Massachusetts Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center at Plymouth

The Massachusetts Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center at Plymouth is a unique, minimum-security, pre-release facility located in the Myles Standish State Forest in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It has a capacity to house approximately 200 inmates.

The facility houses two very distinct populations: criminally sentenced, minimum-security, male inmates and civilly committed males participating in an up to 90-day detoxification program.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

Visiting Hours - State Inmates Only

• Sunday:              1:00 pm-3:45 pm, 6:30 pm-9:00 pm
• Friday:                6:30 pm-9:00 pm
• Saturday:           1:00 pm-3:45 pm

Visits are normally limited to four adults and three children (under 18) per inmate, per visiting period. There are no limitations on the number of weekly visits an inmate may have.

General Visiting Rules

Only visitors who have submitted a Visitor Application, and listed as approved on the Inmate Visitor Listing are allowed to visit. Before being admitted to the facility, a visitor is required to produce photo identification. 

Visitors will be searched before entering the visiting room. They will be asked to empty their pockets and allow a search of their coat pockets and personal effects (i.e., diaper bags). 

All visitors are expected to leave personal effects, including money and pocketbooks securely locked in their vehicles or in the visitor lockers. Transaction for vending machine Debit cards must be conducted at the Control Center during the sign in process.

Dress Code

• Undergarments must be worn. 
• Clothing shall not be ripped, torn, have holes, or missing buttons. 
• Visitors are expected to dress in accordance with standards of decency acceptable in a public place. 
• Headwear is allowed only if pre-approved for religious purposes. 
• No jewelry is to be worn except a traditional wedding ring and/or one religious medal on a chain will be allowed and a medical alert bracelet (if applicable).
• No watches or wallets allowed. 
• Sweaters may be worn. 
• Hairpieces (i.e., toupees, wigs, extensions, weaves) may be worn but must be searched. It shall be the responsibility of the visitor to inform the officer that they are wearing a hairpiece during the search processing. 
• Garments with elastic waists may be worn. 
• Jackets or blazers may be worn as part of a suit or outfit by students participating in a clinical/internship program. 

The following items are NOT ALLOWED: 

• Boots worn above the knee (exception–boots below the knee are permitted October 15–April 15)
• Work boots
• Bare feet
• Bathing suits, shorts, any clothing with excessive pockets, metal, drawstrings, excessively baggy or tight clothing, hooded clothing, sheer, excessively revealing or transparent clothing, bodysuits of any type, or wrap around shirts. (Children age 8 and younger may wear shorts)
• With the exception of undergarments, spandex, or spandex type clothing is not allowed
• Any clothing that displays a gang affiliation or is in any way attributable to gang culture; additionally, clothing that is obscene, racist, or displays sexual content
• Any clothing similar to that issued to an inmate or uniformed personnel, to include nursing scrubs, police, postal, and utility (Class A active military uniforms are allowed)
• Fatigue or camouflage clothing
• Double-layered clothing on the bottom half of the person (e.g. two pairs of pants, or skirts and slacks)
• Bibbed clothing of any type: shorts, dresses, pants, overalls, jumpers etc. (allowable for age 8 and younger)
• Hair accessories that cannot be easily removed to be searched
• Bobby pins, barrettes, and ribbons
• Umbrellas, jackets, coats, vests, or outerwear of any type
• Male visitors may not wear any type of blue or black jeans
• Earrings, facial/body jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, and watches are not allowed. The only exception regarding jewelry is a traditional engagement ring/wedding band, religious medallion, and medical alert jewelry
• Dresses, skirts, and skirt slits shall not exceed three inches above the knee when standing. No wrap-around style skirts are allowed unless worn for religious reasons
• Tank tops, halter tops, muscle shirts, or clothing that reveals the midriff or excessively exposes the back. Tube tops of any type are not allowed. Sleeveless clothing is not allowed unless covered by an article of clothing, such as a sweater, that shall not be removed
• Sweatshirts, sweatpants, wind pants, and exercise clothing (allowable for age 8 and younger)
• Clothing with zippers that go the full length of the garment with the exception of outerwear (allowable for age 8 and younger)
• T-shirts with offensive logos
• Leg warmers
• Hats and head coverings of any type, unless worn for religious or medical reasons; however, they must be searched prior to entering the institution
• No electronic communication devices (e.g., cell phones, electronic devices) or those capable of storing information are allowed
• No wearing or possession of any type of glitter make-up materials to include ChapStick or lip balms, facial make-up, nail polish, eye shadow etc.

How to Call an Inmate

How to Send Money

Programs For Inmates

For those who are civilly committed, MASAC provides a detoxification and substance abuse program which consists of three phases: medically-supervised detoxification, mandatory counseling and programs, and individual discharge planning.

Civil commitments participate in a comprehensive, multi-phase progression of classes in relapse prevention. In addition, case management services, twelve step programs, and assistance in after care planning are offered. 

For those who are sentenced, MASAC offers a variety of work, education, religious, and substance abuse programs.

Departmental Services

• Recreation Services
• Religious Services
• Volunteer Programs

Institutional Programs

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Art Program
• Gardening and Landscaping
• Health Awareness (HIV/AIDS Education)
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Read To Me Daddy
• Self/Help Twelve Step Program
• Toastmasters

Recovery Pathfinder Program

The Massachusetts Department of Corrections (DOC) Recovery Pathfinder team is dedicated to helping participants and their families find their path to a healthy recovery lifestyle.

The mission of the Recovery Pathfinder Program is to provide support and guidance for section 35 civilly committed males as they begin the process of recovery, health and wellness in the community. 

This is achieved by linking program participants to services that help them achieve their goals for recovery post-release; by introducing an integrated support network, such as referrals to transitional support services such as treatment for substance use disorders, mental health, medical treatment, housing, and financial assistance that support their goals for recovery post-release.

The Recovery Pathfinder Program offers:

• Support and guidance in recovery
• Referrals to assistance programs (financial, housing, food, employment)
• Connections to resources
• Family engagement and Family Support Groups

Work Release

Pre-Release inmates may be able to take part in the Work Release Program. This program:

• Matches an inmate's skills with job opportunities in the community
• Allows inmates to earn at least minimum wage
• Gives an inmate work experience to make the employment process easier after release

To participate, an inmate must meet eligibility and be within 18 months of release or parole eligibility.

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Careers at Massachusetts Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center at Plymouth

If you are interested in a career with the Massachusetts Department of Corrections at the Massachusetts Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center at Plymouth, you can find job listings by clicking here.