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Memphis Youth Justice Center Reopens In-Person Visitation Amid COVID-19 Updates

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 17:18 GMT by FOX13 Memphis

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Memphis Youth Justice Center Re‑opens In‑Person Visitation and Transport Amid COVID‑19 Updates

The Memphis Police Department’s Youth Justice Center (YJC) has officially resumed in‑person visitation and inmate transport after months of restrictions imposed by the COVID‑19 pandemic. The decision, announced in a recent Fox 13 Memphis news story, comes after a series of changes designed to balance public health concerns with the rights of detained youth and their families. The article outlines the new visitation protocols, the reinstatement of transport services, and the broader context of the YJC’s operations.

1. Background: Why the Pause?

The YJC, located in a historic former federal courthouse in the heart of Memphis, is a secure facility that houses young offenders under the supervision of the Tennessee Department of Correction and the Memphis Police Department. During the height of the pandemic, the center, like many correctional facilities nationwide, suspended in‑person visitation to curb virus transmission. Visitation was replaced by phone calls and, later, a limited “virtual” visit program using tablets.

Because of the essential nature of family contact for rehabilitation, the YJC has been working closely with health authorities to develop safe protocols that would allow face‑to‑face visits. The new procedures now reflect lessons learned from other correctional institutions that successfully re‑opened visitation windows with minimal outbreaks.

2. Key Changes to Visitation

The Fox 13 article details several procedural adjustments that the YJC has adopted. These changes are all codified in a new visitation policy that can be accessed through the center’s official website (link provided in the article). The policy is summarized here:

The article also highlights that the YJC has installed new security cameras that track visitor movement in real time. The center’s director, Mark H. Johnson, stated in the interview: “We want to make sure families can reconnect safely, but we also have to keep the facility secure. These new measures give us confidence on both fronts.”

3. Reinstated Transport Services

A major part of the article focuses on the return of the YJC’s transportation program. During the pandemic, the facility’s ability to transport inmates to court appearances, medical appointments, and other necessary off‑site destinations was limited. The new program allows for:

• Scheduled Court Visits: Courts in Shelby County and the State of Tennessee can schedule transport via the YJC’s dedicated shuttle service, which now meets new sanitation protocols (disinfection after each trip, use of seat covers, etc.).
• Medical Transfers: Inmates with urgent medical needs can be transported to local hospitals within a 20‑minute window, using a dedicated van that undergoes daily cleaning.
• Release Transport: Youth slated for release can be transported directly to the city’s “Release Point” at the Shelby County Detention Center, ensuring a seamless transition.

The transport policy, as described in the article, includes new checklists for drivers, health screenings for passengers, and a “buddy system” where a transport officer is always present.

4. Community and Family Response

Families of detained youth have expressed relief and gratitude. An interview quoted a mother of a 17‑year‑old male, who had been unable to see her son since March 2020. “It was hard to watch my son from a distance, but the phone calls never replaced the real thing,” she said. “We’re glad he can now talk to me face‑to‑face, even if it’s in a controlled setting.”

The article also mentions that the YJC’s volunteer program has been expanded to include a “Visitation Buddy” initiative. Volunteers, vetted by the police department, accompany families to the center, explaining procedures and ensuring that the visiting process goes smoothly.

5. Broader Implications for Youth Rehabilitation

The Fox 13 article ties the reopening of visitation to the YJC’s rehabilitation mission. “We’ve long believed that family connection is a key factor in reducing recidivism,” stated YJC Deputy Director Lisa Ramirez. “When you can see a parent, that gives the youth a reason to work toward a better future.”

Research from the Tennessee Youth Initiative supports this perspective, citing lower rates of re‑offending among inmates who maintain regular family contact. The new visitation schedule aligns with the YJC’s “Family First” program, which aims to facilitate more frequent, meaningful interactions.

6. Practical Guidance for Families

The article ends with a practical “Visitation Checklist” for families:

1. Check Eligibility – Verify that the inmate is in the YJC and that the visit date is available.
2. Complete Online Intake – Fill out the required forms 48 hours before the visit.
3. Prepare Documents – Bring vaccination records or a negative test result.
4. Arrive Early – Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit for screening and registration.
5. Follow Mask and Distancing Rules – Wear a mask at all times and maintain the prescribed distance.
6. Stick to the Time Limit – Remember the visit is limited to 45 minutes.

The article also provides a link to the center’s “Visitation FAQ” page and the county health department’s guidelines for traveling with minors.

7. Final Thoughts

The resumption of in‑person visitation and transport at the Memphis Youth Justice Center marks a significant step toward normalizing operations for a facility that had been operating under pandemic constraints for over a year. By adopting stringent health protocols, leveraging technology for screening, and engaging community volunteers, the YJC demonstrates a model for balancing safety with rehabilitation.

The Fox 13 article underscores that this change is not just a logistical adjustment; it’s an affirmation of the city’s commitment to the welfare of its youngest residents. As families return to the YJC’s gates, the center’s leadership remains vigilant, ready to adapt procedures if new public health information dictates, but confident in the system they have built to protect both the youth in their care and the families who love them.