Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center: A Comprehensive Overview
Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center (YKCC) is one of the largest correctional facilities in Alaska, located in the city of Bethel. YKCC is designed to house maximum and medium-security prisoners, and it provides a variety of programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and re-enter society. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the YKCC, including its history, facilities, programs, and services.
Visiting Hours
Secure vs. Contact Visits
Family and social support are essential for an inmate’s rehabilitation journey. Visitors have two options when meeting with their loved ones at the center: secure visits, which occur behind a glass partition, and contact visits, where visitors and inmates can sit across from each other at a table, allowing for a brief embrace at the beginning and end of the visit.
Secure Visiting Hours
- General population: Monday-Thursday 8 am-11 am, Sundays and Holidays from 12:30 pm-4:30 pm.
- Segregation: Monday-Thursday from 2 pm-3 pm, Saturdays and Holidays from 8 am-10 am.
Contact Visits
- Monday-Thursday 7:30 pm-9:00 pm.
- Sundays and Holidays 8 am-10 am.
Contact Information
Physical Address
Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center 1000 Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway Bethel, Alaska 99559
Telephone
For inquiries and general information, you can contact the facility at (907) 543-5245.
Inmate Mailing Address
To send mail to an inmate, please use the following format: Inmate Name, ID Number Yukon Kuskokwim Correctional Center PO Box 400 Bethel, Alaska 99559
History of Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center was built in 1984 to address the growing need for correctional facilities in Alaska. The facility was designed to house 150 inmates, but it has since expanded to accommodate up to 310 inmates. The YKCC is the only correctional facility in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region of Alaska, which spans an area of over 50,000 square miles.
Facilities at Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center
The YKCC consists of several buildings, including a main housing unit, a medical clinic, a gymnasium, and a vocational education building. The main housing unit is divided into several pods, each of which contains multiple cells. The cells are designed to accommodate one or two inmates, and they are equipped with a bed, a toilet, and a sink. The facility also has a visitation area, a library, and a chapel.
Programs and Services Offered at Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center
The YKCC offers a wide range of programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for their eventual release. These programs include healthcare, education and vocational training, work programs, religious services, recreation and leisure activities, substance abuse programs, mental health services, and release and re-entry services.
Healthcare at Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center
The YKCC provides comprehensive healthcare services to inmates, including medical, dental, and mental health services. Inmates have access to on-site medical staff, who can provide routine medical care as well as emergency treatment. The facility also has a medical clinic, where inmates can receive more specialized medical care. In addition, the YKCC offers dental services, including routine check-ups and cleanings. Mental health services are also available to inmates, including individual and group counseling.
Education and Vocational Training at Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center
The YKCC offers a variety of educational programs to inmates, including adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training. The facility has a vocational training building, where inmates can learn valuable skills such as carpentry, welding, and culinary arts. Inmates can also earn college credits through partnerships with local colleges and universities.
Work Programs at Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center
The YKCC has several work programs that allow inmates to earn money and gain valuable job skills. Inmates can work in the facility’s kitchen, laundry, or maintenance department, or they can participate in the facility’s commercial fishing program, which allows them to work on a fishing boat during the summer months.
Religious Services at Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center
The YKCC offers religious services to inmates of all faiths. The facility has a chapel, where religious services are held, and inmates can also receive individual spiritual counseling.
Recreation and Leisure Activities at Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center
The YKCC provides a variety of recreation and leisure activities to inmates, including basketball, volleyball, and weightlifting. The facility also has a recreation room, where inmates can play board games, watch TV, or read books.
Substance Abuse Programs at Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center
The YKCC has several substance abuse programs to help inmates overcome addiction. These programs include individual and group counseling, as well as drug and alcohol education.
Mental Health Services at Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center
The YKCC provides mental health services to inmates who are struggling with mental health issues. Inmates can receive individual and group counseling, as well as medication management if needed.
Release and Re-entry Services at Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center
The YKCC provides release and re-entry services to help inmates successfully transition back into society. These services include pre-release planning, job placement assistance, and community resources.
Staff and Security at Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center
The YKCC has a dedicated staff of correctional officers, medical professionals, and support staff who work to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates. The facility has a comprehensive security system that includes video surveillance, perimeter fencing, and secure entrances and exits.
Conclusion
Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center is a comprehensive correctional facility that provides a variety of programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and re-enter society. From healthcare and education to work programs and release services, the YKCC is dedicated to helping inmates make a successful transition back into their communities.
FAQs
- How many inmates are housed at Yukon-Kuskokwim Correctional Center?
- The facility can accommodate up to 310 inmates.
- What types of vocational training programs are offered at YKCC?
- Inmates can learn skills such as carpentry, welding, and culinary arts.
- What types of recreation and leisure activities are available to inmates at YKCC?
- Inmates can participate in activities such as basketball, volleyball, and weightlifting.
- Does YKCC offer substance abuse programs?
- Yes, the facility has several programs to help inmates overcome addiction.
- What types of release and re-entry services are provided by YKCC?
- Services include pre-release planning, job placement assistance, and community resources.
