York Correctional Institution is the only state prison for women in Connecticut. Located in Niantic, the facility opened in its current form in 1994 and houses a maximum of 1,458 female offenders at a range of security levels from minimum to super maximum.
The site was first founded in 1918 as the Connecticut State Farm and Reformatory for Women. York Correctional Institution serves all superior courts in Connecticut and manages all pretrial and sentenced female offenders, whatever their security level.
The Connecticut Department of Correction has received international attention for the programs and management of the offender population at York Correctional Institution. The facility has an extensive array of positive programming units, including educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs.
The institution has the capacity to house approximately 1,450 inmates, under 30 of which are pre-trial offenders. The facility is also known for its unique programs that allow mothers and their children to bond while serving their sentences.
Despite the positive attention and programs, York Correctional Institution has also faced criticism and scrutiny for its treatment of female inmates. Reports of sexual abuse and misconduct by staff members have surfaced, leading to investigations and reforms. However, the facility remains an important part of the Connecticut Department of Correction’s efforts to provide a safe and rehabilitative environment for female offenders.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,458 |
| Physical Address | 201 West Main Street Niantic, CT 06357 |
| Mailing Address | 201 West Main Street Niantic, CT 06357 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit and Inmate Number |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (860) 451-3001 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
York Correctional Institution has a rich history that dates back to 1918 when it was founded as the Connecticut State Farm and Reformatory for Women. In 1930, an addition was made to the population capacity, and the facility was renamed the Niantic Correctional Institution. The facility was designed to provide vocational training and work programs for women offenders, and it also housed women who were awaiting trial.
In 1960, Janet S. York became the warden of the Niantic Correctional Institution, and she served in that position until 1975. During her tenure, she implemented several reforms that aimed to improve the conditions of incarcerated women. She also introduced educational and vocational programs that helped women offenders acquire skills that would enable them to reintegrate into society upon release.
In 1994, the Niantic Correctional Institution was renamed the Janet S. York Correctional Institution in honor of Janet S. York, who had served as the warden of the facility for many years. The facility is Connecticut’s only state prison for women, and it houses a maximum of 1,458 women at a range of security levels from minimum to super maximum.
Today, York Correctional Institution continues to provide educational and vocational programs for incarcerated women. The facility also offers counseling and mental health services to help women offenders address the underlying issues that led to their incarceration. The goal of these programs is to reduce recidivism and help women offenders successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Location and Facilities
York Correctional Institution is a state prison for women located in Niantic, Connecticut. The facility covers an area of 425 acres and is situated at 201 West Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357. The facility is the only state prison for women in Connecticut and houses a maximum of 1,500 inmates at a range of security levels from minimum to super maximum.
Physical Address
The physical address of York Correctional Institution is 201 West Main Street, Niantic, CT 06357. The inmate mailing address is Inmate Name, ID Number York Correctional Institution 201 West Main Street Niantic, CT 06357.
Directions
York Correctional Institution is easily accessible by road. Visitors from Hartford, Enfield, and Springfield can take I-91 south to exit 22 south (Route 9) and then take exit 1 for I-95, bearing left to I-95 north. Then take exit 72 (Rocky Neck State Park). At the light, take a left onto Route 156 and continue one-quarter of a mile.
Facilities
The facility has a range of security levels from minimum to super maximum. It includes an additional celled housing unit built in 1997 to add another 196 beds. The facility has been recognized for its outstanding performance and was awarded the Facility of the Year by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.
York Correctional Institution is accredited by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. The facility also has a Niantic Annex, which is a minimum-security facility, and the Gates Correctional Institution, which is a hospital for inmates with medical needs. The facility offers custody levels ranging from minimum to maximum security.
In summary, York Correctional Institution is a state prison for women located in Niantic, Connecticut. The facility covers an area of 425 acres and houses a maximum of 1,500 inmates at a range of security levels from minimum to super maximum. It includes an additional celled housing unit built in 1997 to add another 196 beds.
Inmate Information
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at York Correctional Institution can receive mail from family and friends. The mailing address for inmates is:
- Inmate Name, ID Number
- York Correctional Institution
- 201 West Main Street
- Niantic, CT 06357
It is important to include the inmate’s name and ID number in the address to ensure the mail is delivered to the correct person.
Visiting Schedule
Visiting York Correctional Institution is by appointment only. Visitors must schedule their visit at least 24 hours in advance. Visiting hours are offered on weekdays and weekends.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at York Correctional Institution vary depending on the inmate’s housing unit.
You can see a detailed visitation schedule here.
Visiting an Inmate
Visitors must arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled visit. They will need to provide a valid photo ID and go through a security screening before being allowed to visit their loved ones. Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items into the visiting area.
Phone
Inmates at York Correctional Institution can make phone calls to approved phone numbers. They can purchase phone credits through their commissary account. Inmates are not allowed to receive phone calls, but they can make collect calls to approved numbers.
Video Visit
York Correctional Institution offers video visitation for inmates. Visitors can schedule a video visit through the facility’s website. Video visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.
Overall, York Correctional Institution has strict rules and regulations regarding inmate communication and visitation. It is important for visitors to follow these rules to ensure a smooth and successful visit.
Programs and Services
York Correctional Institution offers a variety of programs and services to help offenders successfully reintegrate into society. These programs and services are designed to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to lead productive and fulfilling lives after their release.
Programs
York CI offers a wide range of programs to help inmates develop positive behaviors and attitudes. These programs include Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Sponsorship Behind the Walls, Al-Anon, and Alcoholics Anonymous in Spanish. Advanced TREM (Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model) is a gender-specific, trauma-informed recovery group that meets for 16 weeks. The facility also offers a variety of vocational and educational programs, including culinary arts, horticulture, and cosmetology.
Education
York CI provides a variety of educational opportunities to inmates, including adult basic education, high school equivalency preparation, and college courses. Inmates can earn college credits through partnerships with local colleges and universities. These programs help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce and in their personal lives.
Treatment
York CI has a dedicated inpatient drug treatment unit to help inmates who struggle with addiction. The program provides a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment, including individual and group counseling, relapse prevention, and life skills training. The facility also provides mental health services to inmates who need them.
Hospice Program
York CI has a hospice program that provides end-of-life care to terminally ill inmates. The program is staffed by trained volunteers who provide emotional support and companionship to patients. The program also provides grief counseling to inmates who have lost a loved one.
Mommy and Me Program
The Mommy and Me program at York CI allows mothers to keep their infants with them in a dedicated housing unit. The program provides parenting classes and support to help mothers develop the skills they need to care for their children. The program also provides early childhood education to infants.
Partnership
York CI has partnered with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to provide vocational training in horticulture. Inmates learn how to grow vegetables and herbs, which are then sold to local restaurants and farmers’ markets. This program provides inmates with valuable job skills and helps support the local community.
Girl Scouts Behind Bars
The Girl Scouts Behind Bars program at York CI allows inmates to participate in the Girl Scouts program. Inmates attend weekly meetings and earn badges for completing various activities. The program helps inmates develop leadership skills and build positive relationships with others.
Overall, the programs and services offered at York CI are designed to help inmates develop positive behaviors and attitudes, gain valuable job skills, and successfully reintegrate into society after their release.