Overview of Christiana Correctional Facility

The Christiana Correctional Facility, located in Delaware, is a Level V maximum-security prison primarily housing male inmates. It plays a crucial role within the state’s correctional system, designed for offenders serving long-term sentences or those with severe behavioral issues. The facility has gained attention for its medical services, especially as ChristianaCare Health System performed an extensive review of prison healthcare conditions, emphasizing improvements to ensure that inmates receive adequate medical attention. Inmates here face a strict regimen, with a focus on rehabilitation through various educational and healthcare programs.

 

Christiana Correctional Facility exterior

Christiana Correctional Facility Contact Information

For anyone needing to reach the Christiana Correctional Facility, here is the primary contact information:

  • Address: 1841 Red Lion Road, Bear, Delaware 19701
  • Telephone: (302) 836-0353
  • Email: info@doc.delaware.gov (For general inquiries, though direct prison contacts may vary depending on the nature of the inquiry.)

Visiting Christiana Correctional Facility

Visits to Christiana Correctional Facility are permitted, but guidelines must be strictly followed. You can book visits in advance online or via phone. Family and friends are essential for the mental well-being of inmates, and visitation rules are designed to provide meaningful contact while ensuring security.

  • Visiting Days & Hours:
    • Weekends and Holidays: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
    • Weekdays (on a rotational basis): Check specific schedules
  • What to Bring: A government-issued ID is mandatory for all visitors. Small, personal items like cash for vending machines are allowed, but any electronic devices, including cell phones, are prohibited.
  • Booking Visits: Visits can be arranged by calling ahead or through the online DOC visitation system. You’ll need the inmate’s full name and ID number to schedule a visit. Up to four visitors (two adults and two children) are allowed per visit.
  • Duration of Visits: Typically, visits last around one hour, though this may vary based on availability and prison capacity on that particular day.

Directions and Parking at Christiana Correctional Facility

The prison is located just off Route 71, easily accessible from major highways like I-95. There is visitor parking available directly outside the facility, though it is advisable to arrive early to ensure a spot, especially on weekends when visitation is busiest.

  • Directions: From I-95, take Exit 4A and follow signs to Route 71 south. Continue for about three miles until you reach Red Lion Road. The facility entrance will be on your right.
  • Parking: Free visitor parking is available onsite. Overflow parking may be directed to adjacent lots on particularly busy days.

Life Inside Christiana Correctional Facility

Life at Christiana Correctional Facility is highly structured, with a focus on both security and rehabilitation. Inmates follow strict schedules, with limited freedoms and monitored movements. Educational and vocational training opportunities are available, and efforts have been made to improve mental and physical healthcare after numerous reviews found gaps in the system. Notably, recent evaluations by ChristianaCare focused on addressing healthcare quality, with specific recommendations for staff coordination, improved electronic health records, and inmate safety measures. However, overcrowding and staff shortages remain ongoing challenges for the facility.

Famous Prisoners at Christiana Correctional Facility

Christiana Correctional Facility has housed several notorious individuals over the years, though much of the attention has been on systemic issues within Delaware’s correctional system rather than individual inmates. Recent lawsuits regarding healthcare neglect have brought further attention to conditions within the facility. However, no particularly famous criminals are frequently cited in relation to this prison.

 

FAQs for Christiana Correctional Facility

  • How can I contact Christiana Correctional Facility?
    You can reach the facility at (302) 836-0353 or by email at info@doc.delaware.gov.

  • What are the visiting hours for Christiana Correctional Facility?
    Visiting hours are generally between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM on weekends, with rotating weekday schedules.

  • Can I bring children to visit Christiana Correctional Facility?
    Yes, up to two children are allowed per visit along with two adults.

  • How do I schedule a visit to Christiana Correctional Facility?
    Visits can be scheduled by phone or through the online system. You’ll need the inmate’s ID number and full name.

  • What security protocols should visitors be aware of?
    All visitors must pass through security checks. Personal belongings like phones are not permitted inside the facility.

  • Is there parking available at Christiana Correctional Facility?
    Yes, there is free visitor parking available on-site.

  • What type of inmates are housed at Christiana Correctional Facility?
    The facility primarily houses male inmates, including those with long-term sentences or severe behavioral concerns.

  • What medical services are available to inmates?
    ChristianaCare’s review of the healthcare system resulted in improvements in care coordination and safety protocols.

  • Are there rehabilitation programs offered to inmates?
    Yes, the prison offers educational and vocational training, as well as mental health and substance abuse programs.

  • Has the prison been involved in any controversies?
    The prison’s healthcare system has been scrutinized, with recent reviews highlighting areas for improvement in patient care and staff coordination.

Conclusion

The Christiana Correctional Facility is a vital part of Delaware’s prison system, designed for high-security male inmates. While it faces challenges typical of modern correctional facilities, such as healthcare management and staff turnover, ongoing reforms aim to improve conditions for both inmates and staff. Whether you are planning a visit or seeking information about life inside, the facility remains a focal point for criminal justice in Delaware.

For more detailed information about ongoing reforms and updates within Delaware’s prison healthcare system, you can visit local reports

Sources:

  • Delaware Public Media
  • WHYY News
  • First State Update

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