Grafton Correctional Institution
Grafton Correctional Institution is a minimum/medium-security prison that is located in Grafton, Ohio. This facility is operated by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections and can house approximately 1,600 inmates.
Prison Insights
Grafton Correctional Institution
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Visiting Hours and Rules
Visitation reservations should be made online at https://ohdoc.gtlvisitme.com or on the Android App “GTL VisMoble.”
In the event that online reservations cannot be utilized, please contact the respective institutions from 6:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. seven days a week.
Grafton Correctional Institution (GCI) 440-535-1193
Grafton Reintegration Center (GRC) 440-535-1307
Grafton Correctional Institution (GCI) Visitation:
Wednesday through Sunday 8:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. (morning sessions). Visitors must be checked in before 9:45a.m. and for afternoon sessions, (12:30p.m. to 4:30p.m.) visitors must be checked in by 2:30 pm.
GCI Visiting is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and State observed holidays.
Grafton Reintegration Center (GRC) Visitation:
Friday through Sunday 8:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. (morning sessions). Visitors must be checked in by 9:45a.m. and for afternoon sessions (12:30p.m. to 4:30p.m.) visitors must be checked in by 2:30p.m.
GRC Visiting is closed on Mondays-Thursday, and State observed holidays.
Visiting Applications and Procedures
Each potential visitor must complete a Visiting Application and have it approved before visiting an inmate. This application may be sent through the U.S. Mail, emailed, faxed, or dropped off in person. Visitation will not be allowed until your application has been processed and you have been approved and notified. For complete details, click here.
Dress Code
With the exception of appropriate outerwear such as a coat and gloves, all attire worn upon entry into the facility must be worn throughout the duration of the visit. Appropriate undergarments must be worn (i.e., bra, slip, and underwear).
Inappropriate attire includes, but is not limited to:
- See-through clothing of any kind.
- Tops or dresses that expose the midriff or have open backs or open sides (such as any sleeveless clothing such as halter tops, tube tops, cropped tops, tank tops, and muscle shirts).
- Low-cut clothing cut in a manner that exposes the chest.
- Any clothing that inappropriately exposes undergarments.
- Skirts, dresses, shorts, skorts, or culottes with the hem or slit above the mid-knee.
- Wrap-around skirts/dresses or break-away type pants.
- Clothing with any gang related markings.
- Clothing with obscene and/or offensive pictures, slogans, language and/or gestures.
- Form-fitted clothing made from Spandex or Lycra or other similar knit material such as leotards, unitards, bicycle shorts, tight jeans, or tight pants.
- Clothing with inappropriate holes/rips, including shoulder cut-outs.
- No smartwatches or fitness monitors (such as fitbits).
Purses, handbags, backpacks, or similar items are not permitted. Diaper bags and infant carriers are permitted, but are subject to regular search procedures. Clear plastic bags are preferred, and you may bring:
- A reasonable number of diapers and baby wipes
- Three plastic baby bottles
- Three plastic containers of baby food
- One pacifier
Video Visitation
The Grafton Correctional Institution and Grafton Reintegration Center maintain video visiting kiosks in every general population housing unit. The hours of availability for video visits are as follows: 7:30a.m. – 10:30a.m.; 12:30p.m. – 3:30p.m.; and 5:30p.m. – 8:30p.m. Visits are 30 minutes in duration; however, an additional 30 minutes may be requested if there is no one scheduled at the same kiosk immediately after the conclusion of the initial video visit.
An approved visitor is defined as: a visitor that submitted an application for visitation, processing has been completed, and approval by institutional staff has taken place. Any approved visitor may request a video visit.
Approved visitors must create an account and register with JPay. Video visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance of the time that they are requesting.
Physical Address
Grafton Correctional Institution
2500 South Avon Belden Road
Grafton, OH 44044
Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/igerc4Mpdg6dkod58
General Phone Number
440-748-1161
Inmate Mailing Address(es)
Inmate Name, DOC Number
Grafton Correctional Institution
2500 South Avon Belden Road
Grafton, OH 44044
All inmate mail must include your inmate’s name and DOC number on the envelope. You can find your inmate’s DOC number by calling Central Inmate Records at 614-752-1076, or you can use the online tool.
JPay Email Option
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction uses JPay to allow family and friends to email their incarcerated loved one. Please visit JPay for additional information.
The Inmate Food and Sundry Package Program
Family, friends, and inmates may order food and sundry packages from approved vendors Keefe Group/Access Securepak, Union Supply Direct, and Walkenhorsts. Inmates have access to catalogs, flyers, and order forms for these programs.
How to Call an Inmate
Inmates at Grafton Correctional Institution do have access to phones, but they can’t receive incoming calls. For complete details on how to call an inmate in Ohio, please click here.
How to Send Money
You can send money to your inmate at Grafton Correctional Institution through JPay or the ConnectNetwork only if you are an approved (or tentatively approved) visitor.
Up to $200 per transaction and a maximum of $400 per calendar month from an approved (or tentatively approved) visitor may be deposited into an inmate's personal account through any of the following means:
- MAIL - Approved (or tentatively approved) visitors may make deposits by U.S. Mail through JPay. Each money order must be accompanied by the Money Order Deposit form, found on the JPay Website and a copy of your driver's license (or state ID or passport). This will be used to match your name to the visiting list. The name on the money order must exactly match:
- the name on the driver's license, state ID, or passport; AND
- the name and date of birth used to register as a visitor with DRC
- Money orders may not exceed $200, unless approved in advance by the institution Warden. If you need to send more than $200, contact the institution for details on the procedures.
- You will not be able to send any letters to the inmate with the money order. Any letters sent to inmates with the money order will be discarded.
- Please visit the JPay website for additional information.
- ONLINE - Send money through the ConnectNetwork website with deposits using credit or debit cards. OffenderConnect charges a transaction fee for using this service.
- TELEPHONE - Deposit funds by calling toll-free 1-888-988-4PMT (4768), reference Site ID 86 when prompted by the automated attendant. Deposits can be made through the toll-free number using credit or debit cards. There is a transaction fee for using this service.
Programs For Inmates
Specialized Housing and Programs
GCI offers several specialized housing units and programs. The Veterans Unit offers programming in leadership, comradery, and community service. The Faith-Based Unit offers men of diverse religious background programming and meaningful unit based activities surrounding faith and spirituality.
Grafton Reintegration Center is a three dorm center that offers low-level offenders the opportunity to experience many programs and meaningful activities prior to release.
Sustainability Initiatives and Programs
GCI is focused on energy efficiency, waste reduction and relatable programming. GCI has a recycling program and Roots of Success Reentry Programming at GCI and GRC to share the importance of environmental literacy to the population. GCI has entered in a partnership with ODOT to keep roadways free of litter. In addition, we use waterless urinals, LED lighting, high efficient boilers, and gasless mowers to lower our energy and resource usage.
Sex Offender Programming
Located at GCI, this extensive residential program is design to address the behavioral needs of high risk sex offenders.
Stepping Stones Therapeutic Community
Located at the GRC, this recovery based program promotes treatment through a community approach.
The HOPE Center
Established for the residents of the Grafton Reintegration Center to learn and grow from programming. It is imperative that programming be provided for the residents that are returning back into society so that they can be equipped with the proper knowledge and tools in order to reduce recidivism. There are many opportunities for the residents to become knowledgeable in viable work skills. Some of the trades and programs offered are:
- Screen printing-a two-year apprenticeship program that teaches inmates how to assemble screens, patterns, and print on various mediums.
- Sewing and Tailoring Shop- a two-year apprenticeship teaches inmates how to sew and tailor clothing
- Microsoft Office Certification Program- a one-year program helps the inmates to become certified in Microsoft Office which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- ONE STOP SHOP-Up to two-years helps the inmates to fill-out job applications online along with the resumes and professional letters.
- Community Service Workshop-offers high output of wood and fabric items for local charities, police departments, homeless shelters, and the Stocker Foundation. Offering residents, the opportunity to obtain community service hours.
CDL Program
This four-week program allows offenders the opportunity to receive their Class A Commercial Driver’s License. Upon completion and obtaining CDL, an employment interview will be scheduled.
Edwin's Program
This culinary arts program is run by the founder of Edwin’s Leadership and Restaurant Institute. This year long program offers all aspects of the restaurant business along with possible employment upon release.
Inmate Groups
The following approved inmate groups have been established to provide programming, community service, and meaningful activities to the inmate population. Below is a list of all inmate groups with their respective mission statements.
- American Red Cross - To improve the quality of life by enhancing self-reliance and concern for others; and to help people avoid, prepare for, and cope with emergencies.
- Go Home To Stay Home - Reentry and providing assistance to the residents returning home. The Mission Statement of this group, the Institution, and the DRC is to reduce recidivism.
- NAACP - provides the GCI community opportunities to realize their potential, while also providing them with the necessary resources to act on their abilities for their benefit and for the benefit of others.
- Fellowship of Christians Athletes - To present to coaches and athletes, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.
- VVA - To assist incarcerated Veterans to obtain their DD214 discharge papers, to help obtain any other Veterans Benefits available, and to build a positive attitude towards others.
- TOPUCU - The Only Person “U” Cheat is “U.” These members follow the TOPUCU motto to transform their thinking and actions following seven lessons for transformation. These lessons are taught in the TOPUCU program.
- Decision Points - Combines aspects of cognitive restructuring. Teaches new attitudes and beliefs as a set of thinking skills.
Reentry Programming
Reentry programs are created with evidence based practices and principles. They are based upon the dynamic needs area of each resident that are identified in an assessment that each resident has with their Case Manager and Unit Staff. The following are the reentry programs offered at Grafton Correctional Institution:
- Thinking for a Change - is a problem solving program including both cognitive restructuring development and social skills intervention.
- ABLE Literacy - is a mandatory academic program for all inmates who read below a certain grade level and do not possess a high school or GED verified by the Ohio Central School System.
- GED Instruction and Work Study - is a mandatory academic program for all inmates who perform below a certain grade level and do not possess a high school or GED verified by the Ohio Central School System.
- Pre-GED Instruction - is a mandatory academic program for all inmates who perform below a certain grade level and do not possess a high school or GED verified by the Ohio Central School System. This is typically a prerequisite to GED.
- 24-Hour AOD Education & Orientation - Examines use, abuse, & progression to addiction. Pharmacology & physiology of addiction. Provides factual information, examines personal use history.
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment - outpatient treatment services for alcohol and other drug impacted offenders.
- Victim Awareness – an educational program that examines the impact of various crimes on the offender and victim(s), and discuss the recovery process for the victim(s). It is an opportunity to take personal responsibility for one’s actions.
- Inside Out Dads – focuses on parenting issues faced by incarcerated offenders.
- P.R.O.V.E. – a program whose criminal history includes domestic violence behaviors. The program focuses on teaching the offender how to have non-abusive/violent responses in relationships.
- Roots of Success – an Environmental Literacy program designed for youths and adults with limited academic skills and aims to prepare them with successfully accessing good green jobs.
- TYRO: Men of Tomorrow – to instill core values in others while leading by example in order to reintegrate successfully in society.
Doggie DayCare
Provides daycare, grooming, boarding, and training for dogs of DRC employees, volunteers, and contractors.
Community Services
- Luv-a-Pup
- Tackers
- WAGS
Academic
- Adult Basic Literacy Education
- Pre-GED
- GED
- High School (TEP)
Apprenticeship Programs
- Alteration Tailor
- Animal Trainer
- Cook
- Electrician
- Janitor
- Maintenance Building, repairer
- Manager, food service
- Plumber
- HVAC
- Landscape Management Technician
- Machine Operator
- Recovery Operator
- Welding Fitter
- Material Coordinator
- Screen Printer
Career-Technical (Vocational) Programs
- Administrative Professional Support (APS)
- Machine Trades
- Welding
- Diesel Mechanics
- Horticulture
Advanced Jobs Training Program
Ashland University
Certificate Programs
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
Treatment Readiness Program (TRP)
A 48-hour program delivered daily for a minimum of 10 hours a week. – The purpose of the Treatment Readiness Program (TRP) is to prepare a person to participate in the Intensive Outpatient Program. It will assist participants to learn the expectations of recovery and how to recognize barriers that block progress toward change.
Participants will explore positive attitudes for successful recovery, learn how to perform an "Attitude Check," and prepare a "Readiness Statement" as the starting point for lifestyle change. The program will assist the participant with a brief self-assessment about the damaging consequences of their drug and/or alcohol use. Upon completion of the TRP the participant will be ready for Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) provided in the Intensive Outpatient Program.
Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Program
A 144-hour program delivered daily for a minimum of 10 hours a week; Entails 10 hours of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Programming for each group per week. 10 hours of the program are CBT specific with an additional two hours being Recovery-Oriented Supplemental Services. The IOP Program awards Earned Credit using currently approved materials and, by observation, the staff appears to be facilitating the use of materials in accordance with CBT philosophy and methods.
Recovery Maintenance Program (RMP)
A 16-hour program delivered for a minimum 2 hours a week. When this program is held it serves as a follow-up and continuum of care for graduates of the IOP program. When conducted it is held one time each week for two hours per session for a duration of eight weeks, or twice per week for two hours each session over four weeks.
Continuing Care Services
On-going peer support such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Big Book, etc.
Brief Intervention Program
A 48-hour intensive group for offenders with sentences of less than six months remaining. This cognitive-behavioral series uses evidence-based strategies to assist inmates as they work to make positive changes to their criminogenic thoughts and behaviors and patterns of substance use.
Treatment Transfer Program
Grafton Reintegration Center houses a prison treatment transfer program that provides substance use disorder assessment and treatment through licensed treatment providers to help reduce substance use relapse and recidivism. Classification determines eligibility to be placed on this path. Clients may be released to a halfway house after completion of TRP.
Rule 39 Intervention
An intervention for inmates found guilty of institutional Rule 39 for a positive drug test. This intervention is offered as part of their sanction. Participants are screened to determine their eligibility, appropriateness, and motivation to later engage in an intensive Recovery Services treatment program. Participants attend class two days weekly for two hour sessions for a four-week duration.
Pictures of Grafton Correctional Institution
Careers at Grafton Correctional Institution
If you are interested in a career with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections — and would like to apply for a job at the Grafton Correctional Institution — you can find out more information about available jobs by clicking here.