Howard R. Young Correctional Institution

Phil Parker, Warden
Natasha Hollingsworth, Deputy Warden

The Howard R. Young Correctional Institution (also known as Gander Hill Prison due to the neighborhood in which it is located) is a Level 5 facility in the northeast section of Wilmington, Delaware. The facility is named for a 33-year Department veteran who died in 2001 after a battle with cancer. Originally called the Multi-Purpose Criminal Justice Facility, it was renamed in honor of Young in February 2004. Young was the first Warden of the prison when it opened in 1982.

The original facility, now called the West Wing, was designed to hold 360 detainees, individuals who are awaiting trial/sentencing or unable to make bail. In 1992, a new section, the East Wing, opened. This construction project added 480 beds for sentenced offenders. Additional construction projects have increased the capacity to 1,180. The facility now averages 1,500 offenders.

• Processes approximately 60% of all admissions in the Delaware Correctional system and houses the majority of the detainee population.
• HRYCI also offers the Road to Recovery (R2R) treatment program. The Road to Recovery retains the Therapeutic Community model, an industry best practice which has proven to be effective.
• Supports a very active and responsive community outreach program, working with families, schools, churches, community and charitable groups. The community outreach program provides services and gifts including but not limited to food, clothing, school supplies, monetary donations, and school presentations. The mission of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution Community Outreach Program is:
  1. To serve as a responsible and committed member of the Wilmington Community
  2. To protect the community by faithfully performing our duties
  3. To share our time and ourselves with those in need of assistance
  4. To set a positive example for the people we interact with
  5. To show respect for all people