Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility

The Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility in Whittier was dedicated by Governor R.W. Waterman on February 12, 1890, as the Reform School for Juvenile Offenders. The California State Legislature renamed the facility Whittier State School in 1891 and changed the name again in 1941 to honor Fred C. Nelles, who was the superintendent of the school from 1912 to 1927.

The Nelles facility is on 90 acres surrounded by a security perimeter fence. Wards are assigned to 12 dormitory-style living units and are provided treatment for their individual identified needs. The dining room, church, infirmary, gymnasium, swimming pool, auditorium and school are shared by all wards. The professional staff at Nelles provide a range of special services to wards. A complement of Foster Grandparents and community volunteer workers assist staff with wards' special reading problems and help to meet their emotional needs.

Each ward is assigned a youth counselor and teacher who assist with individually focused problem solving and monitoring of progress on a monthly basis. The family and community are encouraged to participate in formulating the ward's progress through communication with the ward's assigned youth counselor. Wards may be placed in bilingual, drug-alcohol, work experience, intensive counseling, public service and basic academic programs. An intensified school program evaluates grade placement, provides remedial and special education, develops employability skills and prepares wards for high school graduation and prospective employment. A comprehensive intramural athletic program is available. The Nelles school program emphasizes teaching young men work skills and providing them with experience related to work with the goal of preparing them for productive life in the community.

A specialized counseling program for sex offenders is housed in Carter Cottage, a secure-room setting with 20 single and 30 double beds.

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