The Merrimac Juvenile Detention Center is operated by the Middle Peninsula Juvenile Detention Commission for the Commonwealth of Virginia. It serves both the 9^th and the 15^th District Court Service Units for a total of 18 localities.  Merrimac is a 48 bed facility, which provides secure detention for juveniles who are awaiting court hearings or who have been found guilty and have been sentenced to serve time in detention.  The average length of stay is about 21 days; those participating in the Post-Dispositional program serve 180 days.

The purpose and philosophy of the Merrimac Center is the rehabilitation of children.  The detention experience is geared toward constructive use of time for those juveniles in our care.  Merrimac Center provides a range of helpful services which support their physical, emotional and social development.  All residents in the Center participate in programming geared toward behavior modification through social skills training and cognitive behavioral interventions.  Residents live in one of four housing units, which allows for the different programming needs of males and females as well as various age groups. Residents participate in 21 therapeutic groups per week. These groups are the basis for our behavior modification program. Services offered during their detention stay will help redirect a juvenile's path in a more positive direction.  We hope youth gain insight into their current situation and use that knowledge to assist them in making better decisions to choose a new path toward success and happiness. 

Applications may be obtained by selecting this link or by visiting, writing, emailing or calling the Merrimac Center at 9300 Merrimac Trail, Williamsburg, VA 23185,  757-887-0225.