Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution is a prison facility for women located in New Castle, Delaware. The institution is named after Delores J. Baylor, who served as the Superintendent of the Women’s Correctional Institution from 1974 to 1987. The facility is designed to house female prisoners who have been convicted of crimes in the state of Delaware.
The prison facility has been accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) since 2019 and has been found to be compliant with 100% of mandatory standards and 99.3% of applicable non-mandatory standards during its on-site audit in July 2021. The facility provides various programs and services to help rehabilitate inmates, such as educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
Despite its efforts to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates, the facility has faced criticism and legal challenges in the past. In 2006, the United States Department of Justice issued a findings letter alleging that certain conditions at the institution violated the constitutional rights of Delaware inmates. However, the facility has since made improvements and continues to strive towards providing a rehabilitative environment for its inmates.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 200 |
| Physical Address | 660 Baylor Boulevard New Castle, DE 19720 |
| Mailing Address | 660 Baylor Boulevard New Castle, DE 19720 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (302) 577-3004 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Establishment
Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution was established in 1971 in New Castle, Delaware, under the leadership of Governor Thomas R. Carper. It was named after Delores J. Baylor, an African-American woman who served as a corrections commissioner in the state of Delaware for over 30 years. The facility was designed to house female offenders who were sentenced to more than one year of incarceration.
The establishment of Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution was a result of Senate Joint Resolution No. 5, which was passed by the Delaware General Assembly in 1971. The resolution called for the creation of a separate facility for female inmates to address the unique needs of women in the criminal justice system.
The facility was originally designed to house 70 inmates, but its capacity has since increased to 200. The institution has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to improve the living conditions for its inmates and staff.
Robert J. Watson served as the first superintendent of Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution, and he played a pivotal role in establishing the facility’s policies and procedures. Under his leadership, the institution became known for its innovative programming, including vocational training, educational opportunities, and substance abuse treatment.
Today, Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution remains an important part of the state of Delaware’s correctional system. It is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for female offenders while also offering them the tools and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
Location and Structure
Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution is located in New Castle, Delaware, on Baylor Boulevard. It is the only women’s correctional facility in the state and is part of the Delaware Department of Correction’s unified correctional system. The facility is situated on a 40-acre site and has a capacity of 200 inmates.
The institution consists of several buildings, including housing units, administrative offices, and support facilities. The housing units are divided into four sections, each with its own dining hall and recreation area. The facility also has a medical unit, a chapel, and a library.
The buildings on the campus are surrounded by a fence, and the perimeter is patrolled by correctional officers. The institution has a strict security protocol to ensure the safety of the inmates, staff, and visitors.
The facility provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release and re-entry into society. These include educational and vocational training programs, substance abuse treatment, and counseling services. The institution also has a work-release program that allows eligible inmates to work in the community while serving their sentences.
Overall, Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution is a well-maintained and secure facility that provides essential services to its inmates. Its location in New Castle, Delaware, makes it easily accessible to visitors and staff, and its structure and programs make it an effective tool in the state’s correctional system.
Inmate Population and Security
Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution houses approximately 170 inmates, with a capacity of 200. The majority of the inmates are from Delaware, and the rest come from other states. The facility has a mix of sentenced and unsentenced inmates, with an average age of 36 years. The inmates have varying levels of education and work experience.
The facility has several security levels, including maximum, medium, and minimum security. The inmates are classified based on their criminal history, behavior, and other factors. Maximum-security inmates are housed in a separate unit and have limited movement and interaction with other inmates. Medium-security inmates are housed in dormitory-style units and have more freedom of movement and interaction with other inmates. Minimum-security inmates are housed in a separate unit and have the most freedom of movement and interaction with other inmates.
The facility has a comprehensive security system that includes cameras, alarms, and a 24-hour security staff. The staff includes correctional officers, administrative staff, and medical personnel. The facility also has a specialized unit for inmates with mental health issues.
The facility provides a variety of programs and services to the inmates, including education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. These programs are designed to help the inmates prepare for their release and reintegration into society.
Overall, Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution maintains a secure and safe environment for its inmates and staff. The facility’s security measures and programs are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of all inmates while they serve their sentences.
Daily Schedule and Activities
At Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution, the daily schedule and activities are designed to provide structure and routine for the inmates. The facility operates on a seven-day schedule, with various activities planned throughout the week.
On weekdays, inmates wake up at 5:30 a.m. and have breakfast at 6:00 a.m. They then attend their work assignments or educational programs until 11:00 a.m. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m., followed by more work or educational programs until 4:00 p.m. Dinner is served at 4:30 p.m., and the rest of the evening is devoted to recreational activities, such as exercise, crafts, or games.
Weekends have a slightly different schedule. Inmates wake up at 6:00 a.m. and have breakfast at 6:30 a.m. They then attend religious services or participate in recreational activities until 11:00 a.m. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m., followed by more recreational activities until 4:00 p.m. Dinner is served at 4:30 p.m., and the rest of the evening is devoted to personal time, such as writing letters or reading.
The facility offers a variety of activities and programs for inmates to participate in, including educational programs, vocational training, religious services, and recreational activities. Educational programs include basic literacy, GED preparation, and college courses. Vocational training includes culinary arts, horticulture, and cosmetology. Religious services are available for various faiths, and recreational activities include exercise classes, crafts, and games.
Overall, the daily schedule and activities at Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution provide structure and opportunities for personal growth and development.
Services and Programs
Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution offers a variety of services and programs to its inmates to help them develop skills, access religious services, receive counseling, engage in recreation, and participate in therapy.
Skills
The institution provides educational programs to help inmates improve their literacy skills, earn their GED, and develop vocational skills. Inmates can take courses in a variety of subjects, including math, English, and computer skills. Additionally, they can participate in vocational training programs to learn skills such as culinary arts, horticulture, and cosmetology.
Religious Services
The institution offers religious services to inmates of various faiths. Inmates can attend worship services, receive spiritual counseling, and participate in religious study groups. The institution also has chaplains on staff who provide pastoral care to inmates.
Counseling
The institution provides counseling services to inmates to help them manage mental health and addiction issues. Inmates can receive individual and group counseling, as well as participate in support groups. The institution also has a substance abuse treatment program to help inmates overcome addiction.
Recreation
The institution provides recreational opportunities to inmates to help them stay physically active and mentally engaged. Inmates can participate in sports, fitness classes, and arts and crafts programs. The institution also has a library where inmates can access books, magazines, and other reading materials.
Therapy
The institution provides therapy services to inmates to help them manage mental health issues and address past trauma. Inmates can receive individual and group therapy, as well as participate in mindfulness and meditation programs. The institution also has a music therapy program to help inmates express themselves creatively.
Overall, Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution offers a range of services and programs to help inmates develop skills, access religious services, receive counseling, engage in recreation, and participate in therapy.
Visitation Information
Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution (BWCI) allows visitors to meet with inmates in person. Visitation hours are
- Units 5,6,7,8 & 9
- Sunday through Tuesday
- 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
- 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Sunday through Tuesday
- Units 3 & 4
- Thursday – Saturday
- 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
- 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Thursday – Saturday
All visitors must be on the approved visitor list before scheduling a visit. Inmates are allowed up to six visitors, including children, during each visitation session. Visitors must bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, and must be at least 18 years old.
Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the facility, including cell phones, purses, or bags. Visitors can bring a clear plastic bag containing essential items such as car keys, money, and medication. Visitors are also not allowed to wear revealing or provocative clothing.
Visitation rules and regulations are subject to change. Visitors are encouraged to check the Department of Correction – State of Delaware website regularly for any updates or changes to the visitation schedule or rules.
Overall, visitors to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution can expect a safe and secure environment while visiting their loved ones. The institution’s staff works diligently to ensure that all visitors and inmates are treated with respect and dignity.
Incidents and Controversies
Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution has faced several incidents and controversies over the years. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- In 2006, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a findings letter alleging that certain conditions at the facility violated the constitutional rights of Delaware inmates. The DOJ conducted several site visits, including one with Delores J. Baylor herself. The DOJ and the State of Delaware entered into a Memorandum of Agreement in 2009 to address the issues raised in the findings letter.
- In 2010, a former correctional officer at the facility was arrested and charged with raping an inmate. The officer was later sentenced to 15 years in prison.
- In 2016, a correctional officer at the facility was charged with smuggling drugs and other contraband into the prison. The officer was later sentenced to 18 months in prison.
- In 2019, a former inmate at the facility filed a lawsuit alleging that she was sexually assaulted by a correctional officer. The lawsuit also alleged that the facility failed to properly train and supervise its staff.
Despite these incidents and controversies, the facility has received positive recognition for its compliance with correctional standards. In 2021, Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution was found to be compliant with 100% of mandatory standards and 99.3% of applicable non-mandatory standards during its on-site audit by the American Correctional Association.
Overall, Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution has had a mixed history, with both positive and negative events shaping its reputation.