Hocking Correctional Facility: Reform Behind Bars in Ohio

The Hocking Correctional Facility, located in Nelsonville, Ohio, was constructed in 1955 as a hospital for tuberculosis patients. Over the years, the facility has been repurposed several times, serving as a children’s center and a correctional institution. However, the facility has been closed since 2016 when it was shut down by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

Recently, there have been plans to renovate and repurpose the Hocking Correctional Facility. Governor DeWine announced in 2021 that the facility would be transformed into a day-treatment center for misdemeanor offenders and a female-only jail operated by the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office. This investment is expected to improve the criminal justice system in the region and provide better facilities for offenders who require treatment and rehabilitation.

SecuritySpecialized 
Capacity481
Physical Address16759 Snake Hollow Rd, Nelsonville, OH 45764, USA
Mailing Address16759 Snake Hollow Rd, Nelsonville, OH 45764, USA
Can You Send a Gift?Yes
Visitation HoursVisiting hours at the facility are on weekends between 9 AM and 3 PM.
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number+1 740-753-1917
JurisdictionState

Location and History

The Hocking Correctional Facility is located in Nelsonville, Ohio, on Snake Hollow Road. It was originally constructed in 1955 by the State of Ohio to be used as a hospital for the treatment of tuberculosis patients. The administration building that sits outside of the main structure originally housed the nursing staff working at the hospital in the 1950s. In later years, the Hocking buildings were repurposed into a children’s center and then as a correctional facility.

The facility was managed as a unit of the Southeastern Correctional Complex, which also includes the Southeastern Correctional Institution (SCC-L). SCC-L is a medium-security male facility that opened in 1980 and sits on 1,377 acres in Lancaster, Ohio. The Hocking facility, SCC-H, was also a medium-security male facility that was closed in 2016.

In December 2021, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced plans to renovate and repurpose the former Hocking Correctional Unit. The facility will be repurposed into a day-treatment facility for misdemeanor offenders and a female-only jail operated by the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office. This investment is expected to improve the criminal justice system in the region.

The Hocking Correctional Facility was one of several correctional facilities in Ohio that have since closed. Other closed facilities include the Ohio State Reformatory, Orient Correctional Institution, Lima Correctional Institution, and Montgomery Education and Pre-Release Center. The Hocking Correctional Facility was closed due to budget constraints and declining inmate populations.

Facility Details

The Hocking Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison located in Nelsonville, Ohio. The facility was constructed in 1955 as a hospital for tuberculosis patients. The administration building that sits outside of the main structure originally housed the nursing staff working at the hospital in the 1950s. In later years, the Hocking buildings were repurposed into a children’s center, then into a prison.

Security Levels

The Hocking Correctional Facility was classified as a medium-security prison. It was designed to house male inmates who have been convicted of a wide range of crimes. The prison was equipped with a variety of security features, including electronic surveillance, razor wire fencing, and armed guards.

Treatment Programs

Hocking Correctional Facility offered various treatment programs for its inmates to help them overcome mental health and substance abuse disorders. These programs aim to provide comprehensive care and support to individuals who are struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

Mental Health

The mental health treatment program at Hocking Correctional Facility was designed to provide inmates with the necessary tools and resources to manage their mental health conditions. The program includes individual and group therapy sessions, as well as medication management. Inmates were also provided with educational resources to help them understand and manage their mental health conditions.

Substance Abuse

The substance abuse treatment program at Hocking Correctional Facility was focused on helping inmates overcome their addictions and lead a sober life. The program includes individual and group therapy sessions, as well as educational resources to help inmates understand the causes and consequences of substance abuse. Inmates were also provided with relapse-prevention techniques to help them maintain their sobriety.

The facility also offered off-site sex offender programming, individual programming, and a family-centered atmosphere to provide inmates with a holistic approach to rehabilitation. The goal of these programs was to help inmates successfully re-enter the community and lead productive lives after their release.

In addition to these programs, Hocking Correctional Facility also offered vocational training programs to help inmates develop skills that will help them find employment upon their release. The facility also had partnerships with community organizations to provide inmates with support and resources after their release.

Overall, Hocking Correctional Facility was committed to providing its inmates with the necessary care and support to help them overcome their mental health and substance abuse disorders. The facility’s treatment programs were evidence-based and designed to meet the unique needs of each individual inmate.

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