Indiana Women’s Prison is a maximum-security facility that has been in operation since 1873. It is the oldest and first adult facility for females in the United States. The facility, which was originally located on Randolph Street, moved to its current location on Girls School Road in 2009. The prison houses female offenders who have been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.
The facility has a capacity of over 700 inmates and is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for incarcerated women. The prison offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs include education, job training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The goal is to provide inmates with the tools they need to successfully reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
Despite its focus on rehabilitation, Indiana Women’s Prison has faced criticism for its treatment of inmates. In 2019, a report by the ACLU of Indiana found that the prison had violated the constitutional rights of female inmates by subjecting them to inhumane conditions, including inadequate medical care and prolonged isolation. The report called for significant reforms to improve the treatment of incarcerated women in the state.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 700 |
| Physical Address | 2596 Girls School Road Indianapolis, IN 46214 |
| Mailing Address | 727 Moon Road, Plainfield, IN 46168 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (317) 244-3387 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
The Indiana Women’s Prison, established in 1872, is the oldest and first adult facility for females in the United States.
The establishment of the prison was a result of a report by Sarah J. Smith and Elmina L. Johnson, who were asked by Indiana Governor Conrad Baker to visit the prisons at Jeffersonville and Michigan City and report on needed reforms.
Establishment
The Indiana Women’s Prison was established in 1872, and the first seventeen inmates were transferred from the State Prison South at Jeffersonville. The prison was initially located in downtown Indianapolis, and it operated at its original site for 136 years. The prison had the distinction of being the first separate institution for female prisoners in the United States.
Location
The Indiana Women’s Prison was located in downtown Indianapolis until 2009 when it moved to a correctional facility on Girls School Road on Indy’s westside, now known as the Rockville Correctional Facility.
The Randolph Street facility operated as the Indiana Women’s Prison until its closure in 2009. The move was made to provide more space for the growing number of female inmates and to provide better facilities for rehabilitation and education programs.
Population
The Indiana Women’s Prison has a maximum capacity of over 700 inmates. The prison has a diverse population, including women of different ages, races, and backgrounds.
Youthful Offenders
The Indiana Women’s Prison also houses youthful offenders, which are defined as inmates under the age of 21. As of May 1, 2022, there were 25 youthful offenders at the facility. These inmates are housed separately from the general population and receive specialized programming to help them transition back into society.
Elderly Offenders
The Indiana Women’s Prison also houses elderly offenders, which are defined as inmates over the age of 60. As of May 1, 2022, there were 50 elderly offenders at the facility. These inmates require specialized medical care and services due to their age.
Pregnant and Mentally Ill Inmates
The Indiana Women’s Prison provides specialized care for pregnant and mentally ill inmates. As of May 1, 2022, there were 9 pregnant inmates and 188 mentally ill inmates at the facility. Pregnant inmates receive prenatal care and are housed separately from the general population. Mentally ill inmates receive treatment from mental health professionals and are provided with medication and therapy.
In conclusion, the Indiana Women’s Prison has a diverse population of female offenders, including youthful, elderly, pregnant, and mentally ill inmates. The facility provides specialized programming and care to meet the unique needs of each population.
Programs and Services
Education and Skills Training
The Indiana Women’s Prison offers a variety of educational and skills training programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual re-entry into society. Some of these programs include adult basic education, high school equivalency classes, college courses, and vocational training. Inmates can also participate in career readiness workshops, which teach skills such as resume writing and interview techniques.
Rehabilitation and Treatment
The prison’s Mental Health Division offers a continuum of clinical mental health services provided by contracted mental health services providers that include intake, routine interventions, crisis management, addiction recovery services, and special needs services to all incarcerated persons.
Additionally, the Re-Entry Division promotes and encourages a culture of accountability and collaboration. The Indiana Department of Correction values targeted programming to establish a comprehensive re-entry model that advocates for a skilled and ready workforce.
Visiting Hours, Telephone, and Mail
Visiting hours at the Indiana Women’s Prison vary depending on the housing unit, and visitors must be approved in advance. Inmates are allowed to make phone calls during designated hours, and they can receive mail as long as it meets the prison’s guidelines. Inmates can also purchase items from the commissary to stay in touch with loved ones, such as phone cards and stationery.
Labor and Work Programs
The Indiana Women’s Prison offers a variety of labor and work programs to help inmates develop job skills and earn money. Inmates can work in the laundry, kitchen, or warehouse, or participate in the prison’s Indiana Correctional Industries program, which produces goods and services for government agencies and non-profit organizations.
Sewing and Knitting
The prison’s sewing and knitting program allows inmates to learn valuable skills while also giving back to the community. Inmates can create items such as blankets, hats, and scarves, which are then donated to local charities and organizations. This program not only helps inmates develop their skills but also allows them to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in giving back to others.
Overall, the Indiana Women’s Prison offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and re-entry into society. From education and skills training to rehabilitation and treatment, the prison strives to provide inmates with the tools they need to succeed both during and after their incarceration.
Security and Rules
Maximum Security
Indiana Women’s Prison is a maximum-security facility that houses some of the most dangerous female offenders in the state. The prison has a maximum-security unit, which is designated by policy 01-04-101, Adult Offender Classification, and the disciplinary segregation units of all facilities. The maximum-security unit is a highly secure area that is heavily monitored and staffed by correctional officers to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.
Death Row
Indiana Women’s Prison has a death row unit that houses female inmates who have been sentenced to death. The death row unit is also a highly secure area that is heavily monitored and staffed by correctional officers to ensure the safety of inmates and staff.
Managing Inmates
Managing inmates in a maximum-security prison is a challenging task that requires a high level of expertise and experience. The staff at Indiana Women’s Prison are highly trained professionals who employ a range of strategies to manage inmates, including counseling, education, and vocational training.
Rules and Regulations
Indiana Women’s Prison has a set of rules and regulations that all inmates must follow. These rules are designed to ensure the safety and security of the facility and its occupants. Some of the rules and regulations include:
- Inmates must comply with all orders given by correctional staff.
- Inmates are not allowed to possess weapons or contraband.
- Inmates are not allowed to engage in any form of physical or verbal harassment.
- Inmates must comply with all rules regarding visitation, mail, and telephone calls.
The prison also has a grievance procedure that allows inmates to file complaints about any aspect of their confinement. The grievance procedure is designed to ensure that inmates are treated fairly and that their rights are protected.
Overall, the staff at Indiana Women’s Prison are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the facility and its occupants. They work tirelessly to manage the inmate population and ensure that all rules and regulations are followed.
Visiting an Inmate
Visiting an inmate at the Indiana Women’s Prison can be an emotional and challenging experience. However, it can also be a way to maintain a connection with a loved one or friend who is incarcerated. Here is what you need to know about visiting an inmate at the Indiana Women’s Prison.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at the Indiana Women’s Prison vary depending on the housing unit of the inmate. Visitors should check the visiting hours for the specific unit before planning a visit. The visiting hours are subject to change, so it is recommended to check the prison’s website or call the prison for the most up-to-date information.
Visiting Rules
Visitors must follow the rules and regulations of the Indiana Women’s Prison to ensure a safe and secure environment. Some of the general rules include:
- Visitors must have a valid photo ID.
- Visitors may be subject to a search before entering the facility.
- Visitors must dress appropriately and avoid wearing revealing or provocative clothing.
- Visitors must not bring any personal belongings, including cell phones, into the visiting area.
It is important to note that visitation may be restricted or suspended if an inmate or visitor violates the rules and regulations of the prison.
Contacting Family Members
Inmates at the Indiana Women’s Prison can contact their family members and friends through mail and phone calls. Inmates are allowed to make collect calls to approved phone numbers. Family members can also set up a prepaid account for the inmate to make phone calls. It is important to note that inmates are not allowed to receive incoming phone calls.
Family members can also send mail to inmates. All incoming mail must have the inmate’s name, ID number, and housing unit on the envelope. Inmates are allowed to receive letters, photos, and approved reading material.
In conclusion, visiting an inmate at the Indiana Women’s Prison can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Visitors should follow the rules and regulations of the prison to ensure a safe and secure environment. Family members can also maintain contact with inmates through mail and phone calls.
Physical Address and Contact Information
Physical Address
The Indiana Women’s Prison is located at 2596 Girl’s School Road, Indianapolis, IN 46214. The facility is situated on a 137-acre campus on the west side of the city. The prison is easily accessible via I-465 and I-70.
The Indiana Women’s Prison does not provide a public email address. However, family and friends of inmates can communicate with them through CorrLinks, a secure email system that allows inmates to send and receive messages from approved contacts.
Visitation
The Indiana Women’s Prison offers visitation for approved visitors. Visitation hours are from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the visitation period. For more information on visitation rules and regulations, please visit the Indiana Department of Correction’s website.
Mailing Address
Inmates at the Indiana Women’s Prison can receive mail at the following address:
Inmate Name, IDOC#
Indiana Women's Prison
727 Moon Road, Plainfield, IN 46168All incoming mail must have the inmate’s full name and IDOC number clearly printed on the envelope. Inmates can receive letters, photographs, and cards, but packages are not allowed.
Commissary
The Indiana Women’s Prison offers a commissary where inmates can purchase a variety of items, including food, hygiene products, and clothing. Inmates can order from the commissary once a week, and the items are delivered to them within a few days. The commissary is funded through the inmate’s trust account, and prices are competitive with those in the community.
Medical Services
The Indiana Women’s Prison provides medical and mental health services to its inmates. The facility has a medical unit staffed with licensed medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals. Inmates can request medical attention through the facility’s sick call process, and emergency medical care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.