LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility (LPJCF) is a correctional facility located in LaPorte, Indiana, and is operated by the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC). The facility was established in 1953 and has undergone several transformations over the years. Initially, it was used to house trustee inmates from the Indiana State Prison, but in 1977, it was converted into an adult male work release center with a capacity of 80 incarcerated individuals. Later, the facility’s mission changed to focus on the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.
Currently, LPJCF is one of four juvenile correctional facilities operated by IDOC. The facility is designed to provide programming to female youth committed to the Department of Correction – Division of Youth Services. The facility has a capacity of 58 beds and is staffed by a team of professionals who are dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for the youth in their care. LPJCF offers a range of services to its residents, including educational programs, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment.
Despite the efforts of the staff at LPJCF, the facility has faced criticism in the past for its treatment of residents, particularly in terms of the use of isolation and restraint. However, the facility has taken steps to address these concerns and improve the quality of care provided to its residents. Today, LPJCF remains an important resource for the state of Indiana in its efforts to rehabilitate and prepare juvenile offenders for successful reentry into society.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 58 |
| Physical Address | 2407 N 500 W, La Porte, IN 46350 |
| Mailing Address | 2407 N 500 W LaPorte, IN 46350 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday, Sunday, and/or state holidays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and non-holidays: Regular visitation hours 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. School hours 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (219) 326-1188 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Facility Overview
LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility is an intake facility for newly committed youth in the state of Indiana. It is one of three juvenile facilities overseen by the Indiana Department of Correction’s Division of Youth Services. The facility is located at 2407 N 500 W, La Porte, IN 46350, and can be contacted at (219) 326-1188.
Security
LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility is a secure facility, with measures in place to ensure the safety of both staff and youth. The facility has a perimeter fence, surveillance cameras, and a secure entrance. Staff members receive training in security procedures and are responsible for maintaining order and discipline within the facility.
Overcrowding
Overcrowding can be a concern in juvenile correctional facilities, but LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility has a capacity of 58 beds and is designed to accommodate the number of youth it serves. The facility is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all youth in its care and takes steps to ensure that the facility is not overcrowded.
Schedules
LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility operates on a structured schedule, with a focus on education, treatment, and rehabilitation. Youth in the facility attend school daily and participate in programming designed to address their individual needs and challenges. The facility also provides medical and mental health services to youth in its care.
Overall, LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility is a secure and structured facility that is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for youth in its care.
Inmate Information
Offender
LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility houses juvenile offenders who have been convicted of a crime and sentenced to serve time in a correctional facility. These offenders are typically between the ages of 12 and 21 and have been found guilty of a range of offenses, including theft, drug possession, assault, and more serious crimes like murder.
Register
Inmates at LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility are required to register upon arrival. During this process, they will provide personal information, such as their name, age, and address. They will also be fingerprinted and photographed for identification purposes.
Privilege
Inmates at LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility are granted certain privileges based on their behavior and participation in programs. These privileges can include increased visitation rights, access to educational and vocational programs, and the ability to earn money through work assignments.
Inmates
Inmates at LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility are housed in dormitory-style living quarters and are provided with basic necessities, such as food, clothing, and medical care. They are also given access to counseling and other support services to help them address the issues that led to their incarceration and prepare for their eventual release.
Overall, LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility aims to provide a safe and secure environment for juvenile offenders while also offering them the resources and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society.
Communication
Communication is an essential part of maintaining relationships between the juveniles and their loved ones outside the LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility. The facility provides various communication channels for the juveniles to stay in touch with their families and friends, including email, phone calls, and sending mail.
Phone Calls
The facility allows juveniles to make phone calls to their families and friends during specified hours. Each juvenile is provided with a personal identification number (PIN) to make phone calls. Family and friends can set up an account with the facility’s phone provider to receive calls from the juveniles. The facility staff monitors all phone calls for inappropriate content.
Sending Mail
The facility accepts mail for the juveniles from their families and friends. All incoming mail is checked for contraband and inappropriate content. The facility staff may reject mail that does not meet the facility’s guidelines. Juveniles can also send mail to their families and friends, and the facility provides them with postage stamps.
It is important to note that the facility has specific guidelines for sending mail. Family and friends should follow the guidelines to avoid having their mail rejected. The guidelines include:
- Addressing the envelope with the juvenile’s full name and ID number
- Not sending cash or personal checks
- Not sending items that could be used as weapons or contraband
- Not sending items that violate the facility’s dress code or could be considered inappropriate
Overall, LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility provides various communication channels for juveniles to stay in touch with their families and friends. It is essential to follow the facility’s guidelines to ensure that the communication channels remain open and secure.
Visitation
LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility allows visitation for its residents. Visitors are required to follow certain regulations to ensure the safety and security of the facility.
Visitation Hours
Visitation hours at LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility are:
- Saturday, Sunday, and/or state holidays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Monday through Friday and non-holidays:
- Regular visitation hours 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- School hours 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (School hour visits must be pre-authorized with Counselor approval)
Regulations
Visitors must follow specific regulations when visiting LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility. These regulations include:
- Visitors must have a valid photo ID to enter the facility.
- Visitors must be on the resident’s approved visitation list.
- Visitors must not bring any items into the facility, including cell phones, purses, or bags.
- Visitors must follow the dress code, which includes no revealing clothing, no gang-related clothing, and no clothing with offensive language or graphics.
- Visitors must pass through a metal detector before entering the facility.
- Visitors must not bring any gifts or money for the residents.
LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility reserves the right to deny visitation to anyone who does not follow these regulations or who poses a threat to the safety and security of the facility.
Overall, LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility takes visitation seriously and strives to provide a safe and secure environment for both residents and visitors.
Programs and Services
LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility provides a variety of programs and services to help youth in their care prepare for a successful future. These programs and services include education, mental health, substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation, Girls Inc., and volunteering opportunities.
Education
Education is a key component of the LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility’s programming. The facility offers a comprehensive education program that includes academic courses, vocational training, and special education services for students with disabilities. The goal is to help students earn their high school equivalency diploma, obtain vocational skills, and prepare for post-secondary education or employment.
Mental Health
LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility recognizes the importance of mental health in the rehabilitation process. The facility provides a range of mental health services to students, including routine and emergency services. These services include mental health screening and evaluation, individual and group counseling, and medication management.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a significant issue among youth in the juvenile justice system. LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility offers substance abuse treatment services to students struggling with addiction. These services include individual and group counseling, substance abuse education, and relapse prevention.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a primary goal of the LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility. The facility offers a range of evidence-based programs to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in their communities. These programs include cognitive-behavioral therapy, anger management, and life skills training.
Girls Inc.
Girls Inc. is a national organization that provides girls with opportunities to develop leadership skills, learn about healthy relationships, and explore career options. LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility partners with Girls Inc. to offer programming to female students. These programs include mentoring, workshops, and community service projects.
Volunteering
Volunteering is an essential component of the LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility’s programming. The facility provides students with opportunities to give back to their communities through volunteer work. These opportunities include working at local food banks, participating in community clean-up projects, and volunteering at animal shelters.
Re-Entry and Accountability
Re-Entry
LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility aims to prepare youth to re-enter their communities as positive, productive, and law-abiding citizens. The facility offers targeted programming to establish a comprehensive re-entry model that advocates for a skilled and ready workforce. The Mental Health Department offers both routine and emergency services to any student who requires them. These include comprehensive mental health screening and evaluation when a student enters the facility.
The re-entry process for previously incarcerated youth transitioning from juvenile justice residential placement back into their communities can be a difficult one. Young people leaving residential placement face many concerns as they re-enter the community, home, and school/workforce. LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility provides various programs and services to help ease this transition.
Accountability
LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility promotes and encourages a culture of accountability and collaboration. The facility values targeted programming to establish a comprehensive re-entry model that advocates for a skilled and ready workforce. Together, the staff and students recognize that many incarcerated individuals will be released and re-enter their communities. Therefore, the facility works to equip students with the skills and resources they need to make a successful transition and become productive members of society.
Recidivism
Recidivism, or the tendency of a convicted criminal to re-offend, is a concern for many juvenile justice facilities. LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility aims to reduce recidivism rates by providing targeted programming and services that address the root causes of criminal behavior. The facility offers various educational and vocational programs to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in life after incarceration.
Additionally, the facility provides mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and counseling to help students address any underlying issues that may contribute to recidivism. LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility recognizes that reducing recidivism rates is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Therefore, the facility works closely with community partners to provide a continuum of care that extends beyond the facility walls.
Youth Services
Division of Youth Services
The Division of Youth Services (DYS) is responsible for overseeing all aspects of juvenile care within the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC). DYS provides juvenile-specific services to positively impact the lives of troubled youth in Indiana. The division’s vision is to positively impact the future of Indiana’s delinquent youth.
Youth Services
LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility is one of the facilities operated by the Division of Youth Services. The facility is designed to provide a safe, secure, and therapeutic environment for males and females, ages 12-21, who have been committed to the Indiana Department of Correction. LaPorte Juvenile also serves as the intake facility for female youth and court-ordered diagnostic evaluations.
During the intake process, each youth is evaluated through interviews, reports, and diagnostic tests. This evaluation forms the basis of the facility and program assignment. The facility provides a range of services, including education, mental health, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training. The facility also offers a variety of programs to help youth develop life skills, such as anger management, conflict resolution, and decision-making.
The facility also has a Community Advisory Board (CAB) that serves as a liaison between the facility and the community. The CAB is responsible for providing input and feedback on facility operations and programs. The CAB is made up of community members, local officials, and representatives from the facility. The CAB meets quarterly to discuss issues and concerns related to the facility.
LaPorte Juvenile Correctional Facility is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for youth in its care. The facility strives to provide youth with the tools and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into their communities.