Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility (CJCF) is a male youth correctional facility located in Circleville, Ohio. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association and provides a variety of services and treatment for youth, including a fully accredited high school, behavioral health services, unit management, medical and dental care, recreation, religious services, community service opportunities, and reentry services. The mission of the Ohio Department of Youth Services is to improve Ohio’s future by habilitating youth and providing them with the necessary tools to become productive members of society.
CJCF is a place where young people who have made mistakes can learn from their actions and develop the skills they need to become responsible adults. The facility provides a safe and secure environment where youth can receive the support and guidance they need to overcome their challenges. The staff at CJCF is dedicated to helping youth succeed by providing them with the tools they need to make positive changes in their lives. The facility’s programs and services are designed to promote personal growth, education, and positive behavior.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 144 |
| Physical Address | 640 Island Road Circleville, Ohio, 43113 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 598 640 Island Road Circleville, Ohio, 43113 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (740) 477-2500 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
The Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility is a state-operated facility located in Circleville, Pickaway County, Ohio. It serves male youth who have been adjudicated delinquent and committed to the Ohio Department of Youth Services. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association and provides a variety of services and treatment for youth, including a fully accredited high school, behavioral health services, unit management, medical and dental care, recreation, religious services, community service opportunities, and reentry services.
History
CJCF was established in 1959 as a boys’ industrial school. Over the years, the facility has undergone several changes, including the construction of new buildings and the expansion of services. The facility has been accredited by the American Correctional Association since 1981.
Location
CJCF is located at 640 Island Road, Circleville, Ohio. The facility is situated on a 200-acre campus that includes several buildings, recreational areas, and support facilities. The campus is located in a rural area of Pickaway County, about 30 miles south of Columbus.
Population
As of June 11, 2023, CJCF housed 225 male youth. The facility has a rated capacity of 144 beds, but the actual number of residents can vary depending on the number of admissions and releases. The average length of stay for residents at CJCF is approximately 10 months. The facility provides a range of services and programs to help residents develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed when they return to their communities.
In conclusion, CJCF is a state-operated facility that serves male youth who have been adjudicated delinquent and committed to the Ohio Department of Youth Services. The facility provides a variety of services and treatment for youth, including education, behavioral health care, and reentry services. It has a long history of providing high-quality services to residents and is accredited by the American Correctional Association.
Visitation
Visitation is an important part of maintaining family and community ties for inmates at the Circleville Juvenile Correctional Facility. There are several ways to stay in touch with an inmate, including in-person visitation, email, and phone calls.
Visitation Times
Visitation times at CJCF are typically:
- Monday-Friday
- Youth With GED Or Diploma: 2:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Youth In School: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday
- All Youth: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, visitation may be limited or suspended. It is recommended to check the Ohio Department of Youth Services website for updates on visitation policies and times.
Contact
To contact CJCF, individuals can call the facility at (740) 477-2500. To schedule a visit, contact the facility at this email [email protected] or telephone 740-571-8495.
Email is another way to stay in touch with an inmate at CJCF. The facility uses the JPay email system, which allows individuals to send and receive electronic messages with inmates. To send an email, individuals must create a JPay account and purchase email credits.
In-person Visitation
To visit an inmate in person at CJCF, individuals must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and schedule an appointment in advance. The facility provides a variety of services and treatment for youth, including a fully accredited high school, behavioral health services, unit management, medical and dental care, recreation, religious services, community service opportunities, and reentry services. Visitors must follow the facility’s dress code and other rules and regulations during their visit.
Overall, visitation is an important way to maintain family and community ties for inmates at CJCF. While COVID-19 restrictions may impact visitation policies and times, individuals can still stay in touch with inmates through email and phone calls.
Rules and Regulations
Circleville prison has several rules and regulations that inmates must follow to maintain a safe and secure environment. The rules are designed to ensure the safety of the inmates, staff, and visitors.
Unit Management
Unit Management is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the prison. They ensure that the inmates are following the rules and regulations and that the staff is doing their job properly. Inmates must follow the instructions of the Unit Management at all times. Failure to comply with their instructions may result in disciplinary action.
Inmates are assigned to a specific housing unit, and they must follow the rules of that unit. Each unit has a designated Unit Manager who is responsible for overseeing the unit. Inmates must follow the Unit Manager’s instructions and report any problems to them.
Sending Money
Inmates are allowed to receive money from family and friends to use for commissary purchases. To send money to an inmate, family and friends must use the Western Union Quick Collect service. The inmate’s name and eight-digit register number must be included on the money order. The money order must be made payable to “Federal Bureau of Prisons.”
Inmates are not allowed to receive cash or personal checks. Any funds received by the inmate will be deposited into their commissary account. Inmates can use the funds to purchase items such as food, hygiene products, and writing supplies.
Overall, it is important for inmates to follow the rules and regulations of the prison to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Failure to comply with the rules may result in disciplinary action, which could include loss of privileges or confinement to a more restrictive housing unit.
Notable Incidents
Mary Gillispie Case
One of the most notable incidents at Circleville prison is the Mary Gillispie case which occurred in 1976 in Pickaway County, Ohio. Mary Gillispie was a school bus driver who received several anonymous and threatening letters. The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office was unable to determine who was behind the letters. However, the situation took a dark turn when a booby trap was found on Gillispie’s property.
The trap was discovered by Gordon Massie, a friend of Gillispie’s. He was injured when he tried to remove it. The investigation led to the arrest of Paul Freshour, who was charged with attempted murder. He was convicted and sent to prison. However, the case took a strange turn when more threatening letters were received even after Freshour was behind bars. This led to speculation that there was someone else involved in the case.
Secrets and Murder
Another notable incident at Circleville prison is the murder of an inmate in 2010. The inmate was found dead in his cell, and it was later determined that he had been strangled. The incident led to an investigation by the FBI, and a forensic document expert was brought in to analyze anonymous letters that were sent to the prison.
The letters contained information about the murder that was not made public, leading investigators to believe that the author of the letters was involved in the crime. The FBI profiler, Mary Ellen O’Toole, was also brought in to assist with the investigation.
The incident shed light on the security measures at the prison and led to changes in the way inmates were monitored. The staff was also trained to be more vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.
Inmate searches and phone calls were also monitored more closely, and new rules were put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Despite these measures, incidents continue to occur at Circleville prison, highlighting the challenges of managing a large and complex correctional facility.
Volunteering
Circleville JCF offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals who are interested in making a positive difference in the lives of incarcerated youth. Volunteering can be a rewarding experience that allows individuals to give back to their community and help those in need.
Volunteer Inquiries
If you are interested in volunteering at Circleville JCF, you can direct your inquiries to Joshua Stone, the Circleville JCF Volunteer Coordinator. Joshua can be reached by phone at (740) 571-8267 or by email at [email protected].
Circleville JCF Volunteer Coordinator
The Circleville JCF Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for overseeing all volunteer activities at the facility. This includes coordinating volunteer schedules, training volunteers, and ensuring that all volunteers adhere to facility policies and procedures.
Volunteers at Circleville JCF have the opportunity to work with a variety of programs and organizations, including Buckeye Reach, Chop It Up with Chap, Epiphany Ministry, Faith Ministries Church, Family Worship Day, Freedom Ministries, Graphic Design Program, Horticulture Program, Kairos Torch, Man Up Group, Men of Purpose Group, Ohio Christian University Gospel Choir, Ohio State University Tutoring Program, Son Reign Ministries, and Diploma.
Volunteers may also have the opportunity to participate in educational and recreational activities with the youth at Circleville JCF. These activities may include sports, arts and crafts, music, and more.
Volunteers at Circleville JCF are required to undergo a background check and complete a training program before they are allowed to work with the youth. This training program covers topics such as facility policies and procedures, safety protocols, and appropriate interactions with youth.
Overall, volunteering at Circleville JCF can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience that allows individuals to make a positive impact in the lives of incarcerated youth.