Juvenile Correctional Centres in Jamaica, formerly known as Approved Schools, are rehabilitation-focused residential facilities for children aged 12 to 18 years. These institutions are not prisons, but structured environments where youth are guided through education, vocational training, and life skills development, as determined by the courts.

A Shift in Youth Incarceration Trends

In 2012, the juvenile population exceeded 400. However, through joint initiatives by the Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of National Security, the number has been significantly reduced. In recent years, the population has remained below 260, with remandees (children awaiting trial) accounting for approximately 50%.

Structure of Juvenile Correctional Facilities

The juvenile facilities fall under the Custodial Services Division of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). There are currently:

• Three (3) Juvenile Correctional Centres

• One (1) Juvenile Remand Centre

Types of Facilities

1. High-Security Facilities:
   Designed for children requiring maximum supervision and intensive residential care, such as:

   • Hill Top Juvenile Correctional Centre

   • Metcalfe Street Secure Juvenile Remand Centre

2. Medium/Minimum-Security Facilities:
   These allow children to enter and leave under staff supervision, and participate in License or Home Leave programmes. Examples include:

   • South Camp Juvenile Correctional and Remand Centre (Girls)

   • Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre (Boys)

Purpose and Rehabilitation Approach

Children are placed in correctional centres via Correctional Orders, which specify the duration of stay. The Remand Centre offers temporary accommodation for boys whose cases are still before the courts.

Many of the children in these centres are survivors of abuse, but despite their backgrounds, they are incredibly talented and show a strong willingness to learn—especially when programmes align with their interests.