offering supportive, home-like environments and close supervision.
ACS manages a network of NSD group homes in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. The homes are operated by non-profit organizations contracted and overseen by ACS.
Intake and Orientation
ACS considers several factors, including service needs and family’s location in assigning youth to the most appropriate NSD group home. Two contracted facilities operate as NSD intake facilities. One is located in Brooklyn and the other in Queens. They are responsible for processing incoming youth as they await their group home assignment. All newly admitted youth to NSD participate in an orientation at an NSD intake facility.
Services
Youth receive medical and mental health screenings, assessments, evaluations, and care including medical, trauma, depression and substance abuse services, dental services, educational and family assessments.
Education
Like many youth across the city, young people in non-secure detention during the 2020-2021 school year will continue their education remotely. The New York City Department of Education (DOE) Passages Academy provides instruction according to grade-level in all major middle and high school subjects. Eligible youth may also enroll in a remote high school equivalency program offered by Passages Academy. Students continue to receive speech and language services, psychological counseling and guidance counseling remotely.
Recreation Services & Activities
Youth in NSD homes participate in a variety of recreational activities such as field trips, museum visits, book clubs, plays, concerts, sporting events, community service, and other programs in the community. Activities inside the group homes are designed to promote learning. Residents have access to educational software, books, and magazines.
Non-Secure Detention Providers
The following contracted non-profit providers operate NSD homes across New York City:
- Abbott House
- Sheltering Arms Children & Family Services (formerly Episocial Social Services)
- Good Shepherd Services
- Lutheran Social Services
- St.John’s Residence for Boys
Contact Non-Secure Detention by calling the ACS Office of Advocacy
