Decatur Correctional Center Overview

Decatur Correctional Center, located in Decatur, Illinois, is a minimum-security prison that exclusively houses female inmates. Opened in 2000, it operates under the management of the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). The facility focuses on rehabilitative programs, including education and vocational training, designed to help women reintegrate into society after release. With a capacity of approximately 719 inmates, the prison currently houses about 340 women, including a few with infants as part of the unique Moms and Babies program, which allows mothers to care for their newborns while serving time.

The facility has a strong emphasis on education, offering courses such as adult basic education (ABE), advanced ABE, horticulture, manufacturing, and warehousing to assist inmates in building skills for post-release employment.

Decatur Correctional Center exterior view in Decatur, Illinois.

Contact Information for Decatur Correctional Center

For inquiries or to contact an inmate, you can reach Decatur Correctional Center via:

Visiting Information for Decatur Correctional Center

Visitation Hours:

  • Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

What to Bring for a Visit: To visit an inmate at Decatur Correctional Center, you must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list, which the inmate initiates. Visitors are subject to search and must adhere to a strict dress code (no revealing or inappropriate clothing). You may only bring essential personal items such as an ID, car keys, and a small amount of money for vending machines.

What are Visits Like?
Visitors can expect to sit in a communal area with other inmates and visitors. Visits are generally contact visits, allowing some physical interaction such as hand-holding, though this is at the discretion of the facility. Visits typically last for a few hours, and inmates are allowed a certain number of visits per week.

How to Book a Visit at Decatur Correctional Center

To schedule a visit, follow these steps:

  1. Get Approved: Submit a visitor application, which is available online or sent by the inmate.
  2. What You Need: Bring a government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license) and ensure you are dressed appropriately.
  3. Number of Visitors: The facility allows a limited number of visitors per inmate per visit. Contact the facility for specifics.
  4. Scheduling: Ensure your visit is within the available hours (Saturday and Sunday) and consider calling ahead to confirm any updates or changes.

How to Get to Decatur Correctional Center

Address:
2310 East Mound Road,
Decatur, IL 62524

Directions:
From the downtown Decatur area, head east on IL-121 E/E Mound Road. The facility is located just a few miles east, near the intersection of IL-121 and East Mound Road.

Parking Information:
Parking is available onsite for visitors. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a parking spot, as spaces may fill up quickly, especially on weekends during visiting hours.

What is Life Like at Decatur Correctional Center?

Life at Decatur Correctional Center emphasizes rehabilitation and skill-building, helping inmates prepare for reintegration into society. Inmates have access to various educational and vocational programs, and about 47% of the inmate population participates in these courses. These programs include manufacturing, warehousing, horticulture, and adult education, all aimed at providing valuable skills for future employment.

The facility also features the Moms and Babies program, which allows incarcerated mothers to care for their newborns in a specialized nursery, promoting a healthy bond between mother and child. This program is one of the few in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Famous Prisoners at Decatur Correctional Center

While Decatur Correctional Center does not typically house high-profile criminals, its Moms and Babies program has attracted attention for its progressive approach to inmate rehabilitation. The program focuses on providing incarcerated mothers with parenting support, giving them a chance to maintain relationships with their children during their sentence.

FAQs About Decatur Correctional Center

1. What type of inmates does Decatur Correctional Center house?
Decatur Correctional Center is a minimum-security facility that houses female inmates. It focuses on rehabilitation through education and vocational training programs.

2. How do I book a visit at Decatur Correctional Center?
To book a visit, you must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list. You’ll need to complete an application, provide a valid ID, and adhere to the prison’s dress code.

3. What are the visitation hours at Decatur Correctional Center?
Visiting hours are from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

4. How do I send mail to an inmate at Decatur Correctional Center?
Send mail to:
Inmate’s Name and ID Number,
Decatur Correctional Center,
2310 East Mound Road,
P.O. Box 3066,
Decatur, IL 62524.

5. Can I call an inmate at Decatur Correctional Center?
No, inmates cannot receive phone calls. However, they can make outgoing calls through a prepaid service.

6. What programs are offered at Decatur Correctional Center?
Programs include adult basic education (ABE), horticulture, warehousing, and manufacturing.

7. Is there a nursery program for incarcerated mothers?
Yes, Decatur Correctional Center has the Moms and Babies program, which allows mothers to care for their newborns while incarcerated.

8. How many inmates are housed at Decatur Correctional Center?
The prison has a capacity of approximately 719 inmates but currently houses around 340 inmates.

9. What are the security levels at Decatur Correctional Center?
It is a minimum-security facility.

10. Is there parking available at Decatur Correctional Center?
Yes, there is onsite parking available for visitors.

Summary and Conclusion

Decatur Correctional Center is a unique minimum-security facility for women, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration through comprehensive education and vocational training programs. The facility also runs the Moms and Babies program, which promotes bonding between incarcerated mothers and their newborns. Visitors to the facility can enjoy weekend visiting hours and are encouraged to book visits in advance. Life inside Decatur Correctional Center is centered around rehabilitation, with numerous programs designed to equip inmates with the tools they need for successful reentry into society.

For more information, you can visit the official Decatur Correctional Center page.

Sources:

  • IllinoisPrisonRoster.org
  • Illinois Department of Corrections
  • John Howard Association of Illinois

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