Detention Center Social Story, Parts 1 & 2

Overview

These social stories were created to describe the various aspects of being in a detention center to individuals with autism.

Part 1: What are detention centers?

A detention center is shown inside a barbed wire fence.

A detention center is a secure building for kids who break the law.

A boy stands in front of a wall with lines and numbers on it.

If I break the law, I may have to stay in a detention center.

A smiling man with a badge stands next to a boy on the left.

The staff at the detention center supervise me and make sure I am safe.

A smiling man with a badge standing in the center of the image says,

When I arrive, I will be asked questions by the staff. This is called intake.

A smiling man with a badge holds the arm of a boy in the center of the image.

Staff may touch my clothes and check my body to make sure I don't have anything that could be unsafe.

A shirt and pants are shown in the center of the image.

This may require removing my clothes.

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Part 2: What will it be like?

A boy is shown in his own clothes on the left and in a uniform on the right with an arrow between them.

I may have to wear clothes that look and feel different.

A lunch tray is shown with vegetables, a hamburger, an egg, an apple, hot dogs, and a drink.

The food in the detention center may taste different.

A boy is shown laying in a bed with his eyes open.

The bed in the detention center is not like my bed at home.

A pencil and a lined piece of paper with the word

There will be rules I have to follow. If I follow the rules, I may go home sooner.

A phone with a wire is shown in the center of the image.

I may be able to call my family during scheduled times. My family can come visit me during scheduled times.

A daily calendar is shown in the center of the image.

I may stay in the detention center until my court date.

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This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.