North Lawndale Adult Transition Center

The North Lawndale Adult Transition Center (ATC) is a minimum-security facility for male inmates that is located on the west side of Chicago, Illinois. This facility houses individuals who are preparing for their release from the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections. 

North Lawndale consists of just one building with four community-style living units and has an operational capacity of 208.

Operated by the Safe Foundation under contract with the Illinois DOC, North Lawndale's mission is to reduce recidivism by offering a full spectrum of services that help inmates become employed, law-abiding members of the community.

Their philosophy is "good programming is good security, and good security is good programming." In other words, residents who are active in programs create far less security problems than those who are not, and where there is structure and order, programs can be effectively implemented.

The facility and the programs of North Lawndale ATC are designed for offenders in work-release status transitioning from secure custody and preparing for parole. The security system allows the staff to monitor residents in the living, common, and recreation areas, as well as the streets around the facility.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

The Illinois Department of Corrections is in phase two of their plan to resume in-person visits at North Lawndale as safely as possible. The number of visitors per two-hour time slot is limited to ensure social distancing measures are closely followed. 

Phase two loosens restrictions for visitors and inmates who are fully vaccinated. As of August 2021, each inmate is allowed three visits per month. To visit an inmate at North Lawndale Adult Transition Center, you must sign up at least seven days in advance.

Visiting hours at North Lawndale during phase two vary based on vaccination status. Please refer to the sign up schedule to see available visiting times. There are no age restrictions for visitors; however, all children over the age of 2 are required to wear a mask. 

All visitors must arrive at least 10 minutes prior to their scheduled visit time. Visitors who arrive late and miss their scheduled visit must reschedule.

While on grounds, the visitor must call the facility for guidance on entering. This call should be made from the parking lot. This will ensure the appropriate amount of time is allotted for processing. 

If a visitor does not have a cell phone, they must report to the main entrance of the facility and advise the front entrance staff that they have arrived. 

Check to see if the facility is on lockdown before leaving. You can call (877) 840-3220 for a listing of facilities currently on lockdown. 

Visitor Approval

All adult visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list in order to be granted a visit. If you call the facility, staff cannot tell you whether or not you are on a person’s visitation list.

Inmates are responsible for arranging their visits and notifying their visitors of their visiting status. To check if you are on the incarcerated individual’s visitor list, write a letter to them to inquire. 

General Visiting Rules

Visitation is encouraged to help incarcerated men and women maintain ties with family, friends, and others in the community. 

All adult visitors are required to have a current photo ID, such as a driver’s license, a state identification card or acceptable documentation of non-US citizenship including a current passport, Visa or Matricula, and documentation that includes their date of birth. 

Allowed Items

Visitors are not allowed to bring electronic devices (such as cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, or laptops), food, drink, smoking materials, currency, packages, purses, bags, sacks, books, magazines, sunglasses, or personal keys into the Visiting Room. Visitors must put personal items in small lockers that are available at no charge. 

Items that a visitor may possess inside the visiting room or in a secured locker, unless otherwise approved by the CAO, shall include: 

• Any item approved for an ADA request for reasonable accommodation. 
• One identification card
• One key fob or car door key without remote attachment
• One locker key; if issued
• One jacket or coat appropriate for the weather
• Religious headgear, and
• Lifesaving medication

If visiting with an infant or toddler, the following items may be brought into the visiting room in a clear plastic bag or container:

• Three diapers and wipes
• One blanket
• Two filled clear plastic bottles or two sealed containers of baby food or a combination of one bottle and one sealed container of baby food
• One change of clothes
• One bib
• One pacifier
• One plastic spoon
• One clear empty cup with lid
• One coat or jacket and one hat
• One pair of gloves or mittens during appropriate weather

Dress Code

All adult visitors must be dressed appropriately for a prison environment or the visit will not be permitted.

Clothing must not advertise or suggest any items in such a manner to signify a Security Threat Group or other illegal activity. Visitors should not wear clothing that is sexually explicit, offensive, or degrading. All visitors must wear underwear and female visitors must wear a bra. 

Visitors should not wear clothing which reveals the buttocks or breasts. Examples of appropriate and inappropriate dress for visitors are: 

• Dresses, shorts, or skirts must extend to the knee
• Clothing that compromises the integrity of safety/security such as gang affiliated symbols and communication that may negatively impact ability to control the population
• No see through/sheer clothing
• No holes, tears, or “cutouts” in clothing above the knee
• No tube tops, halter tops, tank tops, swimsuits, or swimsuit tops
• Loose fitting clothing is encouraged but not required
• Visitors may be permitted to wear religious headgear if there are no safety or security concerns. Wigs are not considered headgear and will not result in the denial of visits. 
• Visitors may wear two rings (inclusive of one wedding ring), one pair of earrings, and piercings that cannot be removed.

How to Call an Inmate

You can't call a resident at the North Lawndale Adult Transition Center, but they do have access to phones during certain hours and are allowed to make outgoing calls.

How to Send Money

You can send money to a resident at North Lawndale Adult Transition Center via the following methods. (You must use the inmate's IDOC number and legal name for all electronic transfer of funds.)

• GTL (ConnectNetwork) at https://web.connectnetwork.com/facilities/illinois-department-of-corrections/
• JPAY at www.jpay.com
• MoneyGram locations using the Blue MoneyGram Express Payment Form –  receiving code is 7364
• Western Union at www.westernunion.com or at locations using the Quick Collect Form – code city and state are ILDOC  IL

Money Orders

Money orders must be sent with a lockbox deposit slip and must be complete with the inmate name, IDOC inmate number, sender’s name and address. 

Deposit slips are available by clicking here. The money orders should be made payable to JPay and sent with the deposit slip to: 

PO Box 260250
Hollywood, FL 33026

Programs For Inmates

Academic:

• GED (General Educational Development)
• Literacy

Volunteer Services:

• Literacy Services
• Faith Based
• Recreational
• Mentoring
• Counseling
• Religious Services

Other:

• Case Management Services
• Cognitive Therapies
• Mental Health Services
• Substance Abuse Treatment
• Family Support Services
• Employment Retention Training
• Community Work Crews
• Anger Management
• Life Skills

Pictures of North Lawndale Adult Transition Center

Careers at North Lawndale Adult Transition Center

If you are interested in a career with the Illinois Department of Corrections and would like more information about the job openings at the North Lawndale Adult Transition Center, click here.