Manson Youth Institution is a high-security facility located in Cheshire, Connecticut, that serves as the primary location for housing sentenced inmates under the age of 21. The facility recognizes the need to educate youth, and staff provide a climate that enhances inmate social skills while reinforcing ethics, attitude, and behavior valued by productive, law-abiding citizens. Manson Youth Institution is a Level 4 facility, which makes it a high-security prison.
Despite being a state-of-the-art institution, Manson Youth Institution has been a subject of controversy. In 2023, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division investigated whether the facility was violating the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) with respect to children in the facility. The investigation concluded that the institution was violating the U.S. Constitution and the IDEA. The findings have sparked discussions about the conditions in the facility and the need to reform the juvenile justice system.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 713 |
| Physical Address | 42 Jarvis Street Cheshire, CT 06410 |
| Mailing Address | 42 Jarvis Street Cheshire, CT 06410 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (203) 806-2500 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and History
Location
Manson Youth Institution is located in Cheshire, New Haven County, Connecticut. It is situated on 76 acres of land and is easily accessible via Jarvis Street. The facility is surrounded by a wooded area which provides a peaceful and secluded environment for the inmates.
History
The Manson Youth Institution was opened on October 12, 1982, as a level 4 facility with a population of 360 male offenders aged 16 to 21. It was originally known as the Cheshire Youth Institution. On September 17, 1985, the facility was rededicated as the John R. Manson Youth Institution in honor of the late Commissioner John R. Manson.
The institution was designed to provide a secure and structured environment for youthful offenders to learn skills and behaviors that would help them reintegrate into society. The facility has a capacity of 713 inmates.
The Manson Youth Institution is managed by the Connecticut Department of Correction, which is responsible for the custody, care, and rehabilitation of inmates in the state. The department is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates, while also promoting positive change and rehabilitation.
The Manson Youth Institution has undergone several changes and improvements over the years, including the addition of new programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release. These programs include education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The institution also has a variety of recreational activities, such as sports and arts and crafts, to help inmates develop positive social skills and hobbies.
Facilities and Programs
Facilities
Manson Youth Institution is a high-security facility located in Cheshire, Connecticut. The facility is situated on 76 acres of land and has a capacity of 713 inmates, but currently houses less than half that (322 as of June 2019). The facility is designed to house male inmates under the age of 21 who have been sentenced to serve time in a correctional facility. The facility provides a safe and secure environment for the inmates while they serve their sentences.
The facility has several buildings, including housing units, classrooms, a gymnasium, and a health center. The housing units are designed to provide a safe and secure living environment for the inmates while they serve their sentences. The classrooms are used to provide educational and vocational training to the inmates. The gymnasium is used for recreational activities and physical fitness training. The health center provides medical and dental services to the inmates.
Programs
Manson Youth Institution offers several programs to help inmates prepare for their release and reintegration into society. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
The educational and vocational training programs are designed to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. These programs include courses in basic education, high school equivalency, and vocational training in areas such as culinary arts, automotive technology, and computer technology.
The substance abuse treatment programs available are designed to help inmates overcome their addiction to drugs and alcohol. These programs include substance use education, information on healthy decision making, and the Matrix model of treatment, an evidence-based curriculum program provided three times per week for ten weeks, for a total of thirty group sessions.
The mental health services provided by the facility include individual and group counseling, medication management, and crisis intervention. These services are designed to help inmates cope with the challenges of incarceration, develop stress management techniques, and prepare for their eventual release.
Overall, the rehabilitative and life skills programs and the facilities at Manson Youth Institution are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while they serve their sentences and prepare for their eventual release. The facility recognizes the need to educate youth and provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life after incarceration.
Inmate Life and Activities
Inmates at Manson Youth Institution have a structured daily routine that includes various activities to promote personal growth and development. This section will discuss the daily life, recreation, and educational opportunities for inmates.
Visitation
All visits are arranged in advance, by appointment only. For a detailed schedule visit this link.
Daily Life
Inmates at Manson Youth Institution are required to follow a strict daily routine that includes waking up early, attending meals, and participating in various activities. The facility provides three meals a day, and inmates are required to attend all meals. Inmates are also responsible for keeping their living spaces clean and tidy.
Recreation
Inmates at Manson Youth Institution have access to various recreational activities, including sports, music, and art. The facility has a gymnasium and outdoor recreational areas where inmates can participate in sports like basketball, volleyball, and soccer. The music program allows inmates to learn how to play instruments, write songs, and record music. Art classes are also available, where inmates can learn various art techniques and create their own artwork.
Education
Inmates at Manson Youth Institution have access to educational programs that aim to help them develop new skills and knowledge. The facility offers various educational programs, including high school equivalency courses, vocational training, and college-level courses. The vocational training programs include welding, culinary arts, and horticulture. The college-level courses are offered in partnership with local colleges and universities.
In conclusion, Manson Youth Institution provides inmates with a structured daily routine that includes various activities to promote personal growth and development. Inmates have access to recreational activities like sports, music, and art, as well as educational programs like high school equivalency courses, vocational training, and college-level courses.
Security and Staffing
Security Measures
The Manson Youth Institution is a high-security prison for teenagers and young adults up to the age of 21. The facility is equipped with a range of security measures to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates. These measures include:
- Perimeter fencing and electronic detection systems to prevent unauthorized access
- Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras throughout the facility to monitor inmate activity
- Metal detectors and body scanners to detect contraband items
- Use of restraints and handcuffs when transporting inmates
In addition to these measures, the facility also has a specialized unit for inmates who require more intensive supervision due to behavioral or mental health issues. This unit is staffed by specially trained correctional officers who are equipped to handle a range of challenging situations.
Staffing
The Manson Youth Institution is staffed by a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the inmates in their care. The facility employs a range of staff, including:
- Correctional officers, who are responsible for maintaining order and security within the facility
- Social workers, who provide counseling and support to inmates
- Teachers and education specialists, who provide educational and vocational training to inmates
- Medical professionals, who provide healthcare services to inmates
The facility also has a specialized unit for inmates with mental health issues, which is staffed by mental health professionals who are trained to work with this population.
Overall, the Manson Youth Institution has a robust staffing plan that is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of both staff and inmates. The facility is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all who enter its doors.