If a youth is in crisis or in need of protection, a police officer or other emergency personnel can place the youth at Port. This includes youth who have been found after running away, or youth picked up from home. If the youth will not stay at home due to a safety risk to themselves or others, the officer may place the adolescent on a 72-hour hold. Within 72 hours, the youth must appear in court with a social worker or be released. 72 hours does not include weekends or holidays.

A youth may also be placed while waiting for another placement or when they been charged with a crime but is waiting for trial.