The Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center is King County's youth detention facility. It is located in Seattle's Central District.

We only use detention for the most serious or violent crimes, and for high-risk offenders. Youth attend school and have access to many programs and services while in detention. The focus is on rehabilitation and community safety. Our goal is to help youth become healthy, productive adults.

Our mission: The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, Juvenile Division, is committed to providing quality, innovative, comprehensive services to youth, families, the community, and the juvenile justice system within a quality work environment by professional, caring staff.

Detention status and hearing information

If you have questions about youth detention or court dates, call 206-263-9595. You can speak to someone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Contact and visit youth in detention

Youth in detention are located at the Clark Children and Family Justice Center. Parents and guardians can visit or receive phone calls from youth in detention. 

How to contact and visit youth at the Clark Children and Family Justice Center

Probation information

For questions about youth probation, call 206-263-9595. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or, you can call the youth's assigned probation counselor directly. 

Other information

If you have other questions about detention, call 206-296-1234. When you hear the menu prompts, dial option No. 8 to talk to staff about a detained youth (under age 18). You can choose option No. 2 if you have questions about the adult jail.

Directions to the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center

The youth detention facility is located near the main campus of Seattle University. The address of the detention facility is: 1211 East Alder Street, Seattle, WA, 98122. 

Map to the Clark Children and Family Justice Center

From I-5 North

• Take the James Street exit;
• Go to the second light and turn right;
• Go about a mile to 12th Avenue and turn right on 12th Ave.;
• Go past Jefferson Street;
• Parking lot will be on your left.

From I-5 South

• Take the James Street exit;
• Turn left on James Street;
• Go about a mile to 12th Avenue and turn right onto 12th Ave.;
• Go past Jefferson Street;
• Parking lot will be on your left.

By bus

Use the King County Metro Trip Planner  to find a bus route and timetable.

Area map

The neighborhood around the Clark Children and Family Justice Center.

Parking

Temporary free parking is available on the top level of the parking garage located off 12th Avenue and the Clark Children and Family Justice Center. Visiting members of the public can get their parking validated within the facility.