NCDPS – Catawba Correctional Center

NCDPS – Catawba Correctional Center basic information to help guide you through what you can do for your inmate while they are incarcerated. The facility's direct contact number: 828-466-5521

This facility is for adult inmates.

The inmates housed at Catawba CI located at 1347 Prison Camp Rd in Newton, NC are placed according to their custody level (determined by a number of factors including the past criminal history and the length of their sentence). There are ample educational and vocational training programs for all inmates, especially ones that show a willingness to learn new things that will prepare them for a better life when they are released. The mission is to promote and prepare the offender to leave in better shape than when they arrived, giving them the best chance to never come back and thus lower the state's recidivism rate.

Catawba Correctional Center is a minimum custody prison that houses 246 adult males located in Newton, North Carolina. This facility focuses on transitioning offenders from prison life to their release. Catawba was one of 61 field unit prisons renovated or built during the 1930s to house inmates who worked building roads.

The prison's original housing unit with two dormitories was renovated in the mid-1980s. Ceilings were lowered, centralized heating and air circulation units were installed, and lighting was improved. Two modular dormitories were added in 1978 and replaced with a new modular in 1998. Lawmakers provided an additional 128-bed dormitory as part of the $10 million South Piedmont Consent Decree. Construction began in 1985 and was completed in 1987.

Inmates housed at Catawba Correctional Center are provided with transitional programs such as Male Nurturing, Chaplaincy Re-entry Program, DACDP Intermediate Treatment, GED tutoring, and testing. These programs aid the inmates tremendously upon their release. NA and AA support groups are also represented. Approximately 50 inmates participate in the Work Release program at Catawba. This program allows inmates to be employed by private sector employers to begin their readjustment to the community and earn a wage that can be used to support their children and families, as well as to pay restitution.

Inmates may be assigned to a wide range of jobs, while housed at Catawba. These jobs include kitchen, janitors, unit maintenance, Department of Transportation road crews, Department of Transportation litter crews. Inmates are also able to participate in a vocational program offered by Catawba Valley Community College.

Re-entry programs and male nurturing courses are provided to inmates who are nearing their release date to help prepare them. Educational courses help inmates earn a GED during their incarceration, and a work release program prepares inmates by giving them a financial foundation and instilling good work habits prior to their release. The work release program offered at Catawba Correctional Center allows an inmate to work within the surrounding community in the private sector, and return to the institution at the end of their shift. The funds they earn can be saved for when they gain full release and can be used to help support their family and pay any restitution or existing fines. If an inmate is not eligible for work release they may also work jobs within Catawba CC. These jobs include working in the kitchen, in the laundry, and in janitorial and building maintenance.

History – Catawba was one of 61 field unit prisons renovated or built during the 1930s to house inmates who worked building roads.

The prison's original housing unit with two dormitories was renovated in the mid-1980s. Ceilings were lowered, centralized heating and air circulation units were installed, and lighting was improved. Two modular dormitories were added in 1978 and replaced with a new modular in 1998. Lawmakers provided an additional 128-bed dormitory as part of the $10 million South Piedmont Consent Decree. Construction began in 1985 and completed in 1987.

NCDPS – Catawba Correctional Institution – Inmate Rule Book
NCDPS – Catawba Correctional Institution – Offender Family Services

NCDPS – Catawba Correctional Institution – Inmate Programs

Local calls will be a flat rate of $1.25
All long distance calls will be a flat rate of $3.40

visitation Info

NCDPS – Catawba Correctional Institution – Visitation

Visitation is on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Any inquiries concerning visits should be directed to the program director or the assistant superintendent.

Inmates are encouraged to maintain close contact with members of their families and desirable friends through visitation privileges. However, Adult Correction policy and procedures regarding visitation will be strictly adhered to. It is the inmate's responsibility to send applications to people they wish to visit with them while in prison. The inmates will not be allowed more than 18 blank forms upon their entry into prison. Additional forms should be provided as inmates want to add to their list as vacancies occur. The number of approved visitors will never be more than 18.

Directions – Catawba Correctional Center is located south of Newton on US 321 Business. From Interstate 40, US 321 Business can be accessed easily from either exit 128 or exit 133. After turning south onto US 321 Business in Conover, go approximately seven miles to Prison Camp Road and turn left. The prison is about a quarter-mile on the left.