SCDJJ is responsible for providing custodial care, supervision and rehabilitation for the state’s children (ages 17 and under at the time of the commission of a criminal or status offense) who are incarcerated, on probation or parole and/or in community placement. Learn more about the Juvenile Justice Process.

Visitation schedules vary by facility. Contact the facility directly or review our In-Person Visitation Page to learn about visiting hours and requirements.

Some items may be allowed. Check our In-Person Visitation Page, or check-in with the facility, beforehand for a list of approved items. Unapproved items will not be permitted.

Youth at our secure facilities are encouraged to write to family. We also encourage families to write to their children. Mail is opened and checked for prohibited items.

All incoming letters should be addressed as shown below. Please do not send musical cards.
[Child’s full name]
[SCDJJ Identification Number]
[Location] 
SC Dept. of Juvenile Justice
4900 Broad River Road 
Columbia, SC 29212 
[Social Worker name] 
[Social Worker phone #]

Yes, most facilities allow phone calls. Contact the facility for guidelines and restrictions.

You may contact your child's Intensive Supervision Officer by calling your local county office.

A social worker should contact you within 72 hours of your child's placement into a SCDJJ facility. If you do not have your child's social worker contact information, you may contact the facility where your child is located.

Restitution must come through the SCDJJ Fiscal Affairs Office via Money Order, Cashier's Check or by using the online payment processing service. 

SCDJJ relies heavily on the thousands of volunteers, mentors and interns who generously spend hundreds of thousands of service hours each year investing in and caring for SCDJJ-involved youth, victims' families and the state of South Carolina. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more and see several other ways SCDJJ could use your help.

You are welcome to email publicinformation@djj.sc.gov and your message will be directed to the correct contact.

FOIA requests should be made via email to FOIA@djj.sc.gov

Many detention centers and other secure facilities use x‐ray body scanners. The Tek84 body scanner that SCDJJ uses is also used by other law enforcement agencies in the state. 

The Tek84 Intercept is considered safe because it uses an extremely low dose of X‑ray radiation, far below what you’d get from a standard medical X‑ray. Facilities that use it must also follow strict state and federal radiation‑safety rules, which adds another layer of protection. 

Approximately 3.8 seconds per scan.

The Tek84 Intercept works by taking a quick, full‑body scan using a very low dose of X‑ray to spot any items hidden under clothing and within the body. It creates an outline image that helps staff see things that shouldn’t be brought inside. Scanned images appear similar to medical exams yet only require about 1% of the x‐ray level. 

The operator sees an outline of the body with highlighted areas where the scanner detects something unusual. It doesn’t show clear images of the body — just enough to spot items that shouldn’t be brought inside. PREA filters are in use, so no private areas are exposed. 

The TEK84 Intercept isn't exactly like scanners at airports. These are high security-grade devices that are designed specifically for correctional environments. 

The TEK84 Intercept isn't exactly like scanners at airports. These are high security-grade devices that are designed specifically for correctional environments. 

The Tek84 Intercept scanner does not interfere with these devices. However, individuals who have a pacemaker, insulin pump, or other implanted/worn medical device may request an accommodation from being screened by the Intercept Body Scanner. Visitors approved for this accommodation will continue to be screened through other search options such as, but not limited to, the hand wand metal detector. Please see facility leadership for information on how to complete an accommodation request form.