Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility

Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility

Facility Container

General Information
Warden
Craig Gable
Public Information Officer
Jessie Whitlock jessie.whitlock@nebraska.gov
Phone
402.595.2000
Fax
402.636.8610
Address
2610 N 20th St E
Omaha, NE 68110

wells_0.pngWarden Craig Gable

In July 2024, Craig Gable was appointed warden of the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility (NCYF), a male correctional facility with general population adult housing units and specialized housing for youthful offenders adjudicated as adults. He also serves as warden of the Community Correction Center – Omaha (CCC-O).

Warden Gable joined NDCS in 2011 as a corrections officer. His NDCS career has spanned seven facilities, where he has held positions that include corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, assistant warden and warden.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a master’s degree in public administration from Bellevue University. Warden Gable is also a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha Certified Public Manager Program. 


About the Facility

The Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility (NCYF) is a male correctional facility with general population adult housing units in addition to specialized housing for youthful offenders adjudicated as adults.  NCYF is a maximum, medium and minimum security facility. The buildings encompass approximately 54,000 square feet with a construction cost of approximately $10.8 million.

NCYF has been accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA) since 2000.


General Information

​Custody and Unit Management are major operational areas with a focus on management, programming and discipline that protects staff, inmates and the public. Inmates have the opportunity to participate in a variety of recreational activities seven days a week. Youthful offenders may apply to participate in community custody programs to include work detail, work release or education release. 

All male offenders sentenced by county and district courts of the state of Nebraska are received at the Reception and Treatment Center (RTC) in Lincoln. At RTC, individuals are assigned an inmate number, photographed, fingerprinted and provide a DNA sample. All RTC intake procedures apply upon arrival.

After completion of RTC intake activities, youthful offenders are immediately transferred to NCYF. Upon arrival at NCYF, the youthful offender completes additional in-processing documents, receives an initial medical screening, assigned a room, receives his clothing and bedding, and any personal property brought with him is inventoried. Following a 30-day orientation period, individuals are placed in general population.


Directions to the Facility

The NCYF is located at 2610 North 20th Street, East, Omaha, NE  68110.  From I-80  take Interstate 480 East to Highway 75 North to the Cuming Street Exit (Exit 2C).  Turn right (east) onto Cuming Street.  Cuming Street turns into Abbott Drive.  Remain on Abbott Drive heading north for approximately 2 miles.  Stay in the right hand lane.  At the Sleep Inn turn right onto Avenue H heading east.  Turn onto 20th Street (north) for the NCYF entrance.

Visiting Hours

Schedule an In-Person Visit at NCYF

Schedule a Virtual Visit at NCYF

VISITATION INFORMATION

NDCS utilizes a pre-registration process for visitation in all facilities. All visits must be scheduled at least seven days in advance. To select a time and date for visitation, please click the button above to complete the online form.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN – Be sure to review the following guidelines:

  • All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list
  • While health screening procedures are no longer necessary, if you are not feeling well, please consider rescheduling your visit
  • Wearing of masks is voluntary.

  • Up to four adult visitors and a reasonable number of children are allowed at each visit, per inmate

  • If additional adults are attending the same visitation session, you need only complete one registration form. However, be sure to list the full names of all other visitors and include all of the necessary contact information (phone & email) for each person.  

  • Children of any age are permitted, when accompanied by at least one adult. Children’s names should also be included on the form.

  • All visitation requests must be submitted at least seven days prior to the selected date
  • Visits may be scheduled up to four weeks from the date of the request
  • Visits are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. You will be notified by email at least three days in advance of your approved visit
  • Be sure to include alternative dates and times for your visit. If your first preference is already filled, staff will try to grant your second or third request
  • If you need to cancel a visit for any reason, notify the facility as soon as possible

*** NOTE: You will want to arrive prior to your scheduled visitation time to allow for processing into the facility.


Questions pertaining to any of the information above can be directed to the facility. Contact information is available on this page.


NCYF Visiting Schedule

Processing time update: All visitors must be at the facility and signed in 15 minutes prior to the start of their visit time. 

Incarcerated persons at the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility are limited to two in-person visits per week.
Visits may be scheduled in advance, as long as they do not exceed the quota mentioned above.

 

NCYF Virtual Visiting Schedule 

NCYF 2024 V.jpg
 

To view a PDF version of this schedule, click here: NCYF Virtual Visiting Schedule

Individuals will be notified via email of the virtual visit once it has been approved. 
Requests will be granted in the order received. 


Facility Visitation Procedures

The link below will take you to visiting procedures that apply to this facility. 

NCYF Visiting Procedures
 

Programs

List Container

Programs & Services

Below is a brief record of every available program and service provided by this correctional facility. If it there is any additional facility-specific information pertaining to these programs and services, it will be found under the "Additional Information" tab.

**Please keep in mind that if there is no additional information provided by the facility, the "Additional Information" tab will not be displayed.
Programsort descending Description Type
7 Habits on the Inside

Developed by FranklinCovey in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Corrections, 7 Habits on the Inside uses the principles of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, tailored for the incarcerated individual. The program seeks to empower individuals to manage their own lives in such a way as to be successful in prison and in the community and using the principles of integrity, proactivity, and other key skills.  (12 weeks) 


Needs Addressed: Attitudes/Behavior; Family; Employment; Life Skills

Non-Clinical Programs
AA (Alcoholics Anonymous)

AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) is an organization which encourages members to read, and listen at meetings using the program as an opportunity to face the truth and become accountable for their addiction to alcohol.


Need Addressed:  Support for addiction and prosocial activity

Pro-Social Activities
Adult Basic Education

Builds basic skills for GED testing, college readiness and/or skill development. 


Need Addressed:  Education

Education Programs
Adult Secondary Education (ASE)

Assists students prepare for taking the high school equivalency test (GED).

Addresses Need Area:  Education

Education Programs
Aggression Replacement Therapy (ART)

Aggression Replacement Therapy (ART) promotes the development of pro-social behavior and the reduction of violent behavior in chronically aggressive adolescents.


Needs Addressed:  Mental Health, aggression.

Clinical Treatment
Anger Management High Risk/Need

Anger Management High Risk/Need:  This treatment provides instruction and practice on basic anger control strategies in a group facilitated by clinicians.


Needs Addressed:  Attitudes; behavior; aggression, mental health 

Clinical Treatment
Art Class

On a monthly basis, NCYF's art class allows inmates to express their feelings and emotions through art. A theme is given and art supplies are provided.


Need addressed:  Pro-social

Pro-Social Activities
Assistance for Social Security Application

Social workers provide assistance in obtaining and completing Social Security applications to individuals who qualify and are 90 days from discharge, post-release supervision or parole.


Need addressed:  Re-entry for those who may qualify for Social Security benefits due to age or disability.

Reentry Services
Book Club

Participants select a book to read, and come together weekly with Omaha Public Library to discuss the book and how it relates to real life situations.

Pro-Social Activities
Career Readiness

Helps individuals identify a specific career path; learn professional and personal skills to assist them in getting a job.

Need addressed:  Employment

Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Charles Drew Health Center Health Class

There are a  variety of workshops including birth control, nutrition, date abuse, bullying, gender boxes, hygiene.

Need addressed prosocial and health.

Pro-Social Activities
Clinical Treatment Programs

See clinical programs list for more details.

College correspondence

Opportunity to pursue college coursework through individual and family support. 

Need addressed:  Education, employment.

Education Programs
College Courses

College courses are offered through various universities/colleges and correspondence courses. Currently, college classes are provided by grant funded providers and/or at the individual's own expense.


Needs Addressed:  Education; employment; life skills; pro-social.

Education Programs
Community Coordination

Social workers coordinate with a variety of community providers and agencies for mental health services, substance abuse treatment and medical services. Providers include the Veteran's Administration, DHHS, treatment agencies, private practice and non-profit organizations.


Needs Addressed:  Housing, medical, mental health, basic needs, re-entry. 

Social Work Services
Computer based Education and Training

Certificate program utilizing tablets for improvement in academics and job training. 

Need addressed:  Education. employment

Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Core Topics

Introduction to Psychotherapy for those who may want or need an idea of what is involved in mental behavioral health programming.


Need Addressed:  Mental Health

Crisis Intervention

Provided on an as-needed basis, clinicians are available to assist individuals in a mental health crisis.


Needs Addressed:  Mental health.

Department of Labor Workforce Development

Helps participants develop a resume, prepare for interviews and work on job skills.


Need area addressed:  Employment

Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment that helps participants develop mindfulness-based coping skills to decrease suicidal and self-harming behaviors. 


Needs Addressed: Mental Health 

Clinical Treatment
Discharge Planning

Reentry specialists work with individuals to ensure a reentry plan is completed. The plan allows for a smooth transition to the community and focuses on housing, transportation, employment, education, and medical/mental health services as needed.


Need addressed:  Re-entry

Reentry Services
ESL/ELL

English as a second language (ESL) provides individuals with literacy support before Adult Basic Education


Needs addressed:  Education; life skills

Education Programs
Exploring Trauma

Participants explore the effects of trauma and how it has impacted their lives.


Needs addressed: Attitude/behavior 

 

Non-Clinical Programs
Fit Citizens

Participants are provided with nutrition and fitness training.

Need addressed:  Life skills

Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Grudge Reduction

This group provides a schema focused mindfulness based approach to grudge reduction and forgiveness.  

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Need addressed:  Life skills

Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Health Course

This program, delivered by a wellness expert, provides workshops on preventative health education and nutrition, such as Men's Birth Control; Date Abuse; Bullying; Gender Boxes; and Hygiene.


Need addressed:  Health.

Vocational/Life Skills Programs
High School Diploma

NDCS operates its own school district with a high school. Students of all ages may attend high school classes. Individuals under 22 who have not graduated from high school are required to be in school. Students over 22 need to go through an application process.


 Need addressed:  Education.

Education Programs
Hustle 2.0

A trauma informed mail based correspondence program which explores entrepreneurship, healthy relationships, leadership, criminal thinking, employment, purposeful living, reentry, anger management, character development, victim awareness, persevering, and becoming the solution.  

Needs addressed:  Attitudes/behavior

Non-Clinical Programs
Individual/Group Psychotherapy

Licensed, clinical therapists provide one-on-one or group therapy sessions as needed.


Need addressed:  mental health

Intensive Outpatient Substance Use Program (IOP)

Drug and alcohol treatment that is on the treatment continuum beneath residential. 

Needs addressed:  Substance abuse

Clinical Treatment
Intentional Peer Support

This program allows individuals with similar life experiences to walk along side each other in supportive relationships.


Needs addressed: Attitudes/Behavior; Prosocial Activities

Pro-Social Activities
Intentional Peer Support Parole Prep

This program is designed to prepare  and provide resources to participants for presentation with the parole board.  

Need addressed:  Reentry

Reentry Services
Ironing Class

The class is designed to teach participants the importance of appearance and grooming. 

Need addressed:  Lifeskill

Vocational/Life Skills Programs
K-9 Foster Care Program

A program that partners with the Humane Society to care and provide routine training for dogs who will be adopted.

Need Addressed:  Pro-Social Activity

Pro-Social Activities
Keyboard/Guitar

Lessons teach a skill that takes discipline and persistence.


Need addressed:  Pro-social/outside interest.

Pro-Social Activities
Launch Leadership

Builds leadership skills through communication.

Needs addressed:  Attitudes/behavior, employment.

Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Living Needs

Social workers assist individuals with high medical/mental health needs to find clothing resources, apply for benefits or general assistance and other life needs.


Needs addressed:  Social work services.

Social Work Services
Medical Services Coordination

Social workers assist individuals with high medical needs to set appointments for medication management, healthcare and provide resources to obtain medical insurance upon release:


Needs addressed:  Health, mental health, life skills, re-entry.

Social Work Services
Mental Health Outpatient Services

Provides general, individual therapy.


Need addressed:  Mental Health.

Clinical Treatment
Mentoring Program

Incarcerated individuals are partnered with a community mentor where they are given advice and do an activity together on a weekly basis. The mentors assist in preparing them for their roles as productive citizens in the areas of jobs, housing, family and values.


Need addressed:  Pro-social; support; life skills

Pro-Social Activities
Metro Community College

Provides college level education.

Need addressed:  Education/employment

Education Programs
Mindful Living

A cognitive behavioral/schema focused/mindfulness based aftercare treatment group to promote mastery of skills necessary for pro-social living.

Need addressed:  mental health

Clinical Treatment
Mindfulness Based Parenting

This group teaches a mindfulness based, schema focused approach to parenting based on principles of health human development.

Need addressed:  parenting

Clinical Treatment
Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy

This group applies a cognitive behavioral, schema focused and mindfulness baed approach to increasing skills/awareness applicable to pro-social living.

Need addressed:  clinical

 

Clinical Treatment
Mindfulness Meditation

This group promotes self-awareness, teaches emotional regulation skills, and promotes increased emotional intelligence.

Need addressd:  Clinical

Clinical Treatment
Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)

MRT is an evidence-based, cognitive behavioral intervention which leads to enhanced moral reasoning, better decision making and more appropriate behavior. 


Needs addressed:  Attitudes, behavior.

Non-Clinical Programs
Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous encourages its members to attend meetings, read and listen to speakers to face the truth and be accountable for their addictions.


Need addressed:  Drug addiction support; pro-social/outside interest.

Pro-Social Activities
One Heart Project

Life skills and mentoring program

Needs addressed:  Employment, reentry family

Vocational/Life Skills Programs
ReConnect: Final Number

Helps participants learn to make better choices and examine thinking patterns, preparing them to take advantage of opportunities in prison that will help them succeed.


Needs addressed:  Attitudes, behavior.

Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Reentry planning

Clients develop comprehensive reentry plans that include housing/transitional living, employment/education, transportation, ID credentials, medical/mental and behavioral health treatment.


Need addressed:  Reentry.

Reentry Services
Religious Classses and activities

Variety of classes, workshops and religious services designed to help inmates with support and spiritual development.


Needs addressed:  Pro-social, support.

Pro-Social Activities
Restorative Justice Intervention Program

This program increases a participant's understanding of the harm/damages they caused their victims, communities and themselves. The program also provides an important life skill module that teaches how to become emotionally proficient, which translates into better decision making and reduced conflicts.


Needs Addressed:  Attitudes; behavior, Life skills.

Non-Clinical Programs
Resume class Omaha Library

The Omaha Public Library provides resume classes to help incarcerated individuals prepare for employment searches and interviews.


Need addressed:  Employment; vocational Life skills.

Vocational/Life Skills Programs
Risk Assessment/ Psychological Evaluations

Risk Assessments and Psychological Evaluations provide diagnosis clarification, intelligence testing and Dementia screening.


Need addressed:  Mental Health; education.

Skilled Nursing Facility

On-call Skilled Nursing Facilities manage crises dealing with medical emergencies, behavioral issues and suicide watches.


Needs addressed:  Health and mental health.

Specialized Housing Services

Social workers provide assistance to individuals with high medical/mental health needs to obtain transitional living, assisted living or skilled nursing care, as needed.


Needs addressed:  Re-entry

Social Work Services
Specialized Population Served

Specialized Population Served offers services for inmates with mental illness or serious chronic medical conditions that are high risk and multi-needs.


Needs addressed:  Health; mental health

Social Work Services
Sports/Recreation Activities

A variety of activities that encourage health pastimes are offered at all facilities. Please check with recreational specialists for more information.


Needs addressed:  Pro-social/outside interest; health.

Pro-Social Activities
Thinking for a Change

Thinking for a Change is a high-level cognitive behavioral program developed by the National Institute of Corrections. The program uses role playing to concentrate on changing the criminogenic thinking of offenders.


Needs addressed:  Attitudes; behavior; family; friends; aggression.

Non-Clinical Programs
Transition Services

Transition Services are available to those transitioning to or from general population or protective management. Mental Health professionals may assists with these services.


Need Addressed:  Mental Health

Treatment for Substance Use Outpatient (OP)

Treatment services for individuals who would benefit from some treatment in order to achieve sobriety without needing a higher level of treatment.  It is also beneficial for continued support as a step down from residential treatment. 

Needs addressed:  Drugs and Alcohol Abuse.

Clinical Treatment
Victim Impact

This program emphasizes participant accountability and understanding of how the participant's behavior has impacted the victim.


Needs addressed:  Pro-social; attitudes/behavior

Non-Clinical Programs
WRAP Mental Health Wellness group

A support and mental health awareness group. 

Needs:  Support

Pro-Social Activities
Additional Information

In addition to the Special Purpose High School courses, GED, and college classes, NCYF offers programs in the following areas:

  • Vocational Training in Landscaping/Horticulture and Food Service
  • Religion
  • Recreation
  • Life Skills
  • Victim Impact
  • Dog Handling
  • Thinking for a Change
  • 7 Habits on the Inside
  • Mentor Partnerships
  • The WaY Writing Program
News

Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) team members have gotten into the giving spirit with a number of fundraisers this holiday season. Team members at the Lincoln Correctional Center (LCC) collected donations of money and toys in partnership with the Lincoln Police Department’s (LPD) Santa Cop program. Santa Cop was started in 1980 to help the children of Lincoln who “fell through the cracks” of existing programs. LCC has partnered with LPD for the past three years. At the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) team members collected gifts for the CEDARS Home for Children. Some of these gifts included Lego sets,...Read more

Team members at the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility (NCYF) held their annual Holiday Potluck and Recognition Ceremony on Dec. 14. The Employees Activity Committee (EAC) hosted the event, which recognized all new hires, promotions and transfers throughout 2017. They also honored staff members who have served for five, 10 and 15 years. Following the recognition ceremony, the EAC sang "Twelve Corrections Days of the Holidays."Read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (17-73)

CONTACT Cara Wilwerding, Communications Manager

OFFICE 402-479-5712 | cara.wilwerding@nebraska.gov

Dec. 15, 2017 (Lincoln, Neb.) – “I can’t wait to go back again.”

Speakers, presenters and entertainers from the Mid-America Speakers Bureau (MSB) have echoed these seven simple words time and time again after sharing their stories at Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) facilities.

MSB President Barry Carlson said despite setting a goal to speak in a prison before August of 2016, he was very apprehensive about his first visit to the Nebraska...Read more

The Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility (NCYF) hosted an Inner Circle/Winner Circle program on Dec. 2. Two individuals who were formerly incarcerated at NCYF came in to speak with the current population. One of the speakers is now on work release at the Community Corrections Center-Omaha (CCC-O), while the other is on parole. The goal of Inner Circle/Winner Circle is to have individuals share their journey through the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) system with those at NCYF. The individuals speak about steps they've taken and are currently taking to prepare themselves for release.Read more

Each NDCS prison holds regular meetings of their Employee Positive Impact Council (EPIC). Today, Director Frakes held an agency-level meeting with representatives from each facility in attendance. The group engaged in dialogue on subjects such as communication, employee engagement and improving interactions with the incarcerated men and women.Read more

Five incarcerate individuals from the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility (NCYF) participated in a high school graduation ceremony on Nov. 9, but they represented a much larger group of individuals throughout the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS). These individuals have worked hard over the last year to finish something that, in some cases, they started many years ago. A total of 20 individuals were noted as part of this Fall 2017 graduating class (18 of them high school graduates) and not a quitter among them. Their commonality was not giving up on their high school education just because they were...Read more

Students from Oakwood University – a Seventh Day Adventist College in Huntsville, Alabama – held a concert for incarcerated youth at the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility (NCYF) on Oct. 22. These volunteers are part of an organization called NAPS – the National Association of the Prevention of Starvation. NAPS travels around the world, assisting people in crisis. Their most recent trip was to Houston to assist with hurricane relief.Read more

Chef Jeff Henderson recently visited the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility (NCYF) to share his book "Cooked" and tell his story. Henderson, now an award-winning chef, bestselling author and public speaker told incarcerated youth about how he went from cooking and selling crack cocaine, to cooking as an Executive chef in kitchens such as the renowned Café Bellagio and Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.Read more

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Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility Location