NSD offers juveniles a supportive, family-like environment and close supervision during their time in detention. In the latter case, DJJ staff make the determination based on an assessment given during the intake interview. NSD accepts males and females. In Fiscal Year 1999, there were 1,543 admissions to non-secure detention. The average length of stay was 23 days.
Residents receive health and mental health and dental evaluations.
In-depth educational and family assessments are also conducted. NSD case managers review the information and develop a service plan, which identifies a juvenile's needs during their stay in detention and outlines how these needs are to be met. The juvenile is then assigned to the most appropriate NSD group home. Youth in NSD participate in a wide array of cultural activities such as field trips, museum visits, sports and recreation programs. Activities inside the facility are designed to enhance learning.