MCI-Framingham is a medium-security reception and diagnostic center that is dedicated to housing female inmates. It is located in Framingham, Massachusetts, and is operated by the Massachusetts Department of Correction. The facility provides a comprehensive network of programming for women who are serving criminal sentences, awaiting trial, or who have been civilly committed.
MCI-Framingham is a unique facility that offers a range of services and programs to help women who are incarcerated. The center provides a variety of educational and vocational programs that are designed to help inmates develop new skills and prepare for life outside of prison. These programs include courses in adult basic education, vocational training, and college-level courses. In addition, the facility offers a range of therapeutic programs, such as substance abuse treatment and mental health services.
Overall, MCI-Framingham is an important facility that plays a critical role in the Massachusetts criminal justice system. It provides a safe and secure environment for female inmates while also offering a range of programs and services that are designed to help them succeed both during and after their incarceration.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 628 |
| Physical Address | 99 Loring Dr, Framingham, MA 01702 |
| Mailing Address | 99 Loring Dr., P.O. Box 9007, Framingham, MA 01701 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (508) 532-5100 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Establishment
MCI-Framingham was established in 1877 as the Sherborn Reformatory for Women, making it the oldest operating women’s prison in the United States. The prison was initially established to provide rehabilitation and reform for women who had been convicted of various crimes. The facility was located in Sherborn, Massachusetts, and had a capacity of 50 inmates.
In 1914, the prison was moved to its current location in Framingham, Massachusetts, and was renamed the Massachusetts Correctional Institution – Framingham (MCI-Framingham). The new facility was designed to house up to 628 inmates and included a hospital, chapel, and vocational training areas.
Evolution
Over the years, MCI-Framingham has undergone several changes and improvements. In the 1930s, the prison began to focus on education and vocational training programs to help prepare inmates for life after their release. In the 1950s, the facility was expanded to include new housing units and recreational areas.
In the 1970s, MCI-Framingham began to offer treatment programs for addiction and mental health issues. The prison also began to provide services for pregnant and parenting inmates, including prenatal care and parenting classes.
In 2008, the prison was reorganized to better meet the needs of the female inmate population. The new organization included three separate facilities within MCI-Framingham: the general population facility, the minimum security facility, and the health care center.
Today, MCI-Framingham continues to provide a comprehensive network of programming for women who are serving criminal sentences, awaiting trial, or are civilly committed. The facility is operated by the Massachusetts Department of Correction and has a current capacity of 628 inmates.
Norfolk
MCI-Framingham is part of the Norfolk County Correctional System, which also includes MCI-Norfolk, a men’s prison located in Norfolk, Massachusetts. The two facilities are separate entities but are both operated by the Massachusetts Department of Correction and fall under the jurisdiction of the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office.
Mission and Services
Mission
MCI-Framingham’s mission is to provide a comprehensive network of programming for women who are serving criminal sentences, awaiting trial, or are civilly committed. The Department of Correction (DOC) aims to provide a safe and secure environment for women while also offering opportunities for education, training, and rehabilitation.
Services Offered
MCI-Framingham offers a range of services to its residents, including education and training programs, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. The Department of Correction also provides vocational training, job readiness programs, and re-entry services to help women transition back into their communities.
The facility’s resources include a fully equipped gymnasium, a chapel, and a library. Women can also participate in various recreational activities such as sports, arts and crafts, and gardening.
The DOC offers a variety of training programs to help women develop skills that will increase their chances of success upon release. These programs include vocational training in fields such as culinary arts, horticulture, and cosmetology. Women can also participate in educational programs to earn their GED or take college-level courses.
In addition to these services, MCI-Framingham provides mental health services to women who need them. The facility has a team of mental health professionals who provide individual and group therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention services.
Overall, MCI-Framingham’s mission and services are geared toward providing a safe and supportive environment for women while also offering opportunities for education, training, and rehabilitation. The Department of Correction is committed to helping women succeed both during their time in the facility and after their release.
Location and Population
Physical Address
MCI-Framingham is located at 99 Loring Dr, Framingham, MA 01702. The facility is situated on a 35-acre campus and is easily accessible by car, bus, or train. The facility is located near the Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line, which makes it easy for visitors to access the facility.
Population
MCI-Framingham is a medium-security prison that houses female offenders. The facility provides a comprehensive network of programming for women who are serving criminal sentences, awaiting trial, or are civilly committed. The facility has a capacity of 628 inmates and is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for its inmates.
According to the US Census Bureau, Framingham has a population of approximately 72,000 people. MCI-Framingham houses only female offenders, and as of the first quarter of 2022, the average daily population was 170 inmates, with a beginning population of 161 and an ending population of 179. The facility has a design capacity of 628 inmates.
MCI-Framingham is one of several facilities managed by the Massachusetts Department of Correction. As of the first quarter of 2022, the DOC had a total of 7,199 offenders in its custody, with 6,747 being male and 452 being female. MCI-Framingham is the only facility in the state that exclusively houses female offenders.
Prison for Women
Overview
MCI-Framingham is a medium-security correctional facility in Massachusetts that houses female inmates. It is the oldest operating women’s correctional institution in the United States. The facility serves as a reception and diagnostic center for female offenders, providing a comprehensive network of programming for women who are serving criminal sentences, awaiting trial, or are civilly committed.
The prison’s mission is to provide a safe and secure environment that promotes positive change in the lives of the women who are incarcerated there. The facility offers a range of programs and services, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and parenting classes. The goal of these programs is to help women develop the skills and knowledge they need to successfully re-enter society upon their release.
Culture
MCI-Framingham has a unique culture that is focused on rehabilitation and community. The staff at the facility work hard to create a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and development. The prison also has a strong commitment to gender-responsive and trauma-informed care, recognizing that many of the women who are incarcerated there have experienced significant trauma in their lives.
The facility has a strong emphasis on family connections and relationships. In addition to parenting classes, the prison offers a range of visitation options, including video visitation and in-person visits. The goal of these programs is to help women maintain strong ties with their families and loved ones, which has been shown to be an important factor in successful re-entry into society.
Inmate Mailing Address
To send mail to an inmate at MCI-Framingham, use the following address:
- Inmate Name, ID Number
- MCI-Framingham
- 99 Loring Dr., P.O. Box 9007, Framingham, MA 01701
All mail must include the inmate’s full name and ID number, as well as the sender’s name and return address. In addition, all mail is subject to search and inspection by prison staff.
Overall, MCI-Framingham is a unique and important correctional facility that provides a range of programs and services to help female inmates successfully re-enter society. The prison’s strong emphasis on rehabilitation, community, and family connections makes it an important resource for women who are incarcerated in Massachusetts.
Programs and Resources
MCI-Framingham offers a variety of programs and resources to help prisoners prepare for re-entry into society. These programs are designed to provide prisoners with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed upon release. Some of the programs available at MCI-Framingham include culinary arts, cosmetology, and medication-assisted treatment.
Culinary Arts
The culinary arts program at MCI-Framingham provides prisoners with the opportunity to learn cooking skills and techniques. The program is designed to teach prisoners how to prepare and cook meals using a variety of ingredients and cooking methods. The program also provides prisoners with the opportunity to earn a ServSafe certification, which is a nationally recognized food safety certification.
Cosmetology
The cosmetology program at MCI-Framingham provides prisoners with the opportunity to learn hair and makeup skills. The program is designed to teach prisoners how to cut and style hair, apply makeup, and perform other beauty treatments. The program also provides prisoners with the opportunity to earn a cosmetology license, which is a state-recognized certification.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
MCI-Framingham offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to prisoners who are struggling with substance abuse. MAT is a treatment approach that combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance abuse disorders. The program is designed to help prisoners overcome their addiction and prepare for a successful re-entry into society.
In addition to these programs, MCI-Framingham also offers a variety of other resources to prisoners. These resources include educational programs, vocational training, and counseling services. The goal of these programs and resources is to help prisoners develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed upon release.
Overall, MCI-Framingham is committed to providing prisoners with the tools they need to successfully re-enter society. By offering a variety of programs and resources, MCI-Framingham is helping prisoners prepare for a brighter future.
Visiting Hours and Contact
Scheduled Visiting Hours
MCI-Framingham offers visiting hours for family and friends of inmates.
- General Population
- Saturday, Sunday, and Monday: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm, 5:00 pm-8:00 pm
- ITU / Accountability Program
- Saturday, Sunday, and Monday: 1:15 pm-2:15 pm, 2:30 pm-3:30 pm, 6:15 pm-7:15 pm
It is important to note that visiting hours may be canceled or rescheduled due to various reasons such as holidays, emergencies, or facility operations. Therefore, visitors should always check with the facility to confirm the visiting hours before planning a visit.
Visitors are also advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit to allow for check-in procedures. Late arrivals may result in denied entry to the facility.
Contact Information
For more information about visiting hours or to confirm scheduled visiting hours, visitors can contact MCI-Framingham at 508-532-5100. Visitors can also visit the official website of the Massachusetts Department of Correction for any updates on visiting hours.
Visitors are encouraged to provide feedback about their visiting experience at MCI-Framingham. Feedback can be submitted through the official website of the Massachusetts Department of Correction. Visitors should note that any personal data or contact information should be removed from their feedback before submission.
In conclusion, MCI-Framingham offers scheduled visiting hours for family and friends of inmates. Visitors should always check with the facility to confirm the visiting hours before planning a visit and arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit to allow for check-in procedures. Visitors can contact MCI-Framingham for more information or to confirm scheduled visiting hours. Feedback can be submitted through the official website of the Massachusetts Department of Correction.
Careers and Training
Career Opportunities
MCI-Framingham offers a range of career opportunities for individuals interested in working in the correctional field. The facility employs a variety of staff, including correctional officers, social workers, nurses, and administrative personnel.
Correctional officers are responsible for maintaining security and order within the facility. They supervise inmates, conduct searches, and respond to emergencies. Social workers provide counseling and support to inmates, helping them to develop skills and strategies for reintegration into society. Nurses provide medical care and treatment to inmates, while administrative personnel manage the day-to-day operations of the facility.
Individuals interested in pursuing a career at MCI-Framingham must meet certain requirements. For example, correctional officers must be at least 19 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a background check and physical fitness test. Social workers must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work, as well as relevant experience. Nurses must have a nursing degree and be licensed in the state of Massachusetts.
Training Programs
MCI-Framingham offers a variety of training programs to help staff develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their roles. These programs include:
- Correctional Officer Basic Training: This program provides new correctional officers with the skills and knowledge they need to perform their duties safely and effectively. It covers topics such as inmate supervision, use of force, and emergency response.
- Crisis Intervention Training: This program teaches staff how to recognize and respond to inmates who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. It covers topics such as de-escalation techniques, suicide prevention, and mental health disorders.
- Professional Development: MCI-Framingham offers a range of professional development opportunities for staff, including leadership training, communication skills, and conflict resolution.
- Career Advancement: The facility encourages staff to pursue career advancement opportunities, such as promotions and transfers to other facilities within the Department of Correction.
Overall, MCI-Framingham provides a comprehensive network of programming for staff who are interested in pursuing a career in the correctional field. The facility offers a range of career opportunities and training programs to help staff develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Closing and Prison Reform
Closing of MCI-Framingham
In 2022, the Massachusetts Department of Correction announced its decision to close the MCI-Framingham facility by 2024. This decision was made due to the declining population of incarcerated women in the state, which has decreased by 43% since 2016. The closure of MCI-Framingham is expected to save the state approximately $50 million annually.
The closure of MCI-Framingham has been met with mixed reactions. Some activists have praised the decision, arguing that the facility was outdated and inhumane. Incarcerated women at MCI-Framingham have reported poor living conditions, inadequate medical care, and mistreatment by staff. However, others have expressed concern about the impact of the closure on the women currently incarcerated at the facility, as well as the potential overcrowding of other correctional facilities.
Prison Reform
The closure of MCI-Framingham is part of a larger effort to reform the Massachusetts prison system. In recent years, the state has taken steps to reduce the number of people incarcerated and improve conditions for those who are incarcerated. This includes initiatives such as:
- Diversion programs for people with mental health and substance abuse issues
- Increased access to education and job training programs for incarcerated individuals
- The establishment of a women’s justice task force to address issues specific to incarcerated women
- The implementation of a risk assessment tool to help determine appropriate sentences for individuals convicted of crimes
These efforts have been supported by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, which oversees the Massachusetts Department of Correction. The office has emphasized the importance of prioritizing public health and safety while also working to reduce the number of people incarcerated.
Overall, the closure of MCI-Framingham and the broader prison reform efforts in Massachusetts reflect a growing recognition of the need for change in the criminal justice system. While there is still much work to be done, these initiatives represent an important step towards a more just and equitable society.