Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility is a correctional institution located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. It is the only women’s prison in the state of Michigan and houses more than 2,000 female inmates. The facility is operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections and offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release.
The Michigan Department of Corrections launched a Gender Informed Practice Assessment at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in 2018. This assessment led to the creation of a strategic plan designed to ensure that the facility offers programs and care that are gender-responsive.
The plan also seeks to improve the services offered to inmates and help them successfully reintegrate into society upon their release. The programs offered at the facility are guided by gender-based responsive principles and are delivered through state and local collaboration.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 2,006 |
| Physical Address | 3201 Bemis Road Ypsilanti, MI 48197-0911 |
| Mailing Address | 3201 Bemis Road Ypsilanti, MI 48197-0911 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 734-572-9900 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and History
Location
The Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility (WHV) is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States. It is situated on Bemis Road, approximately 35 miles west of Detroit. The facility is spread over an area of 120 acres and is surrounded by a 12-foot fence with razor wire.
History
The Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility was established in 1938 as a separate unit of the State Prison of Southern Michigan. In 1953, it became a separate institution under the name of the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Center. In 2009, it was renamed the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility.
The facility is the only state prison for women in Michigan. It is designed to house all security levels of female offenders, including those who are pregnant or require medical attention. The facility has a capacity of 2,006 inmates.
The Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to improve the living conditions for inmates. In 2018, the Michigan Department of Corrections broke ground on the first Vocational Village site for women at the facility. The Vocational Village has the capacity to train up to 180 prisoners in fields that include computer coding, carpentry, cosmetology, 3D printing, and graphic design.
The Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility has also been a pilot site for medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction. In 2019, it was added as the fourth site for the program, following the launch of the initial pilot at Central Michigan Correctional Facility, Carson City Correctional Facility, and Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center.
Overall, the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility has a rich history and continues to evolve to meet the needs of its inmates and the community.
Facilities and Security
Housing Units
Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility has several housing units, each with its own security level. The facility houses female offenders of all ages, except for those under 18, who are housed separately. The housing units include general population, close custody, and administrative segregation.
The general population units are designed for low to medium-security offenders, while close custody units are for high-security offenders. Administrative segregation units are for offenders who require separation from the general population for safety or disciplinary reasons.
Each housing unit is equipped with basic amenities, such as bunk beds, lockers, and a shared bathroom. Additionally, the facility provides access to educational and vocational programs, religious services, and recreational activities.
Security Measures
WHV has implemented several security measures to ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and inmates. The facility has security cameras, electronic detection systems, and security fences to monitor and control access to the facility. Armed personnel patrol the perimeter of the facility to deter and respond to any security breaches.
The facility also has a classification system that assigns inmates to housing units based on their security level and risk factors. This system ensures that inmates are housed with others who have similar security levels and risk factors. Additionally, the facility has policies and procedures in place to prevent and respond to incidents of violence, escape attempts, and contraband smuggling.
Overall, WHV is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone in the facility. The facility continues to evaluate and improve its security measures to adapt to changing security threats and maintain a safe and secure environment.
Inmate Services and Programs
Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility provides a variety of services and programs to help inmates prepare for their release and re-enter society as productive citizens. These programs and services are designed to promote education, health and wellness, and spiritual and psychological growth.
Education and Vocational Training
WHV offers a range of educational and vocational training programs to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce. Inmates can take courses in general education development, food technology, and other vocational trades. The third Vocational Village opened at WHV in 2021, offering vocational trade students, tutors, and building trade workers.
Health and Wellness
WHV provides comprehensive healthcare services to inmates, including medical, dental, and mental health care. The facility also offers substance abuse treatment programs, as well as programs focused on gender-responsive and trauma-informed care. Inmates have access to a range of wellness activities, including yoga, meditation, and fitness classes.
Religious and Psychological Services
WHV offers a variety of religious programs to meet the spiritual needs of inmates, including worship services, Bible studies, and other faith-based activities. The facility also provides psychological services, including individual and group counseling, to help inmates address emotional and behavioral issues.
In addition to these programs and services, WHV provides library services, correctional mental health programs administration, and other resources to help inmates prepare for their release and re-enter society as productive citizens.
Visiting and Communication
Visiting Procedures
Visiting an inmate at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility is subject to specific procedures to ensure the safety and security of all involved. Visitors must be on the approved visitor list of the prisoner they wish to visit, and the prisoner must also have them on their approved visitor list. Visitors must also schedule their visit in advance through the online scheduling system or by phone.
Visiting hours vary depending on the housing unit of the prisoner, and visitors must arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Visitors must also adhere to a strict dress code and bring a valid photo ID. Any visitor who fails to comply with the rules and regulations may be denied entry.
Visitation Hours
- WHV East Visiting Room
- Calhoun Acute
- Monday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am
- Calhoun B, Dickinson A/B, Fillmore A/B, Gladwin A/B, Harrison A/B, and HU9 D/E
- Sunday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Monday and Saturday: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Dickinson C/D VV
- Sunday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am
- Wednesday: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- Kent Infirmary
- Wednesday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am
- Calhoun Acute
- WHV West Visiting Room
- 1C Segregation
- Monday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am
- 1B Level IV
- Monday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am
- Thursday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Units 2, 3, 4, and 5
- Sunday, Friday, and Saturday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Monday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- 1C Segregation
Phone and Mail Services
WHV provides phone and mail services to help prisoners stay in touch with their loved ones. Prisoners can make outgoing calls, but incoming calls are not allowed. To receive calls from loved ones, prisoners must set up a prepaid account through the phone service provider. The cost of each call is deducted from the prisoner’s account.
Mail is also subject to specific rules and regulations. All incoming and outgoing mail is inspected for contraband, and prisoners are not allowed to receive packages. Mail must be addressed to the prisoner’s full name, ID number, and the WHV mailing address.
Prisoners can also receive money from their loved ones through the JPay system. The sender must set up a JPay account and provide the prisoner’s ID number and facility location. The cost of the transaction is deducted from the sender’s account.
Other Programs and Services
WHV offers various programs and services to help prisoners prepare for their release and improve their mental health. The reception center processing helps new prisoners adjust to the facility and provides them with necessary information. General population prisoners have access to programs such as the Special Alternative Incarceration (SAI), Residential Treatment Program (RTP), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
After release, female offenders can receive support from the Washtenaw County Parole Office. The office provides assistance with finding employment, housing, and other resources to help them reintegrate into society.
Overall, WHV provides various programs and services to help prisoners stay connected with their loved ones and prepare for their release. However, visitors and prisoners must adhere to strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of all involved.