Long Creek Youth Development Center: Overview
Long Creek Youth Development Center (LCYDC), located in South Portland, Maine, is the state’s only secure juvenile facility. Established in 1853 as the Maine State Reform School for Boys, it has undergone several transformations over the years, now housing both male and female offenders aged 11-21. LCYDC serves two main functions: detaining youths awaiting court appearances and housing adjudicated youths for rehabilitation. Its capacity is 163, but recent reports indicate it holds fewer than 30 residents, reflecting ongoing efforts to reduce youth incarceration. The center offers a mix of educational, vocational, and therapeutic services designed to help youth reintegrate into society.
Contact Information for Long Creek Youth Development Center
- Address: 675 Westbrook Street, South Portland, Maine 04106
- Phone: (207) 822-2600
- Email: Contact via the Maine Department of Corrections official website.
Visiting Information at Long Creek Youth Development Center
Visiting loved ones at Long Creek Youth Development Center can be an essential part of their rehabilitation. Visits are generally allowed during specific time slots, typically on weekends. Visitors should contact the center directly to confirm current visiting hours and procedures.
- Visiting Days: Generally Saturdays and Sundays, with some weekday slots available upon request.
- Duration: Visits typically last between 1-2 hours, but this may vary depending on the facility’s scheduling.
- What to Bring: A valid government-issued ID is required for all visitors. Visitors are not permitted to bring gifts, food, or electronic devices into the facility.
- What Visits are Like: Visits take place in a controlled environment with supervision. Interaction is generally limited to conversations across a table, but this allows families to reconnect and offer emotional support.
How to Book a Visit to Long Creek Youth Development Center
To schedule a visit at Long Creek Youth Development Center, you must call the facility directly or arrange through their online visitation request system. Be prepared to provide the name and date of birth of the youth you wish to visit.
- What You Need: A government ID, the youth’s full name and date of birth, and your relationship to the youth.
- Number of Visitors: Generally, no more than two visitors are allowed per visit, but exceptions may be made with prior approval.
- Booking Tip: Always book in advance to ensure availability, as the number of visits is limited due to capacity.
How to Get to Long Creek Youth Development Center
Long Creek Youth Development Center is conveniently located near Portland International Jetport, making it accessible by car or public transport.
- By Car: Take I-295 South, exit at Westbrook Street, and follow signs to the facility. Free parking is available on-site for visitors.
- By Public Transport: The METRO bus service offers routes to South Portland, and stops are within walking distance of the center.
- Parking Information: There is ample parking available for visitors, including accessible spaces.
Life Inside Long Creek Youth Development Center and Latest News
Life inside Long Creek Youth Development Center focuses on rehabilitation and education. The Arthur R. Gould School operates on-site, providing academic programs tailored to the needs of the youth, along with vocational training such as small engine repair and culinary arts. However, the facility has faced challenges, including staffing shortages and several violent incidents in recent years, leading to increased scrutiny and calls for its closure.
Reform efforts have been ongoing, with external reviews and legislative discussions aimed at addressing the facility’s issues. There has been a shift towards community-based alternatives to incarceration, reflecting broader juvenile justice reforms in Maine.
Famous Prisoners at Long Creek Youth Development Center
Long Creek Youth Development Center is primarily focused on youth offenders, and due to the sensitive nature of juvenile records, details about specific individuals who have served time are typically not disclosed to the public. However, the facility has seen high-profile cases involving serious crimes, which have attracted media attention in the past.
FAQs About Long Creek Youth Development Center
What is Long Creek Youth Development Center?
Long Creek Youth Development Center is Maine’s only secure facility for juvenile offenders, serving both males and females aged 11-21.How do I book a visit at Long Creek Youth Development Center?
You can book a visit by calling the facility or using the online visitation system. Be prepared with identification and the youth’s information.What are the visiting hours at Long Creek Youth Development Center?
Visiting hours are typically on weekends, with exact times depending on facility availability. Contact the center directly for current information.What should I bring to a visit at Long Creek?
A valid government-issued ID is required. All other personal items, including electronics and gifts, are prohibited.How many people can visit a youth at Long Creek?
Generally, two visitors are allowed per visit, but exceptions may be made in advance.What services does Long Creek offer to its residents?
The facility provides academic education, vocational training, therapeutic services, and recreation to help youth rehabilitate.What is the current population of Long Creek?
Though its capacity is 163, recent reports suggest fewer than 30 youths are currently housed there.Is Long Creek Youth Development Center closing?
While there has been legislative movement towards closing the facility, no final decision has been made, and it remains operational.How do I get to Long Creek Youth Development Center?
The center is located at 675 Westbrook Street in South Portland, near Portland International Jetport, with parking available for visitors.Are there alternatives to incarceration for youth in Maine?
Yes, Maine has been exploring community-based programs as alternatives to juvenile detention, focusing on rehabilitation outside of secure facilities.
Summary and Conclusion
Long Creek Youth Development Center, while historically significant and offering numerous rehabilitative services, is at the heart of a critical debate about the future of juvenile justice in Maine. As reforms and alternatives continue to evolve, the facility remains an important institution for those in need of correction and guidance.
For more information about Long Creek and the ongoing reforms, visit the Maine Department of Corrections website.
Sources Used
- Maine Department of Corrections
- Wikipedia
- Press Herald
- StoryMaps