Wateree River Correctional Institution: A Comprehensive Guide
Welcome to Wateree River Correctional Institution, a medium security level 2 facility located in Rembert, South Carolina. Our institution is dedicated to the rehabilitation and transformation of youthful male offenders. With a comprehensive range of programs and vocational training opportunities, we aim to equip our inmates with the skills and education they need to reintegrate into society successfully. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of Wateree River Correctional Institution and how it supports the growth and development of its inmates.
Inmate Population and Services
At Wateree River Correctional Institution, we prioritize the needs of our youthful offenders, providing them with a safe and structured environment to facilitate their rehabilitation. Currently, our facility houses 993 male offenders, allowing us to maintain a manageable population size that promotes individual attention and personalized care.
Youthful Offenders Institution Services Program
One of the key programs offered at Wateree River Correctional Institution is the Youthful Offenders Institution Services (YOIS) program. Through this program, inmates can complete phases 1 and 2, which focus on addressing the specific needs of young offenders. YOIS aims to instill essential life skills, promote personal growth, and provide educational opportunities, setting the foundation for a successful reentry into society.
SHOCK Program
Wateree River Correctional Institution also operates the SHOCK (Self Help-Oriented Correctional Kit) program, catering to inmates who have been court-ordered to participate. This intensive program focuses on addressing behavioral issues and encouraging personal responsibility among participants. By fostering self-awareness and accountability, the SHOCK program helps offenders make positive changes in their lives.
Work Opportunities
We believe in the importance of teaching valuable vocational skills to our inmates, preparing them for meaningful employment upon release. At Wateree River Correctional Institution, offenders have the opportunity to work on the institution’s dairy farm and beef cattle operation, gaining hands-on experience in animal husbandry and agriculture. In addition, inmates can participate in the cultivation and harvesting of crops on our farm, acquiring essential agricultural knowledge and skills.
Vocational Training
We are committed to providing our inmates with comprehensive vocational training that aligns with current industry demands. At Wateree River Correctional Institution, we offer two primary vocational training programs:
- Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation: In collaboration with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, we provide training in equine care and stable management. This program not only equips inmates with equine-related skills but also encourages compassion and empathy towards animals.
- Construction Engineering Operations: In partnership with industry professionals, we offer a comprehensive construction engineering operations training program. Inmates receive hands-on training in various construction trades, including carpentry, masonry, and electrical work. This program prepares them for a range of employment opportunities in the construction industry.
Educational Opportunities
We believe in the transformative power of education, which is why we strive to provide our inmates with educational opportunities that promote personal and intellectual growth. At Wateree River Correctional Institution, offenders can participate in adult basic education courses and work towards obtaining their General Educational Development (GED) certificate during their incarceration. This empowers them with the academic foundation necessary for continued success upon reentry into society.
Supportive Services
To cater to the holistic needs of our inmates, Wateree River Correctional Institution offers various supportive services:
- Religious Worship Services: We recognize the importance of religious and spiritual support in an individual’s journey towards rehabilitation. In collaboration with diverse religious organizations, we provide worship services that accommodate different faiths, fostering a sense of community and promoting spiritual growth.
- Twelve Step Programs: Substance abuse can hinder an individual’s progress towards a better future. Therefore, we offer Twelve Step programs that address addiction and support recovery. Through these programs, inmates receive guidance, counseling, and a supportive community to help them overcome their challenges.
- Medical and Dental Care: The well-being of our inmates is of utmost importance to us. We provide comprehensive medical and dental care to ensure that their health needs are met during their incarceration. Our qualified healthcare professionals are dedicated to delivering quality care and promoting the overall wellness of our inmates.
Visiting Hours and Contact Information
We understand the significance of maintaining connections with loved ones during an individual’s time in correctional facilities. Visiting hours at Wateree River Correctional Institution are as follows:
- Fridays: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Saturdays and Sundays: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Please note that visiting hours are based on the first letter of the inmate’s last name and rotate on a weekly basis. To verify the current rotation and obtain detailed visiting hours, we recommend contacting our facility directly.
Contact Information
If you have any inquiries or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us:
Physical Address: Wateree River Correctional Institution Highway 261 Rembert, SC 29128
Telephone: (803) 432-6191 (803) 896-3400
Inmate Mailing Address: Inmate Name, ID Number Wateree River Correctional Institution P.O. Box 189 Rembert, SC 29128-0189
Overview of the facility and amenities
Wateree River Correctional Institution has a variety of housing units to accommodate the different needs and security levels of its inmate population. In addition to standard cell blocks, the facility also has special housing units for inmates with medical or mental health needs.
In terms of health services, Wateree River Correctional Institution has a fully staffed medical clinic on site, as well as a hospital for more serious medical issues. Inmates also have access to dental care, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment.
Education and vocational training are also a key part of the rehabilitation process at Wateree River Correctional Institution. Inmates can participate in a variety of educational programs, from basic literacy and GED courses to vocational training in trades such as welding and plumbing. Religious services and volunteer programs are also available for those who are interested.
Recreational activities and outdoor facilities at Wateree River Correctional Institution include sports fields, a weight room, and a library. Inmates can also take part in various leisure activities, such as art classes and music lessons.
Inmate life and daily routine
The inmate population at Wateree River Correctional Institution is diverse, with individuals from all walks of life serving time for a variety of crimes. Inmates are expected to adhere to a strict set of rules and regulations while they are incarcerated. This includes mandatory work programs and job opportunities within the prison, such as maintenance and food service.
Inmate life and daily routine (Continued)
Inmates at Wateree River Correctional Institution are also able to purchase items from the commissary, such as snacks and personal hygiene items, with the money they earn from their work programs.
Security measures and staff
Wateree River Correctional Institution takes the safety and security of both its inmates and staff very seriously. The facility has a variety of security measures in place, including perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras, and regular security checks. The staff at Wateree River Correctional Institution undergoes extensive training to ensure they are prepared to handle any situation that may arise.
Rehabilitation and reentry programs
One of the main goals of Wateree River Correctional Institution is to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society once they are released. To achieve this, the facility offers a range of rehabilitation and reentry programs, including substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and transition planning.
The substance abuse treatment program at Wateree River Correctional Institution is designed to help inmates overcome their addiction and develop the skills they need to live a drug-free life. Mental health services, such as counseling and support groups, are also available to help inmates address any mental health issues they may have.
In addition to these programs, Wateree River Correctional Institution also partners with local organizations to provide inmates with resources and support as they transition back into the community.
Controversies and criticisms
Despite its efforts to provide rehabilitation and support for its inmates, Wateree River Correctional Institution has faced its fair share of controversies and criticisms. Accusations of inhumane treatment and substandard living conditions have been raised, leading to lawsuits and investigations.
However, the staff at Wateree River Correctional Institution maintains that they are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all inmates, while also offering opportunities for rehabilitation and personal growth.
Conclusion
Wateree River Correctional Institution is a medium-security prison located in South Carolina that serves as a model for rehabilitation and reform in the criminal justice system. With a focus on education, job training, and mental and physical health, the facility helps inmates successfully reintegrate into society once they are released. Despite its controversies and criticisms, Wateree River Correctional Institution remains dedicated to its mission of providing a safe and secure environment for all inmates.
FAQs
- What is Wateree River Correctional Institution?
- Wateree River Correctional Institution is a medium-security prison located in Rembert, South Carolina.
- How is Wateree River Correctional Institution different from other prisons?
- Wateree River Correctional Institution places a strong emphasis on rehabilitation and education, offering a range of programs and services to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society.
- What services and programs are available for inmates at Wateree River Correctional Institution?
- Inmates at Wateree River Correctional Institution have access to medical and dental care, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, education and job training programs, and more.
- What is the security like at Wateree River Correctional Institution?
- Wateree River Correctional Institution has a variety of security measures in place, including perimeter fencing and surveillance cameras, to ensure the safety of both its inmates and staff.
- How does Wateree River Correctional Institution prepare inmates for reentry into society?
- Wateree River Correctional Institution offers a range of rehabilitation and reentry programs, including substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and transition planning, to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society once they are released.
