San Diego Youth Transition Campus

Search for an Inmate in San Diego County

San Diego Youth Transition Campus Information

The Youth Transition Campus in San Diego is designed to appear and function similar to a college or university campus. It includes a school yard with classrooms, gym, amphitheater, visiting center, support services, commons, and a full commercial kitchen. It is made up of 12 housing units that can house up to 96 youth between 13 and 18 years in age. It includes the Urban Camp, Youthful Offender Unit, and the Healing Opportunities for Personal Empowerment Program. Many of the included programs are focused on trauma informed techniques, and there are extensive educational opportunities including continued classes from the public school, Career and Technical Education, Culinary Arts, Construction, Graphic Arts, and much more. While addressing vocational and educational services there are also treatments and counselling for drug or alcohol abuse, anger management, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and much more. Optional classes include creative expression and outdoor classes. These programs are formed to address the entire youth and offer them life skills and employable skills to provide the best chance of successful reintegration. Mail: 2801 Meadowlark Drive San Diego, CA 92123 Phones: Telephones are available in common areas for youth to call their parents or guardians. Visitation: Visits are one hour each and occur Monday to Friday 3:30pm to 9pm by appointment, weekends 9am to 5pm, all visits require scheduling in advance, and virtual visits that are 30 minutes long are available.

Phone: 858-694-4500

Physical Address:
2801 Meadow Lark Drive
San Diego, CA 92123

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Juvenile's first and last name
Kearny Mesa Detention Facility
2801 Meadow Lark Drive
San Diego, CA 92123

Other Jails and Prisons

How Do You Find Someone in the San Diego Youth Transition Campus?

To search for an inmate in the San Diego Youth Transition Campus, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 858-694-4500 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up a list of criminal courts for San Diego County and every other county in California. The San Diego County District Attorney also has a helpful website where you can look up an offender's criminal court case online.

The San Diego County Sheriff provides a resource for looking up Active Arrest Warrants for this county.

San Diego Youth Transition Campus Inmate Search

This is a link to all of the city and county jails, and juvenile detention facilities in San Diego County.

The San Diego Youth Transition Campus maintains an average of 359 offenders in custody on any given day. The San Diego Youth Transition Campus has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year San Diego County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 131,780 offenders.

The following charts of San Diego County inmate population demographics are updated daily. The information shown is for today. For research purposes we have broken down the inmates by sex, age, ethnicity, and criminal charges.

The information is compiled from the San Diego County Corrections Department, the state of California Department of Corrections, as well as the United States Department of Justice and Census Bureau records. It represents every person in custody in San Diego County.

For complete information on how to get directions, bond, visit, mail, send and receive email and texts, receive phone calls, and send money or commissary to an inmate, find arrest information for San Diego County and other counties surrounding this one, scroll down this page. We have a section for each.

We also provide photos of the jail that we have collected over the years.

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Recent Bookings & Arrests

Understanding the booking process at San Diego Youth Transition Campus

After an arrest, individuals are taken to San Diego Youth Transition Campus where they go through booking. This process includes identifying the person, reviewing charges, and determining whether they will be released on their own, eligible for bail, or detained until their court date.

It’s crucial to remain silent after being arrested. Anything said may be used in court, so it’s better to refrain from speaking until consulting with an attorney.

The following steps outline the booking procedure at San Diego Youth Transition Campus:

  • Personal identification verification.
  • Taking photographs (mugshots).
  • Medical and mental health assessment, as well as inquiries about substance use.
  • Possibly collecting DNA samples.
  • Performing a full-body search.
  • Seizing personal belongings for safekeeping.
  • Allowing one phone call.

Booking can take from a short hour to longer periods, especially on busy nights or with uncooperative individuals. For inquiries about posting bond for an arrestee, call the facility at 858-694-4500.

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Directions / Map to the San Diego Youth Transition Campus
Inmate Bail and Bonding

Paying bail for someone in custody in San Diego County

Once someone is booked at San Diego Youth Transition Campus in San Diego after an arrest, there are several outcomes:

1. They may be released without paying bail, agreeing to show up on a scheduled date.
2. They may remain in custody until their court appearance.
3. They can pay a bail or bond for release. Call 858-694-4500 for bail details.

Bail payments can take several forms.

  • Cash, credit card, or money order can be used for payment.
  • A licensed bail bond agent in San Diego County can help cover bail.
  • Property within the county can also be used as collateral.

For detailed information about the bail process in San Diego County, California, see the San Diego Youth Transition Campus Bail FAQ.

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Inmate Visitation

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the San Diego Youth Transition Campus? What is the Schedule?

San Diego Youth Transition Campus Visitation

  • Monday - Friday:  3:30pm - 8:30pm by appointment only.
  • The last scheduled in person visit ends at 7:30pm and the last virtual visit ends at 8:30pm.
  • Weekends and Holidays:  9:00am - 4:30pm.
  • The last scheduled visit will end at 4:30pm.
  • In person visits are 1 hour in length.
  • There will be a maximum of two visitors per youth at a time.
  • You must check in at the Administration Entrance prior to your visit.
  • All visits should be scheduled by appointment and may be scheduled three days in advance.
  • Virtual visitations are 30 minutes in length and are still available for families.
  • For appointments and additional information, please call (858) 694-4500, Monday - Friday 7:00am - 8:30pm.

San Diego Youth Transition Campus uses Securus Video Connect for Remote Inmate Video Visitation. 



Video Visitation allows 'approved' friends, family members, attorneys and clergy of an inmate to connect with them using their computer, Securus Video Visitation app, or ‘on-site’ kiosk. 

Steps:
Register and/or log in.
Select the facility of your inmate.
Review the days, available hours and the cost of remote and on-site visits.
Schedule your visit.

What is the Cost of a Remote Video Visit?
Costs vary and are subject to change, but generally visits range from $5.00 to $15.00 for a 15 to 30 minute online or on-site video visit.

How do you know if your Inmate will be available during the time you schedule?
The Securus system knows the times that San Diego Youth Transition Campus inmates are available for remote video visits.
It will not allow you to schedule a visit with your inmate if they are not available or the video visitation kiosk(s) in the jail are booked already.
Once you schedule a visit with your inmate they will be notified of the date and time of the visit.

Important Tips:
Your entire visit is being monitored and recorded. Do not say or do anything that you would not want being replayed in court.
You should schedule your visit, in advance, at a time that works best for you.
For best sound quality, use earbuds or headsets.

Quick & Easy Access to Important Information & Help:
Phone: 972-734-1111 or 877-578-3658
Video Tutorial on Registering for Securus Video Visits.
Frequently Asked Questions.
San Diego Youth Transition Campus Pricing.
Securus Contact Information.
iphone app
Android app

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Youth Transition Campus’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 858-694-4500 for further assistance.

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Remote Video Visitation

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the San Diego Youth Transition Campus?

San Diego Youth Transition Campus uses Securus Video Connect for Remote Inmate Video Visitation. 




Video Visitation allows 'approved' friends, family members, attorneys and clergy of an inmate to connect with them using their computer, Securus Video Visitation app, or ‘on-site’ kiosk. 

Steps:
Register and/or log in.
Select the facility of your inmate.
Review the days, available hours and the cost of remote and on-site visits.
Schedule your visit.

What is the Cost of a Remote Video Visit?
Costs vary and are subject to change, but generally visits range from $5.00 to $15.00 for a 15 to 30 minute online or on-site video visit.

How do you know if your Inmate will be available during the time you schedule?
The Securus system knows the times that San Diego Youth Transition Campus inmates are available for remote video visits.
It will not allow you to schedule a visit with your inmate if they are not available or the video visitation kiosk(s) in the jail are booked already.
Once you schedule a visit with your inmate they will be notified of the date and time of the visit.

Important Tips:
Your entire visit is being monitored and recorded. Do not say or do anything that you would not want being replayed in court.
You should schedule your visit, in advance, at a time that works best for you.
For best sound quality, use earbuds or headsets.

Quick & Easy Access to Important Information & Help:
Phone: 972-734-1111 or 877-578-3658
Video Tutorial on Registering for Securus Video Visits.
Frequently Asked Questions.
San Diego Youth Transition Campus Pricing.
Securus Contact Information.
iphone app
Android app

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Youth Transition Campus’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 858-694-4500 for further assistance.

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Inmate Money Accounts

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the San Diego Youth Transition Campus?

How to Deposit Money into an Inmate's Account in San Diego Youth Transition Campus

To deposit money into the account of an inmate in San Diego County, follow these instructions:

  • Create an account with Touchpay Services, a GTL company.
  • Select California.
  • Select San Diego Youth Transition Campus
  • Enter the Inmate ID of your inmate.  This can be found by calling 858-694-4500 or by looking up the inmate's name in the Inmate Search link.
  • Enter your billing information and send money.
  • You can also deposit cash using the kiosk at the San Diego Youth Transition Campus.  To do this you need the Inmate's ID Number and the Facility Locator Number for San Diego County.

For all the information you need regarding making an inmate deposit, what it costs, how much you can send, how long it takes for your inmate to receive funds and more, and to get the Facility Locator Number, check out our Send Money Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Youth Transition Campus’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 858-694-4500 for further assistance.

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Inmate Phone Contact

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the San Diego Youth Transition Campus?

How an Inmate Makes a Phone Call to You or Others from San Diego Youth Transition Campus

To set up a phone account so that your inmate can call you from San Diego County do the following:

1. Enroll in an account with Securus Technologies.

2. Choose one of three account types, Securus Debit, Advance Connect or Direct Bill.
3. Choose [facility_name_1}, then connect with your inmate.
4. If you have any questions, call Securus: 972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591.

To find out fees, how to's, calling times, limits on phone calls and other systems Securus has do that you can communicate with your San Diego County inmate, check out our Inmate Phone Page.
NOTE: All of your inmate's phone calls are recorded and stored. It is advised not to discuss their pending case.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Youth Transition Campus’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 858-694-4500 for further assistance.

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Mailing an Inmate

How do I Mail an Inmate in the San Diego Youth Transition Campus, and what can I send them?

San Diego Youth Transition Campus Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The San Diego Youth Transition Campus allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The San Diego Youth Transition Campus also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the sender's full name and return address on the envelope. 

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
2801 Meadow Lark Drive
San Diego, CA 92123



Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
2801 Meadow Lark Drive
San Diego, CA 92123



Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Books
The San Diego Youth Transition Campus allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as AmazonBarnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the San Diego Youth Transition Campus standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.


All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
2801 Meadow Lark Drive
San Diego, CA 92123

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Youth Transition Campus’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 858-694-4500 for further assistance.

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Inmate Commissary

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the San Diego Youth Transition Campus, and what can I purchase?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Youth Transition Campus’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 858-694-4500 for further assistance.

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Texting and Emailing an Inmate

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the San Diego Youth Transition Campus using an Online Messaging Service?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Youth Transition Campus’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 858-694-4500 for further assistance.

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Inmate Tablets

Do Inmates in the San Diego Youth Transition Campus have Access to Tablets or Computers?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about San Diego Youth Transition Campus’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 858-694-4500 for further assistance.

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Are there photos of the San Diego Youth Transition Campus? What does it look like?
Other Jails Nearby

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding San Diego County?

San Diego Imperial Riverside Orange
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Search for an Inmate in San Diego County

This facility, known as "San Diego Youth Transition Campus" is also known as San Diego County-Kearny Mesa.