William Marion Stevenson House Detention Center

The William Marion Stevenson House Detention Center is a lock-secure facility staffed for 55 pre-adjudicated male and female youth under the age of 18 years old. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA), a nationally recognized organization that sets standards for adult and juvenile correctional facilities.

Several types of programs are available: HIV prevention, pregnancy prevention, aggression resistance, and drug education. Certified providers offer medical, dental, and psychological services. Religious services of various faiths are regularly scheduled or can be provided upon request.

Academic education is provided by public education teachers. Credits received in these facilities can be transferred towards a high school diploma or GED.

Throughout the resident’s stay, staff maintain contact with the family to assist in adjusting the youth’s behavior towards becoming a better citizen. Services are available to assist them in providing guidance to help their child to meet this goal.

Behavior Management

The Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services has implemented a uniform behavior management system, Cognitive Behavior Training (CBT), in all Secure Care facilities: New Castle County Detention Center, Stevenson House Detention Center, Ferris School for Boys, Grace Cottage, Snowden Cottage, and Mowlds Cottage.

Visitation

Visitation takes place on the weekends. Visitation times are scheduled by unit. Alternative visitation times are available for families who have a conflict. Honor’s level residents are eligible for special visitation in addition to regular visitation times. These special requests must be approved by a supervisor.

All visitors must be approved and they are subject to search. Gifts, food, or money for the residents are prohibited. Any visitor appearing to be intoxicated or violates the facility rules for security, safety, and conduct will be denied visitation. Residents are allowed to visit with parents/guardians regardless of their level. Residents have a legal right to visit with their attorneys at any time. Family Court counselors, social workers, probation officers, and ministers may visit at a reasonable time. Reasonable place/area will be provided for confidentiality.

Phone Privileges

Once a youth is admitted, they are given the opportunity to make two phone calls; after those calls, all phone calls are collect. Each resident will be given a PIN number and only allowed to make outgoing calls to the phone numbers on their phone sheet. Residents may receive phone calls from court workers, social workers, attorneys, DFS workers, and Aftercare/Probation workers at any time. Resident may telephone their attorney at any reasonable time if the attorney agrees to accept the call or the charges. Residents may call parents, legal guardians, foster parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings as indicated on their phone sheet.

Mail

Youth may send and receive unlimited amounts of mail. Youth are not allowed to write other residents within Stevenson House, an inmate in another facility or to any DYRS contracted placements unless approved by the Superintendent. All mail received will be opened and inspected for contraband, money, and other items not permitted in front of the residents. Mail may be read, censored, or rejected when there is a suspicion that the contents are contrary to facility interests, order, and security. Any mail received following the youth’s release will be forwarded if their address is known or it will be returned to the sender.

Residential Handbook

The residential handbook is available as a PDF.

Stevenson House Contact Information

Related Topics:  detention center, Stevenson House Detention Center, Youth Rehabilitative Services, yrs