The Midlands Evaluation and Development Center (MEDC) in Columbia is the agency’s long-term commitment facility for adjudicated youth (youth who have been convicted of crimes). The complex is home to the SCDJJ’s fully accredited school.

In addition to school and career programs, MEDC offers social work and psychology services, treatment planning, psychiatry services, a full infirmary for health care needs, gyms, open fields, a game room, recreation and various rehabilitative programs.

The Upstate and Coastal Evaluation and Development Centers provide comprehensive psychological, social and educational assessments, performed by a multi-disciplinary team.

If the youth has been found guilty, these evaluations guide the court’s disposition of cases. If the youth has already been committed to SCDJJ by court order, these evaluations are used to determine an appropriate treatment and housing assignment.

By law, the length of stay for youth undergoing a secure evaluation cannot exceed 45 days.