Welcome to our exploration of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution, a cornerstone in the Delaware Department of Correction. Known by locals as the Gander Hill Prison, this Level 5 facility in northeast Wilmington, Delaware, has a rich history and an essential role in the local justice system.
The institution is named after Howard R. Young, a dedicated 33-year veteran of the Department who lost a battle with cancer in 2001. The prison was originally known as the Multi-Purpose Criminal Justice Facility upon its opening in 1982 with Young as its first Warden. The renaming in February 2004 honored Young’s valuable contributions to the department.
The institution began as a single facility designed to hold 360 detainees, mainly individuals awaiting trial or sentencing, or those unable to make bail. Over the years, expansion projects have increased the capacity to 1,180, although the facility now averages 1,500 offenders.
The Howard R. Young Correctional Institution is a hub for the Delaware Correctional system, processing approximately 60% of all admissions and housing the majority of the detainee population. It is also home to the Road to Recovery (R2R) treatment program, retaining the Therapeutic Community model, an industry best practice known for its effectiveness.
In addition to its correctional responsibilities, the institution maintains an active community outreach program, forging substantial connections with families, schools, churches, and community groups. The program provides essential services and gifts, aiming to set a positive example and show respect for all people.
Stay with us as we delve deeper into the workings, programs, and community impact of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,400 |
| Physical Address | 1301 E 12th St, Wilmington, DE 19802 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 9561 Wilmington, DE 19809 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Monday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (302) 429-7700 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Howard R. Young Correctional Institution
Howard R. Young Correctional Institution (HRYCI) is a Level 5 facility located in the northeast section of Wilmington, Delaware. Originally known as the Multi-Purpose Criminal Justice Facility, the institution was renamed in honor of Howard R. Young, a 33-year Department of Correction veteran who died in 2001 after a battle with cancer.
HRYCI was constructed in 1982 and was designed to house 1,000 inmates. The facility is situated on 40 acres of land and has 11 housing units, including one unit for inmates with special needs. In addition to its housing units, HRYCI also has a medical unit, a food service unit, and a laundry unit.
Over the years, HRYCI has undergone several renovations and expansions. In 1993, the facility’s gymnasium was converted into a housing unit, and in 1996, a new medical unit was added. In 2001, a new food service unit was constructed, and in 2003, a new laundry unit was built.
Despite its many changes, HRYCI has remained committed to its mission of providing a safe and secure environment for its inmates. In 2020, the institution received accreditation from the American Correctional Association, which recognized HRYCI’s commitment to meeting national standards for correctional facilities.
HRYCI has also played an important role in the community. In addition to providing employment opportunities for local residents, the institution has partnered with local organizations to provide educational and vocational programs for its inmates. These programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to successfully reenter society upon their release.
Overall, HRYCI has a rich history, and its commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for its inmates has made it an important part of the Delaware Department of Correction’s mission.
Facilities and Services
The Howard R. Young Correctional Institution provides a range of facilities and services to its inmates. Some of the key services are healthcare, food services, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
Healthcare Services
The HRYCI has an on-site medical clinic that provides healthcare services to inmates. The clinic is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals who provide both routine and emergency care to inmates. Inmates are screened upon arrival at the facility, and those with medical needs are referred to the clinic for evaluation and treatment. The clinic provides a range of services, including medical exams, dental exams, and mental health evaluations.
Food Services
The HRYCI provides three meals a day to its inmates. The meals are prepared on-site by trained food service staff and are designed to meet the nutritional needs of inmates. The facility also accommodates special dietary needs, such as vegetarian or halal diets. Inmates are allowed to purchase snacks and other food items from the commissary.
Substance Abuse Treatment
The HRYCI offers substance abuse treatment programs to inmates who are struggling with addiction. The facility provides both group and individual counseling sessions to help inmates overcome their addictions. The programs are designed to help inmates develop coping skills, build self-esteem, and learn how to live a sober life.
Mental Health Services
The HRYCI provides mental health services to inmates who are struggling with mental health issues. The facility has licensed mental health professionals who provide both group and individual counseling sessions to inmates. The programs are designed to help inmates develop coping skills, build self-esteem, and learn how to manage their mental health issues.
In conclusion, the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution provides a range of facilities and services to its inmates, including healthcare, food services, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The facility strives to provide high-quality services to its inmates to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
Inmate Information
Visitation Rules
Visiting an inmate at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution requires following specific rules and regulations. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list, which can be updated by the inmate. Visitors must also present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items, including cell phones, into the facility.
Visitation hours at HRYCI are Monday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visits must be scheduled one week in advance by contacting 302-575-0330. Talking to any inmate through institution windows or fences is strictly prohibited.
Inmate Search
To find an inmate at HRYCI, individuals can use the Delaware Department of Correction’s online Inmate Locator tool. The tool provides information about the inmate’s name, ID number, location, and expected release date.
Send Mail
Inmates at HRYCI can receive mail from friends and family members. All mail must include the inmate’s full name, ID number, and the address of the facility. The mailing address for HRYCI is:
- Inmate Name
- SBI Number
- Howard R. Young Correctional Institution
- P.O. Box 9561
- Wilmington, DE 19809
Incoming mail is subject to inspection and can be rejected if it violates facility rules. Mail that contains contraband, such as drugs or weapons, is strictly prohibited.
Commissary
Inmates at HRYCI can purchase items from the facility’s commissary, such as snacks, personal hygiene products, and clothing. The commissary operates on a weekly schedule, and inmates can place orders on designated days. The cost of items is deducted from the inmate’s account balance, which can be funded by friends or family members through the JPay website or by sending a money order to the facility.
Overall, it is important to follow the rules and regulations when communicating with inmates at HRYCI. Any violation of these rules can result in disciplinary action or a loss of visitation privileges.
Corrections and Parole
Work Release
The Howard R. Young Correctional Institution provides work release programs for inmates nearing the end of their sentence. These programs allow inmates to work and earn wages while still serving their sentence. Work release programs help inmates prepare for their eventual release by allowing them to gain work experience and save money for their transition back into society. Inmates must meet certain criteria to be eligible for work release, including having a job offer and a suitable place to live.
Violation of Probation
When an offender is released on probation, they are required to follow certain conditions set by the court. If they violate any of these conditions, they may be sent back to jail. The Howard R. Young Correctional Institution has a Violation of Probation Unit that is responsible for supervising offenders who have violated their probation. The unit works closely with the courts and probation officers to ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions and given the necessary support to successfully complete their probation.
Parole
The Howard R. Young Correctional Institution has a Parole Unit that is responsible for supervising offenders who have been released on parole. The unit works closely with the courts and probation officers to ensure that offenders are given the necessary support to successfully reintegrate into society. Offenders on parole are required to follow certain conditions set by the court, and failure to comply with these conditions may result in their return to jail.
The Bureau of Community Corrections oversees the supervision of offenders after release from incarceration or upon direct court sentence, in work release facilities, a day reporting center, and with electronic monitoring. The Bureau of Community Corrections also provides community service opportunities for offenders and works with community partners to develop reentry programs and resources.
Overall, the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution is committed to providing effective and comprehensive corrections and parole services to ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions and given the necessary support to successfully reintegrate into society.
Contact and Address Information
Telephone Number
To contact the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution, individuals can call (302) 429-7700. This number connects callers to the institution’s main phone line, which can provide information on visitation, inmate mail, and other inquiries. The phone line is staffed by personnel who are knowledgeable about the institution’s policies and procedures.
Mailing Address
Individuals who wish to send mail to an inmate at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution can do so by addressing the envelope to the inmate’s name and offender number, followed by the institution’s mailing address:
- Inmate Name
- SBI Number
- Howard R. Young Correctional Institution
- P.O. Box 9561
- Wilmington, DE 19809
It is important to follow the institution’s guidelines for sending mail, as any mail that violates these guidelines may be returned to the sender or withheld from the inmate. The institution’s website provides information on the guidelines for sending mail to inmates.
The Howard R. Young Correctional Institution’s mailing address can also be used for general inquiries or correspondence with the institution. Individuals who wish to contact the institution for reasons other than sending mail to an inmate can address their correspondence to the institution’s name and mailing address listed above.