Illinois River Correctional Center: Life Inside the Walls

Illinois River Correctional Center is a medium-security adult male correctional facility located in Canton, Illinois. The center is operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections and has a capacity of 1,970 inmates. The living units consist of four X-type housing units, one receiving and orientation unit, one segregation unit, and a 15-bed health care unit.

The facility offers various programs and services to inmates, such as educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, some of these programs have been limited or suspended to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Inmates are also allowed visitation from family and friends, although the visitation schedule has been modified to accommodate COVID-19 safety measures.

Located in Fulton County, Illinois, the Illinois River Correctional Center is an important part of the state’s correctional system. While the facility has faced some criticism for overcrowding and issues with staff turnover, it remains an essential institution for the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the center continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of both staff and inmates.

SecurityMedium
Capacity1,970
Physical Address1300 W. Locust Street
Canton, IL 61520
Mailing AddressP.O. Box 999
Canton, IL 61520
Can You Send a Gift?No
Visitation HoursEvery day: 8:00 am – 10:30 am, 10:45 am – 1:15 pm, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number(309) 647-7030
JurisdictionState

Facility Information

The Illinois River Correctional Center is a medium security adult male correctional facility located on a 100-acre site in Canton, Illinois. The facility is operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections and has a total operational capacity of 1,970 inmates.

Location

The physical address of the Illinois River Correctional Center is 1300 West Locust Street, Canton, IL, 61520. The facility is located in Fulton County, Illinois, and is easily accessible by car. Visitors can contact the facility by telephone at 309-647-7030.

Operational Capacity

The Illinois River Correctional Center has an operational capacity of 1,970 inmates. The living units consist of four X-type housing units, one receiving and orientation unit, one segregation unit, and a 15-bed health care unit.

Security Level

The Illinois River Correctional Center is a medium-security prison. The main goal of this facility is to successfully rehabilitate inmates by adjusting behavioral patterns and giving the inmates new skills they can later use to become productive members of society when released.

Services

The Illinois River Correctional Center offers a variety of services to its inmates, including educational and vocational programs. Inmates can participate in GED and adult basic education courses, as well as vocational training in fields such as welding, horticulture, and computer technology. The facility also provides substance abuse treatment and counseling services to inmates who need them.

Programs and Services

Illinois River Correctional Center offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates develop skills and attitudes that will help them become productive citizens upon release.

Academic and Vocational Programs

Inmates at Illinois River Correctional Center have access to a range of academic and vocational programs. These include GED and adult basic education classes, as well as vocational courses in automotive repair, horticulture, culinary arts, and various construction trades. Inmates can also take courses in electronics repair.

Substance Abuse and Anger Management Programs

Illinois River Correctional Center provides substance abuse and sex offender treatment programs to help inmates overcome addiction and other issues. Inmates can also take anger management courses to learn how to manage their emotions and deal with conflict in a healthy way.

Community Work Crews

Illinois River Correctional Center offers community work crews that allow inmates to give back to the community while learning valuable skills. Inmates can participate in a variety of projects, including park and highway cleanup, building maintenance, and landscaping.

Special Security

Illinois River Correctional Center has a special security unit for inmates who require additional supervision. This unit provides a safe and secure prison environment for inmates who may pose a risk to themselves or others.

Overall, Illinois River Correctional Center provides a range of programs and services designed to help inmates develop the skills and attitudes they need to become productive citizens upon release.

Visiting Information

Visiting an inmate at Illinois River Correctional Center requires careful planning and adherence to strict rules and regulations. This section provides an overview of the visiting hours and video visitation options available at the facility.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours at Illinois River Correctional Center are every day: 8:00 am – 10:30 am, 10:45 am – 1:15 pm, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Offenders are allowed up to six visits per month, with no more than two visits on weekends or holidays.

To visit Illinois River Correctional Center, visitors must sign up for the visitor list at least seven days in advance. All visitors are required to bring two forms of identification, one of which must be a state-issued photo ID. For identification purposes, visitors may be asked to briefly lower their face coverings when entering and exiting the facility.

All visitors will undergo a COVID-19 symptom and temperature screening. It is important to note that visitors who fail the screening will not be allowed to enter the facility.

Video Visitation

Video visitation is also an option for visitors who are unable to attend in-person visits. Video visitation hours are from Sunday to Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visitors should log on 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

To participate in video visits, visitors must create an account on the facility’s website and schedule a visitation session. Visitors must have a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone to participate in video visitation.

It is important to note that video visitation is subject to the same rules and regulations as in-person visitation. Visitors must adhere to the dress code and conduct themselves appropriately during the visit.

In conclusion, visiting an inmate at Illinois River Correctional Center requires careful planning and adherence to strict rules and regulations. Visitors should familiarize themselves with the visiting hours and video visitation options available at the facility to ensure a smooth and successful visit.

Rehabilitation and Behavioral Patterns

Rehabilitation

The Illinois River Correctional Center offers various rehabilitation programs to help inmates prepare for their re-entry into society. These programs aim to provide inmates with the necessary skills and knowledge to become productive members of society. Some of the programs offered include educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health counseling.

The educational programs offered at the Illinois River Correctional Center include adult basic education, high school equivalency, and vocational education. These programs are designed to help inmates improve their literacy levels, learn new skills, and obtain certifications that can increase their chances of finding employment after their release.

The vocational training programs offered at the facility include courses in welding, carpentry, and horticulture. These programs provide inmates with hands-on training and skills that they can use to find jobs in these fields after their release.

Inmates who struggle with substance abuse can participate in the substance abuse treatment program offered at the facility. This program provides counseling and therapy to help inmates overcome their addictions and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Behavioral Patterns

The Illinois River Correctional Center also offers programs to help inmates develop positive behavioral patterns. These programs aim to reduce the likelihood of inmates reoffending after their release. Some of the programs offered include anger management, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and peer support groups.

Anger management programs help inmates learn how to manage their anger and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps inmates identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones. Peer support groups provide inmates with a supportive community where they can share their experiences and receive encouragement from others who are going through similar challenges.

By participating in these rehabilitation and behavioral pattern programs, inmates at the Illinois River Correctional Center can increase their chances of becoming productive members of society after their release.

Correctional Industries

Illinois River Correctional Center has a Correctional Industries program that provides vocational skills and training to incarcerated individuals. The program aims to prepare inmates for successful reentry into society by equipping them with the necessary skills to secure employment upon release from prison.

Large-Scale Bakery Operation

One of the vocational courses offered at Illinois River Correctional Center is culinary arts. Inmates are trained in a large-scale bakery operation, producing baked goods for various institutions across the state.

Vocational Courses

In addition to culinary arts, Illinois River Correctional Center offers vocational courses in automotive repair, horticulture, various construction trades, and electronics repair. These courses provide inmates with valuable skills and training that can be utilized upon release.

Automotive Repair

The automotive repair course teaches inmates how to diagnose and repair various automobile components, including engines, transmissions, and brakes. This course provides inmates with the necessary skills to secure employment in the automotive industry upon release.

Construction Trades

The construction trades course teaches inmates various skills related to construction, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. Inmates are trained in the use of various tools and equipment and learn how to read blueprints and schematics.

Electronics Repair

The electronics repair course teaches inmates how to diagnose and repair various electronic devices, including computers, televisions, and radios. Inmates are trained in the use of various diagnostic tools and equipment and learn how to read schematics and diagrams.

Sex Offender Treatment

Illinois River Correctional Center also offers a sex offender treatment program. This program provides counseling and therapy to inmates who have been convicted of sex offenses, with the goal of reducing the likelihood of reoffending upon release.

Anger Management Courses

The anger management course teaches inmates how to identify and manage their emotions, with the goal of reducing violent behavior. Inmates learn various coping mechanisms and techniques to control their anger and frustration.

Overall, the Correctional Industries program at Illinois River Correctional Center provides inmates with valuable skills and training that can be utilized upon release. This program aims to reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for successful reentry into society.

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