Howard R. Young Correctional Institution

By Chris Smith, 8 March, 2024
Name of Warden:
Brian Emig
Description of Facility

Howard R. Young Correctional Institution is a minimum to medium custody facility that has a maximum capacity of 1,500 male inmates. This facility is sometimes referred to as "Gander Hill Prison", but received it's true name Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in tribute to a department veteran who passed away in 2001. This facility is responsible for processing over half of all the admissions into the correctional system for Delaware.

While incarcerated at this facility, inmates can participate in the Road to Recovery treatment program.

Facility Telephone Number
302-429-7700
Facility Address

Howard R. Young Correctional Institution
1301 East 12th Street
Wilmington, DE 19802
United States

Inmate Mailing Address

Inmate Name, SBI Number
Howard R. Young Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 9561
Wilmington, DE 19809
United States

What you can send an inmate

 Inmates at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution are allowed mail sent in a regular white envelope and may contain the following:

  • Letters
  • Money orders to deposit into an inmate's account
  • Photos 4x6 (no Polaroids, no nudity)
  • Cards no larger than 5"x7" from a store, and must be on standard card stock (no homemade cards, cards must not contain embellishments like stickers, electronics, batteries or rhinestones)
  • You may not send anything else.  Packages, cash, stamps, tobacco and pornography are not allowed and should not ever be mailed.

All mail sent to an inmate must contain the following:

  • Inmate's Full Name and ID Number
  • Facility address/P.O. Box Number

Read Delaware Department of Corrections policy on inmate mail here.

Delaware inmates who are considered level V or level IV may receive publications through the mail, this includes newspapers and softcover books but they must come directly from a reputable publisher like Barnes and Noble.  There are also restrictions on the content, as it may not contain sexually explicit material, or pose a threat to the security or order of the institution.  Contact your inmate for more information on sending them books.

How Inmate Calls Work

Inmates in Delaware are allowed to make outgoing phone calls.  They are allowed up to ten phone numbers to be added to the automated telephone system.  Inmates can buy phone minutes using the funds in their inmate account.  Third party telephone service provider GTL provides a way for friends and family to setup/deposit money into an inmate's phone account, you can check them out here.

How to send money to an inmate

   Delaware Department of Corrections allows inmates to access money through a trust account.  Friends and family members can send money to an inmate that can be used to purchase an assortment of items from the commissary including food, stamps, and hygiene items.  

To send money you will need the inmate's full name, SBI number, and current location.

You can send money to inmates in Delaware by the following methods:

  • In person: Using cash or money order by utilizing the facility kiosk during a visit
  • By Mail: Send a money order to the inmate's mailing address.  On the money order include the following:
    • Inmate's full name and SBI number
    • Assigned facility
    • Your full name
  • Personal Checks are not accepted 
How to do an Inmate Search

 Search the Delaware inmate database to get an inmate's SBI number, their current location, and sentencing information.

Visiting Information/FAQs

All visits at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution are by appointment only.

Schedule an appointment to visit one week in advance by calling 302-575-0330 Monday through Friday from 7:30am-3:00pm.

When scheduling a visit you will need to provide the inmate's full name, date of birth, and SBI number.  Anyone attending a visit must be declared during scheduling and their name, address, birth date, and telephone number will also be needed.

Visits are one hour long and you should arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

Visiting Hours for Howard R. Young Correctional Institution:
Everyday from 9:00am-3:00pm in one hour blocks (9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm)

Video visitation is also provided to inmates incarcerated in Delaware, but you must schedule your video visitation using the GTL scheduling portal.  Video visits are a paid service.

Bring a valid government issued photo ID with you to visitation and your car keys only.  If you have a small child you are allowed a single diaper, two wipes and a bottle.  All other items must be secured in your car.

You may bring up to $5 in currency to use in the vending machines.

Dress Code
The following clothing is not allowed:

  • No open toed shoes, no crocs
  • No hoodies
  • Clothes that resemble law enforcement or military including camouflage
  • No skirts, dresses, or shorts that expose two inches above the knee or more
  • No halter tops, strapless tops, sheer, or see through
  • No very tight fit/spandex pants, shorts, and leggings may not be worn alone, but my be worn under a skirt
  • Revealing clothing that don't adhere to common standards of decency are not allowed this includes offensive clothing

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