Hillcrest Correctional Facility Overview
Hillcrest Correctional Facility, once a renowned juvenile detention center in Salem, Oregon, operated from 1914 to 2017. Initially known as the State Industrial School for Girls, it evolved into a co-gender facility by the 1970s, housing young male offenders from ages 12 to 25 who had committed violent crimes or were battling substance abuse. This facility was later designated solely for males in 2008 when female inmates were moved to the Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility. Hillcrest’s primary focus was long-term rehabilitation, offering educational and substance abuse treatment programs. It was a vital part of Oregon’s juvenile justice system, but due to aging infrastructure and costly updates needed to meet modern standards, the facility closed in 2017, with all inmates transferred to MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn.
Contact Information for Hillcrest Correctional Facility
- Address: 2450 Strong Road SE, Salem, OR 97302, USA
- Phone Number: 503-986-0400
- Email: For official inquiries, it is best to refer to the Oregon Youth Authority’s contact page.
Visiting Information for Hillcrest Correctional Facility
Though the facility is now closed, Hillcrest Correctional Facility used to have strict visitation procedures. Visits were highly regulated, with visitors needing to schedule their appointments in advance. To visit an inmate, identification such as a government-issued ID was required, and guests had to follow specific dress codes and conduct guidelines. Visits typically lasted about an hour, providing time for families to connect, though strict supervision ensured security at all times.
How to Book a Prison Visit at Hillcrest Correctional Facility
When the facility was operational, visit bookings were managed through the Oregon Youth Authority’s online system or by phone. Visitors were required to provide details such as the inmate’s name and identification number to schedule a visit. Additionally, background checks were often part of the approval process. Only a limited number of guests could attend each visit—typically two adults and two children. Now, with the facility closed, all visit-related requests should be directed to the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility.
Directions and Parking for Hillcrest Correctional Facility
Hillcrest Correctional Facility was located at 2450 Strong Road SE, Salem, Oregon, easily accessible by car from downtown Salem. The facility had ample parking for visitors, including accessible spots for individuals with disabilities. Although the facility is no longer operational, the historic site remains part of local lore, and future developments may repurpose the land for community uses.
Life at Hillcrest Correctional Facility and Latest News
Life inside Hillcrest Correctional Facility was centered on rehabilitation. The youth housed at Hillcrest underwent educational and vocational training, including programs designed to help them reintegrate into society. However, as juvenile crime rates shifted in the 1990s and 2000s, the focus moved from rehabilitation to more punitive measures. Over the years, the facility gained a reputation for being outdated and costly to maintain, leading to its closure in 2017. In the years since, proposals have been made to repurpose the land, including using it for homeless services.
Famous Prisoners at Hillcrest Correctional Facility
Among its more notable residents was rock singer Courtney Love, who spent time at Hillcrest in her youth. Her experience at the facility has been referenced in various interviews and biographies, adding a layer of cultural significance to Hillcrest’s long history.
FAQs About Hillcrest Correctional Facility
1. What was Hillcrest Correctional Facility?
Hillcrest Correctional Facility was a juvenile detention center in Salem, Oregon, operational from 1914 to 2017, focusing on rehabilitation for young offenders.
2. Is Hillcrest Correctional Facility still open?
No, Hillcrest closed in 2017 due to outdated infrastructure and the high cost of renovations.
3. How can I visit someone at Hillcrest Correctional Facility?
Since Hillcrest is closed, any visitation inquiries should be directed to MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, where inmates were transferred.
4. Where was Hillcrest Correctional Facility located?
Hillcrest Correctional Facility was located at 2450 Strong Road SE, Salem, Oregon.
5. Who managed Hillcrest Correctional Facility?
The Oregon Youth Authority managed Hillcrest until its closure.
6. What type of inmates did Hillcrest Correctional Facility house?
Hillcrest housed male juveniles aged 12 to 25, particularly those convicted of violent crimes or dealing with substance abuse.
7. Why did Hillcrest Correctional Facility close?
The facility closed due to the high costs of updating the aging infrastructure and the availability of space at nearby MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility.
8. What is the history of Hillcrest Correctional Facility?
Founded in 1914 as a reformatory for girls, Hillcrest evolved into a co-gender facility in the 1970s and became male-only in 2008.
9. What happened to the inmates after Hillcrest closed?
All inmates were transferred to MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn, Oregon.
10. Can I visit the former site of Hillcrest Correctional Facility?
While the facility is closed, the site remains an important part of local history, and plans are underway for its potential repurposing.
For further reading, visit the Oregon Youth Authority’s official page or learn more about the facility’s history through local archives.
Sources Used:
- OPB News
- Wikipedia – Hillcrest Youth Correctional Facility
- Oregon Encyclopedia
Visit Hill Correctional Center