Ellsworth Correctional Facility

Located on a 68.6-acre site in Ellsworth, Kansas, the Ellsworth Correctional Facility is a Kansas state prison that has a Central Unit which currently provides housing for 832 multi-custody adult male inmates, while the East Unit provides housing for 95 minimum-custody inmates. 

Ellsworth Correctional Facility’s mission is to safely and effectively contain and supervise inmates, while also providing for community, employee, and inmate safety. Furthermore, the facility plays an integral role in reducing crime and its associated costs by providing inmates with a means to improve their conditions through involvement in traditional correctional programming, faith-based activities, cognitive-based activities, exposure to "real life" skills, and effective staff-inmate interaction. 

The inmate population is offered an opportunity to participate in a variety of facility-support and community-based work activities. The facility’s ultimate goal is to encourage inmates to participate in the specific programs and activities that will best prepare each inmate for release and increase their opportunity for a successful law-abiding life, positively impacting not only the offenders’ lives, but also their families’ lives and the lives of all who reside in those communities.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

The visiting hours at Ellsworth Correctional Facility for general population inmates are on Saturdays, Sundays, and State Holidays from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM.  

Inmates in segregation are allowed a one-hour, non-contact visit once per week between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM Monday through Friday. You can visit during the morning session from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM or the afternoon session between 11:00 AM  and 3:00 PM.  

General Visiting Guidelines

Before you are allowed to visit, you will be asked to produce a valid picture I.D. Any valid state or government issued photo ID is acceptable i.e. drivers license, passport etc. A birth certificate can be used for minors each time they are to visit. 

All visitors are required to fill out a Visitor’s Registration Form. (Full Completion of this Form is Required Each Time You Visit) Any person refusing to complete this form will not be allowed to enter the facility. 

All persons entering must pass a metal detector screening. Anyone refusing to comply with any part of the check-in process will be denied entry into the facility. 

Visitors must leave purses, wallets, keys, make-up of any kind (to include lip balm) candy/lozenges, and photographs in lockers located in the reception area. Electronic devices (i.e. pager, cameras, phones, or internet capable watches) are not allowed into the facility and must be secured in the visitor’s automobile when possible. 

All loose items in your pockets must be put in a locker with the exception of coins and tokens. Under no circumstances will personal property and/or money be accepted or exchanged during visitation with staff or offenders.

Visitors are allowed to bring in a maximum of $10.00 in change for use in the vending machines. Paper currency is not permitted, but a small coin purse or plastic zipper bag is allowed to carry your coins.

If you are bringing an infant to the visit, you are allowed to bring in a diaper bag, and the contents are limited to: four sealed jars of baby food, three clear (pre-mixed) baby bottles per infant, one plastic spoon, one dispenser of wet wipes, one infant carrier (no strollers), one infant blanket, and one change of clothes for the infant.

East Unit visitors may bring food items purchased from restaurants/fast food stores, plastic ware and paper plates, and ice cream and ice cream blended with flavoring/fruit/candy/cookies. 

No soft drinks, water, tea, or milkshakes may be brought in. Homemade food items are prohibited. East Unit liquid drinks must be purchased from the facility vending machines. Visitors at the East Unit may leave to purchase food items then return to resume the visits.

Dress Code

The following type of clothing will be considered INAPPROPRIATE attire for visiting: 

• See-through/fishnet attire 
• Tank tops/Halter tops 
• White T-shirts 
• Tube tops 
• Spaghetti strap or tie-tops 
• Braless attire 
• Backless shirts or dresses 
• Undergarments showing 
• Low cut neckline or clothing that reveals any part of the breast 
• Clothing that reveals bare shoulder, bare midriff 
• Skirts or dresses that do not cover the knee while in a sitting position or has a slit that goes above the knee 
• Spandex, leggings, jeggings or any other stretch/form fitting clothing to include skinny jeans or yoga pants. 
• Wrap skirts or shirts 
• Pajamas or sleep attire 
• Hats or other headwear (excluding religious tenet) 
• Sunglasses 
• Red, Grey, or orange (hooded or not) sweatshirts 
• Collared, blue/denim button-up shirt 
• Tear away clothing 
• Overalls/coveralls 
• Footwear must be worn at all times, open toe shoes are acceptable i.e. flip flops/sandals
• Shorts: except for those who are 10 years of age or under. 
• Clothing with holes/tears/scratches or rips, factory made or otherwise, despite whether or not they are all the way through the material. 
• Attire that promotes violence, illegal activities, STG affiliation or are of a sexual nature. 
• Attire that promotes alcohol and/or tobacco products 

Regardless of age, all visitors who are allowed into the facility must be dressed in compliance with this dress code. All clothing considered to be outer garments must be removed during the entry process. 

The clothing underneath the outer garments must be suitable for entry. For example, a visitor will not be allowed to enter with a tank top on even if the visitor has another garment to put over the tank top. 

The above mentioned list includes clothing that is not acceptable; however, this list is not meant to be all-inclusive. The facility reserves the right to deny any visitor when it is determined a visitor’s dress is not appropriate, even though they may not be wearing one of the previously listed items of apparel. 

The Kansas Department of Corrections also allows inbound and outbound electronic messaging with inmates from family and friends who have established an account at JPay.com.

How to Call an Inmate

How to Send Money

​Programs For ​Inmates

Chaplaincy Services

The goal and objective of chaplaincy services is to assist inmates in achieving individual spiritual growth. Services are held weekly for Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Moorish Science Temple of America, Jehovah Witness, United Tribes, Wicca, Buddhist, Assembly of Yahweh, Latter Day Saints, Judaism, Rastafarian and Asatru studies for inmates wishing to attend.

A Native American Sweat Lodge ceremony is held on the third Sunday of each month and a pow wow is held quarterly. A variety of counseling services are available, including marriage, crisis, family, individual sessions, and Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous.

Central Kansas Reentry Program (CKRP)

CKRP primary objective is to ensure inmates have the opportunity to improve their probability of a successful return to society. The program utilizes partnerships with corrections agencies, law enforcement, victim services, mental health services, medical health providers, political and community representatives, employers and employment agencies, landlords, housing authorities, and faith-based organizations. 

CKRP’s target population consists of inmates who are assessed with high risks and needs in specific areas of their lives, are releasing to the Central Kansas area within a 90-minute radius of the Ellsworth Correctional Facility and who are within twelve to fourteen months from their scheduled release. 

Once assessed for needs in their high risk-to-reoffend areas, these individuals are referred to groups, classes and workshops designed around their case management plan to target their specific needs. The primary areas of focus include but are not limited to:

• Thinking for a Change–focuses on the process of acceptance of social controls, the constructs of our environment, understanding thought patterns and ramifications of actions.
• Job Readiness Training–designed to increase the likelihood of employment stability through education, career assessments, resume building, interview proficiency, and networking.
• Family Transitions–emphasizes creating positive rewards and value systems in relationships including how to avoid and handle conflicts.
• Transitional Planning–focuses on housing and reentry in the community and seeking out pro-social rewards and support systems.
• Money Matters–provides instruction on financial matters such as budgeting, managing bank accounts and incorporating savings and retirement plans into a financial plan.
• Interventions–focuses on daily functioning and emotional interventions that address primary life stressors.
• Pro-social supports are also a highlight of CKRP. Families attend quarterly family workshops in the community to speak with reentry and parole staff regarding release planning and community transitions. Providing community supports to individuals assures the best chance for their success. 

Bicycle Refurbishing Program

Established in 1999, the program employs twelve inmates who repair and refurbish bicycles that are then donated to less fortunate individuals in Kansas communities and throughout the United States. The bicycle parts and materials are obtained through donations by individuals, law enforcement agencies, and civic organizations.

Recreation

Inmates participate in recreational or leisure time activities depending upon their physical ability, fitness, and acceptable behavior. The program targets physical and mental fitness, promotes productive leisure time, and includes intramural, social and cultural programming in addition to special events. The gym and yard are open seven days a week for inmate use. 

Community Access Network (CAN), Inc.

Implemented in 2003, this project is a not-for-profit collaborative initiative comprised of representatives from various Kansas government organizations and community partners. The purpose of CAN is to develop an online resource to promote social issues, identify available services, and provide community statistics surrounding social issues and services.

Wheels for the World

Established in 1993, this outreach program for Joni and Friends Ministries refurbishes used wheelchairs that are distributed throughout the world. ECF’s program also manufactures universal footrests that are shipped to other distribution centers. 

Additionally, the program produced a new all-terrain attachment which allows individuals in various areas of the world to maneuver a wheelchair in rough terrain. The program contracts with Personal Energy Transportation Kansas from Moundridge, Kan., to build parts for hand-cranked carts that are needed by those who have lost the use of their legs due to polio, landmine injuries, or amputation.  

Library

The library provides recreational, educational, legal and other information resources contributing to the development of the inmates in their physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual well-being. 

The library has approximately 12,000 books, receives about 30 newspapers and magazines, and provides reference collection of encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories, and other ready reference books. 

The collection is supplemented by an efficient, state-wide inter-library loan service. Inmates are provided access to all the legal documents, cases, statutes, administrative rules, and case notes through the computerized LexisNexis system. The library also provides photocopying services and typewriters for inmates doing legal work. 

Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education and Services (CARES), Inc.

Since 1999, the CARES group has worked with ECF inmates who teach puppies basic obedience and socialization skills during a three to six-month period. Once these skills are mastered, the dogs are placed with individuals who have a variety of challenges (physical, mental, or emotional). 

Education

The KDOC contracts with Southeast Kansas Education Service Center (Greenbush) to provide educational and vocational services. Barton Community College provides on-site educational opportunities through a U.S. Department of Labor Community-Based Job Training (CBJT) Grant Program.

• Manufacturing Skills Certification (MSC):  The MSC course provides the student with the skills necessary to obtain entry level work on the shop floor of almost any manufacturing or construction company. The eight-hour credit course consists of five classes:  OSHA 10 Safety Course, basic shop math, blueprint reading/geometric dimensions, precision measurement, and employability skills.
• Welding Certification:  The welding instruction provides the student with the skills necessary to obtain an entry-level welding job. The course covers welding for various types of metals, including oil field pipe and aluminum. The 16-hour credit course consists of six classes: OSHA 10 Safety Course, shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, blueprint ready for welders and cutting processes.
• Plumbing Certification:  The plumbing instruction provides the student with the skills necessary to obtain an entry level plumbing job in either the residential or commercial areas. Training is provided utilizing numerous types of tools that will be encountered in the plumbing industry. The course allows the student hands-on experience in using PVC, copper, steel, and Pex pipe and fittings. The nine-hour credit course consists of the following classes: OSHA Safety Training, Plumbing I, Plumbing II, and Shop Practicum. 
• Internet and Computing Core Certification: This two-course program provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to take the Certiport IC-3 certification examination. The three credit hour course includes instruction in introduction to computers and computer concepts and applications.  
• GED Instruction/Testing: This course provides GED instruction and preparation throughout a 40-hour workweek. 
• Work Ready Instruction/Testing: This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to take the Work Ready certification examination. The program includes classes in reading, locating information, and mathematics.

Mental Health

The mental health department’s overall goal is to provide services that encourage and assist the inmate in making positive changes and meeting his individual needs. The mental health therapy program provides a variety of services.

Inmate Responsibility and Accountability Model (RAM) Training

The desired result of this training is that the participants will utilize the tools in their daily life. They can also apply the tools when they are released and strengthen their ability to remain on post-release supervision. 

The focus is on the behavior cycle, errors in thinking, thinking reports, and problem resolution techniques. The course has been re-configured as a therapeutic group and targets those who successfully completed a previous group. The group meets once a week for 24 weeks.

Work Programs

ECF’s policy is to provide inmates with a variety of meaningful work/program assignments patterned after a typical workday in the community. Assignments are designed to encourage inmates to develop desirable work habits and skills while engaging in work projects for ECF and the State of Kansas. 

An inmate employment assessment and job assignment program has been established at ECF which is utilized to ensure inmates are assigned jobs commensurate with their technical skills and to encourage inmates to possess positive behavioral characteristics. In addition, inmates are assigned to work crews to obtain on-the-job training, which allows them to develop their work skills and assist them with reintegration into society.

Pictures of Ellsworth Correctional Facility

Careers at Ellsworth Correctional Facility

If you are interested in a career with the Kansas Department of Corrections at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility, you can click here for more information.