If you’re looking up the Howard Young Correctional Institution, you probably aren't doing it out of idle curiosity. You likely have a brother, a spouse, or a client who just got transferred there, or maybe you’re tracking a case in the Delaware court system. It’s a place that feels heavy the moment you pull up to the gate in Wilmington. Known locally and formally as the Multi-Purpose Criminal Justice Facility (MPCJF), it sits on 12th Street, a stark concrete reality that serves as a primary hub for Delaware’s adult male offender population.
It’s a jail. But it’s also a prison. That distinction matters.
Most people think of "jail" as a place for a quick stay and "prison" as the long haul. Howard R. Young does both. It houses roughly 1,500 individuals at any given time, ranging from those awaiting trial—who are legally innocent—to those already sentenced to shorter terms of incarceration. Because of this "multi-purpose" nature, the atmosphere inside is notoriously fluid and, quite frankly, tense. You have people who are just passing through mixed with those who know they aren't going home for a long time.
The Reality of the "Gander Hill" Reputation
Old-timers and locals still call it Gander Hill. That name carries weight. When the facility opened in 1982, it was supposed to modernize the Delaware Department of Correction (DOC), but like many urban facilities, it quickly ran into the buzzsaw of overcrowding.
It isn't a secret that the facility has faced scrutiny. Over the years, reports from the Delaware Department of Justice and various advocacy groups like the ACLU of Delaware have pointed to the strain of maintaining a facility that often operates at or near capacity. When a building is packed, tempers flare. Staffing shortages—a chronic issue across the entire U.S. correctional landscape—hit places like Howard Young particularly hard.
Wait times for mail? Long.
Response times for medical requests? Often criticized.
But it’s not just a void of punishment. The facility is named after Howard R. Young, a dedicated correctional officer who was killed in the line of duty. That history sets a tone for the staff; there is a culture of high alertness. If you are visiting, don't expect a warm welcome. The protocols are rigid because they have to be.
Navigating Visitation and the "Video Only" Shift
If you’re trying to see someone, you’ve got to get used to a screen. Like many modern facilities, Howard Young Correctional Institution has shifted heavily toward video visitation. It’s frustrating. You want to sit across a table and hold a hand, but the logistics of moving 1,500 inmates through secure hallways for face-to-face visits is a nightmare the DOC tries to avoid.
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Here is the thing about visits: they get canceled. A lot.
A facility lockdown, even a minor one for a "shakedown" (searching for contraband), can scrub the entire day’s schedule. If you’re driving from out of state, check the Delaware DOC website or call the facility at (302) 429-7700 before you put the key in the ignition. Seriously.
- You must be on the approved visitor list. No exceptions.
- Dress codes are strictly enforced—no hoodies, no sheer clothing, no metal.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early. If you’re late, you’re out.
The physical address is 1500 East 12th Street, Wilmington, DE 19802. It looks like a fortress because it is one.
Health Care and the Mental Health Crisis Inside
The elephant in the room at Howard Young is mental health. A significant portion of the population here isn't just "criminal"; they are struggling with addiction or severe psychological breaks. Delaware has struggled with its correctional healthcare providers for years, switching between private contractors like Centurion and others to find a balance between cost and actual care.
If your loved one has a chronic condition—diabetes, asthma, or a need for psychotropic meds—you have to be their advocate from the outside. The system is reactive, not proactive. This means you need to keep a paper trail of their prescriptions and be ready to contact the prison’s medical department if there’s a lapse in medication.
It’s a grueling process. You might feel like you’re shouting into a void. Keep shouting.
The Legal Limbo: Awaiting Trial
Because Howard Young is the intake center for New Castle County, a huge chunk of the guys inside are in "Pre-Trial" status. They haven't been convicted of the crime they are currently held for. They are waiting for a bail hearing or a trial date.
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This creates a specific kind of purgatory.
Inmates in pre-trial usually don't have access to the same "perks" or programs that sentenced inmates do. They aren't focused on GED programs or vocational training yet; they are focused on their discovery and talking to their public defenders. The legal mail system is the lifeline here. If you’re sending legal documents, make sure they are clearly marked as such, or they might get opened and delayed with the regular mail.
Money, Phones, and the Cost of Staying Connected
Let's talk about the money. It's expensive to be incarcerated, and it's expensive to love someone who is.
The Delaware DOC uses GTL (Global Tel Link) for phone calls and tablets. You’ll hear about "Getting Out" or "ConnectNetwork." Basically, you’re going to be paying for every minute. The tablets have changed the game, though. Inmates can sometimes access educational content, music, or messaging services. It’s a digital leash, but for many, it’s the only thing keeping them sane.
Commissary is the other big one.
If an inmate doesn't have money on their account, they are living on "state issue." It’s enough to survive, but it’s miserable. A few bucks for extra soap, thermal underwear, or some decent ramen makes a massive difference in their daily quality of life. You can deposit funds via the GTL website or kiosks in the lobby.
Safety and the Internal Hierarchy
Is it dangerous?
It’s a high-security environment. There is violence. Most of the time, the violence is predictable—it stems from debts, gang affiliations, or simple proximity in overcrowded tiers.
The staff tries to manage the "housing" based on risk levels. You have the "Main Building" and the "West Wing." Where someone lands depends on their charges and their behavior. If someone is "checked in" (protective custody), they are often kept in much more restrictive settings for their own safety, which sounds good but often means 23-hour-a-day lockdown. It’s a trade-off between physical safety and mental health.
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What You Can Actually Do
If you have someone inside Howard Young Correctional Institution, don't just wait for the system to work. It moves slowly.
First, get their DOC number immediately. You can't do anything without it. Search the Delaware VINELink system if you don't have it yet.
Second, stay on top of the court dates. The Delaware Courts website has a "Court Connect" feature that lets you see the docket. Often, the inmate knows less about their upcoming court date than you do because of delays in communication.
Third, write letters. Real, physical letters. In a world of digital screens, a piece of paper from home is the most valuable currency in the building. Just don't send anything with glitter, perfume, or stickers—they’ll toss it in the trash.
Moving Toward Reentry
For those who are sentenced, Howard Young offers some programming, including the Key Program, which is a therapeutic community for substance abuse. It’s intensive. It’s hard. But for many, it’s the only way they get a recommendation for a sentence reduction or a favorable parole hearing.
If your loved one is approaching their release date, start the "Home Plan" early. The DOC needs to verify where they are going. If the home plan isn't approved, they might stay in past their release date or be sent to a halfway house (which are also overcrowded).
Actionable Steps for Families:
- Create a GTL account immediately to handle phones and messaging.
- Verify the inmate's ID number and housing unit via the Delaware DOC lookup tool.
- Contact the Public Defender's Office if you haven't heard from a lawyer within 72 hours of their intake.
- Keep a log of every time the inmate mentions a medical issue or a safety concern, including dates and times.
- Join a support group. Organizations like "The National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated" often have resources specific to the Delaware region.
The Howard Young Correctional Institution is a tough place. There’s no sugar-coating it. But knowing the rules of the game—how the money works, how the mail works, and how the legal tiers are structured—gives you a bit of control in a situation that usually feels completely out of your hands. Keep your records organized and your communication consistent. That’s how you help someone get through it.