York Correctional Institution

York Correctional Institution, located in Niantic, Connecticut, is the state’s only correctional facility exclusively for women. Established in 1918 as the Connecticut State Farm and Reformatory for Women, the institution initially served as a working farm and reformatory for incarcerated women.

Over time, it expanded its mission and facilities, eventually being renamed the Niantic Correctional Institution in 1930. By 1994, it was consolidated and renamed in honor of Janet S. York, a former warden and deputy commissioner who made significant contributions to correctional services in Connecticut.

Today, York Correctional Institution accommodates up to 1,500 inmates, housing women at all security levels—from minimum to supermax. The facility offers a range of rehabilitation and educational programs aimed at helping inmates reintegrate into society. Notable among these are the Caregiver and Me program, which supports family-focused visitation for mothers and their children, and an 80-bed intensive inpatient drug treatment unit.

Additionally, the Second Chance Corral—run in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture—provides care for abused farm animals while offering therapeutic benefits for the inmates who tend to them.

York has also embraced community engagement. Through service initiatives, inmates have contributed to organizations such as the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and local housing associations. These efforts positively impact both the incarcerated women and the communities they support.

With its rich history and progressive rehabilitation programs, York Correctional Institution plays a vital role in Connecticut’s correctional system—providing both accountability and opportunities for change.

For further information about the York Correctional Institution, including inmate records search and visitation details, individuals can refer to the official website of the Connecticut State Department of Corrections or utilize online inmate search platforms specific to the state of Connecticut.