Learning that your minor child has just been arrested is emotional. Following those initial feelings of panic, worry, and anger, you begin to think about your kid’s well-being, wanting them home safe, and as soon as possible. But with your head filled with so many questions, like “Why have they been arrested?”, “How can I get them out of juvenile detention?”, and “Do I need to hire a bail bondsman?”, your first step toward getting your loved one home can be unclear.
Fortunately, you are in the right place for answers to these questions and more. Continue below to learn what you need to know about getting your kid out of juvenile detention in Indiana.

Police Can Arrest Kids
Although you might find it unbelievable, the fact of the matter is, police are permitted to arrest children. Law enforcement is highly trained on dealing with criminal activity among kids and minors, so they are skilled in various types of responses when detaining, questioning, or arresting children under the age of 18 years old. So, if your kid was just arrested, it is very likely that the arresting officers have reasonable suspicion that your child has committed or participated in some level of offense.
Just because your child was arrested does not mean that the officers are mistreating them. Law enforcement officials, as mentioned, are highly trained to work with juvenile offenders, and aim for a path of understanding, connection, and rehabilitation with each individual they come across. In fact, most times, officers will choose an alternative way of dealing with an offending juvenile instead of placing them under arrest, such as a ride home in the squad car, on-the-scene counseling and release, and even a short-term trip to the station house.
Although you do not have to worry about your kid’s experience with police and jail, you do have to worry about the legal process that ensues while they are detained and after they are released from juvenile detention.
Juvenile Detention Centers in Indiana
In most states, including Indiana, law enforcement is required by law to immediately notify parents or legal guardians of a child’s arrest. This phone call will inform you of the location of the juvenile detention center, the charges your child was arrested under, and instructions on how to move forward.
Top Juvenile Detention Centers Near Indianapolis:
Marion County Juvenile Division
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 327-8300
Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility
Pendleton, IN
(765) 778-3778
Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Facility
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 244-3387
Getting Your Kid Out of Juvie
Once your child has been arrested and transferred to the nearest juvenile detention center, they will be taken through a booking process that may involve search and seizure, data collection, fingerprinting, mugshots, and more. While this is happening, a judge is already scheduling your kid’s first hearing.
For adults, this hearing is known as the arraignment, but for juveniles, it’s simply referred to as a juvenile detention hearing. This hearing comes fast, as decreed by law, typically by the next working business day, or within 24 hours. Most often, children are released back into their parent’s custody. Sometimes, the judge orders them to remain in juvenile detention.
Hiring a Bail Bond Service
For this reason, you do not need to hire a bail bondsman to get your child out of juvenile detention. You do, however, need to hire a lawyer. If your child is a minor who has been arrested and taken to adult jail, it is strongly encouraged to contact a licensed Indianapolis bail bond company and get them out of jail using a bail bond.
Are you ready to get a bail bond going for your minor child who is being held in an Indiana county jail? Contact Woods Bail Bonds at 317-876-9600 for 24 hour bail bond services in over 30 Indiana counties. We also offer prearranged bail bond service for arrest warrants.
Related Posts:
Do I Need a Bail Bond for a Juvenile?
How to Talk to Kids About a Parent’s Arrest
How to Decide if You Should Bail Your Adult Child Out of Jail