Facility and Offender Information

• The facility, a 941-bed maximum security institution for male youthful offenders 13-20 years of age, provides programming and an environment that encourages rehabilitation.
• Offenders sent to WGYCF come from across the state and are placed into the custody of the Mississippi Dept. of Corrections. These youth have been convicted of committing a felony and sentenced as an adult.
• If the youth has not completed his sentence as of his 21st birthday, he will transfer to an adult facility.
• The prison opened in March 2001 and features state of the art correctional technologies, including electronically controlled locks, closed circuit cameras and a microwave perimeter security system.

Key Services and Programs

Staff members continually challenge clients to invest in themselves and work toward meaningful change. By adhering to the Seven Key Principles® of care – people security; program security; accountability, responsibility, high expectations; role modeling; teamwork/communication; dignity and respect; cleanliness/environment care.

• Year-round educational services include standard high school diploma coursework, GED preparation classes and developing career skills.
• Vocational training opportunities include carpentry, culinary arts, electrical wiring, computer technology, horticulture and masonry.
• All offenders complete a drug and alcohol education class. Substance abuse treatment is provided when needed.
• Individual and group counseling addresses substance abuse, anger management, conflict resolution, life skills, problem solving and decision making.
• Recreational activities, such as intramural athletics, are provided to all offenders.
• Resident Work Program allows offenders to work inside the facility, such as food service, laundry and grounds and building maintenance.
• All offenders are required by law to spend their first 90 days at the facility in a regimented program, which is in addition to any other assignments, such as academic or vocational education.
• Balanced attention to the development of client competencies, community safety and victim issues.
• Onsite medical services include health assessments, physical examinations, x-rays, dental and ophthalmology. When specialized treatment is required, offenders are transported to a qualified off-site health care provider.
• The spiritual health and needs of the offenders are met through a full time onsite chaplain, volunteers and clergy from a variety of faiths.

Location

1650 Hwy. 492
P.O. Box 389
Walnut Grove, Mississippi 39189
601-253-2348
601-253-2751 fax

Service Capacity:
941

Custody Level:
Maximum security

Contracting Agency:
Mississippi Department of Corrections

Year Cornell Assumed Operations:
2004