William Marion Stevenson House Detention Center

The William Marion Stevenson House Detention Center (SHDC) 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. The facility is also complaint with Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and adheres to performance-based standard guided by the Center for Improving Youth Justice

There are a number of various programs that are offered to the residents at SHDC, including but not limited to: Athletic/Recreational activities, Yoga, Lego Robotics program, Music Recording Studio program, Culinary Arts program, Volunteer/Guest speakers and drug and sexual education programs. 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, and Snowden Cottage.

Phone Privileges

Once a youth is admitted, they are given the opportunity to make a phone call to a parent/guardian. Each resident will be given a PIN number and only allowed to make outgoing calls to the phone numbers on their approved phone sheet. The allowable minutes for residents on the phone is determined by their behavior level. Residents may receive phone calls from court workers, social workers, attorneys, DFS workers, and Aftercare/Probation workers at any reasonable time. Resident may telephone their attorney at any reasonable time if the attorney agrees to accept the call or the charges.

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 scanned through our secure mailing system prior to being approved for the resident. 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.

Contact Information