The Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility (IRJCF) is a male youth correctional facility in Ohio. The prison 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 Buckeye United School District provides year-round middle and high school programming for youth, as well as career technical and post-secondary school options.
The Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) oversees the Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility. The facility provides a variety of programs and services to help youth offenders turn their lives around. These programs include academic and vocational training, behavioral health services, and community service opportunities. The facility also offers reentry services to help youth successfully transition back into their communities after their release.
The Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility strives to provide a safe and secure environment for its residents while also helping them develop the skills and knowledge they need to become productive members of society. The facility’s staff is committed to helping youth offenders turn their lives around and become successful, law-abiding citizens.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 184 |
| Physical Address | 2775 Indian River Road, S.W. Massillon, Ohio, 44646 |
| Mailing Address | 2775 Indian River Road, S.W. Massillon, Ohio, 44646 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (330) 837-4211 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Location
The Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility is a secure facility for juvenile offenders located on 40 acres in Massillon, Ohio. It is operated by the Ohio Department of Youth Services and serves male youth who have been committed to the State and have been placed in the facility through a screening process.
The facility was established in 2004 and has since been accredited by the American Correctional Association. IRJCF 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.
Indian River High School, which is part of the Buckeye United School District, serves the educational needs of the youth while at the facility. The school provides year-round middle and high school programming for youth as well as career technical and post-secondary school options. Students are able to earn high school credits and participate in extracurricular activities.
The facility is located in Stark County, which is in the northeastern part of Ohio. Stark County is home to over 370,000 residents and is known for its diverse economy, natural beauty, and rich history. The county seat is Canton, which is located approximately 10 miles from the IRJCF.
Facility Structure
The Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility is a male youth facility that provides a variety of services and treatment for youth. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association and is located in Massillon, Ohio. The facility’s structure is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for its residents.
Housing Units
The IRJCF consists of several housing units that are designed to meet the specific needs of the residents. Each housing unit is staffed by trained professionals who provide 24-hour supervision and care for the residents. The housing units are designed to provide a safe and secure environment that promotes positive behavior and personal growth.
School Building
The IRJCF has a fully accredited high school that provides an educational program to help residents earn their high school diploma or GED. The school building is equipped with modern technology and classrooms that are designed to meet the educational needs of the residents.
Recreation Areas
The IRJCF has several recreation areas that are designed to promote physical activity and socialization. The recreation areas include a gymnasium, an outdoor basketball court, and a weight room. The facility also has a library and a computer lab that residents can use for educational and recreational purposes.
In conclusion, the IRJCF’s facility structure is designed to provide a safe and secure environment that promotes positive behavior and personal growth for its residents. The housing units, school buildings, and recreation areas are all designed to meet the specific needs of the residents and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.
Inmate Management
The Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility is responsible for the custody and care of male youth offenders. The facility provides a variety of services and treatments for inmates, including a fully accredited high school, behavioral health services, medical and dental care, recreation, religious services, community service opportunities, and reentry services.
Custody
The IRJCF has a strict custody management system in place to ensure the safety and security of both staff and inmates. The facility has a variety of security measures in place, including security cameras, alarms, and secure doors. Inmates are also subject to regular body searches and cell searches to prevent the introduction of contraband into the facility.
Disturbances
Despite the facility’s strict security measures, disturbances can still occur. In the event of a disturbance, the IRJCF has a trained crisis intervention team that is responsible for de-escalating the situation and restoring order. The team uses a variety of techniques to calm inmates and prevent further disturbances, including verbal de-escalation, physical restraint, and the use of non-lethal weapons such as pepper spray.
Inmates who are found to be involved in disturbances are subject to disciplinary action, which can include loss of privileges, segregation, and even criminal charges. The facility also has a zero-tolerance policy for the possession of makeshift weapons, which can be used to cause harm to staff or other inmates.
Overall, the IRJCF takes the safety and security of its staff and inmates very seriously. The facility’s strict custody management system and crisis intervention team help to prevent disturbances and ensure that inmates are held accountable for their actions.
Staffing and Training
Corrections Officers
The Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility has a team of experienced and well-trained corrections officers who are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the facility. The officers are trained in the use of force, crisis intervention, and emergency response. They are also trained to communicate effectively with the youth in their care and to de-escalate potentially volatile situations.
The IRJCF employs a Deputy Superintendent who is responsible for overseeing the work of the corrections officers. The Deputy Superintendent ensures that the officers are properly trained and equipped to perform their duties. The Deputy Superintendent also works closely with the facility’s staff members to develop policies and procedures that promote safety and security.
Youth Specialists
The IRJCF also employs a team of Youth Specialists who work closely with the youth in their care. The Youth Specialists are responsible for providing a safe and supportive environment for the youth. They are trained to work with youth who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. They are also trained to provide counseling and other forms of support to help the youth overcome their challenges and achieve their goals.
The Youth Specialists work closely with the corrections officers to ensure that the facility is safe and secure. They are trained to communicate effectively with the youth in their care and to de-escalate potentially volatile situations. They are also trained to recognize the warning signs of mental health issues and to provide appropriate support and interventions.
Training
The IRJCF places a high priority on training. All staff members receive extensive training in a variety of areas, including safety and security, communication, crisis intervention, and emergency response. The facility also provides ongoing training to ensure that staff members are up-to-date on the latest best practices and techniques.
The IRJCF uses a variety of training methods, including classroom instruction, hands-on training, and simulations. The facility also partners with outside organizations to provide specialized training in areas such as mental health, substance abuse, and trauma-informed care.
Staffing
The IRJCF is staffed by a team of dedicated and experienced employees who are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for the youth in their care. The facility places a high priority on hiring and retaining qualified staff members who are passionate about working with youth.
The facility also provides a range of benefits and opportunities for professional development to ensure that staff members are satisfied and engaged in their work. This includes opportunities for career advancement, ongoing training, and a supportive work environment.
Treatment and Programming
The Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility provides a variety of services and treatment for male youth to help them in their rehabilitation and reentry into society. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association, ensuring that the services provided meet national standards.
Educational Services
IRJCF provides a fully accredited high school program to help youth continue their education while in the facility. The academic program is designed to meet the needs of each student, including those with special needs. The school also offers vocational training to help prepare students for future employment opportunities.
Religious Services
Religious services are available to youth of all faiths. The facility has a chaplain who provides spiritual guidance and support to the youth. The chaplain also coordinates with community religious leaders to provide additional resources and support.
Reentry Services
IRJCF provides reentry services to help youth transition back into their communities. The facility works with community organizations to provide job training, housing assistance, and other resources to help youth succeed after their release. IRJCF also offers victim awareness and gang intervention specialist programs to help youth understand the impact of their actions and make positive changes in their lives.
Overall, IRJCF’s treatment and programming services aim to provide youth with the tools they need to become productive members of society. From educational services to reentry programs, the facility strives to help youth succeed both during and after their time at the facility.
Incidents and Investigations
The Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility has been subject to several incidents and investigations over the years. These incidents range from assaults to standoffs, and the facility has taken steps to address them.
Assaults
Assaults have occurred at IRJCF in the past, with both staff members and residents being assaulted. In one incident, a staff member was assaulted by a resident who had a history of violent behavior. The staff member sustained injuries and required medical attention. In another incident, a resident was assaulted by another resident and required medical attention.
The facility takes assaults seriously and has implemented measures to prevent them. Staff members receive training on how to prevent and respond to assaults, and the facility has installed security cameras to monitor activity.
Standoffs
IRJCF has also experienced standoffs in the past. In one incident, a resident refused to leave his room and threatened to harm himself. Staff members attempted to negotiate with the resident, but he remained uncooperative. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was called in to assist, and the standoff was eventually resolved peacefully.
In another incident, a resident climbed onto the roof of a building and refused to come down. Again, staff members attempted to negotiate with the resident, but he remained uncooperative. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was called in to assist, and the standoff was eventually resolved peacefully.
Internal Investigation
In 2019, an internal investigation was conducted at IRJCF after allegations of staff misconduct were made. The investigation found that several staff members had engaged in inappropriate behavior, including using excessive force and making inappropriate comments to residents.
The facility took swift action to address the issue, including terminating the employment of several staff members and implementing new policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Amy Ast
In 2021, Amy Ast, a former employee of IRJCF, was sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting a resident. Ast had engaged in a sexual relationship with the resident while he was still in custody at the facility.
The incident was reported to the facility, and an investigation was conducted. Ast was terminated from her position, and criminal charges were filed against her. She ultimately pleaded guilty to sexual battery and was sentenced to prison.
IRJCF takes incidents like these seriously and has implemented measures to prevent them from occurring in the future. The facility is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff members and residents.
Visitation and Communication
Visitation is an essential aspect of the rehabilitation process for youths at the Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility. The facility recognizes the importance of family connection and encourages visitation to promote positive family relationships and provide emotional support to the residents.
Once visitors arrive at the facility, they should call the control center and wait in their vehicles until instructed to enter the facility to complete the processing procedures. The facility has set up a visitation schedule that is available on the Ohio Department of Youth Services website. Visitation hours vary depending on the unit, and visitors must adhere to the schedule to ensure that the visitation process runs smoothly. Visitation hours are:
- Monday through Friday:
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Graduate Youth Only
- 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM – All Youth
- Saturday & Sunday:
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – All Youth
- 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM – All Youth
The facility has specific visitation rules that visitors must follow. Visitors must present a valid photo ID and undergo a search before entering the facility. Visitors are prohibited from bringing in any items, including food, drinks, or cell phones. Visitors must dress appropriately and follow the dress code guidelines. Visitors who do not comply with the visitation rules will not be allowed to visit the resident.
The IRJCF also recognizes the importance of communication between residents and their families. The facility has provided several communication options to ensure that families can stay in touch with their loved ones. The residents have access to telephones, and they can make calls during designated times. The facility also provides email services that allow residents to communicate with their families through a secure messaging system.
In addition to visitation and communication, the facility provides a variety of services and treatment for youth, including a fully accredited high school, behavioral health services, medical and dental care, recreation, religious services, community service opportunities, and reentry services. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association, which ensures that the facility meets the highest standards of safety, security, and rehabilitation.
Overall, the Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility recognizes the importance of visitation and communication in the rehabilitation process and provides several options to ensure that residents can stay connected with their families.