Federal Detention Center, Philadelphia

You can support your loved ones at FDC Philadelphia on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 215-521-4000.

When a loved one is in federal prison, they need more than just visits or calls due to their generally longer sentences. This webpage offers insights into FDC Philadelphia procedures, helping you provide the best support possible. From sending magazines to exploring distance learning options, this guide has all you need to assist your loved one effectively.

The Federal Detention Center (FDC Philadelphia) is a federal prison located in Center City, operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Situated across from the William J. Green Jr. Federal Building, the facility serves as a detention center for about 1,000 male and female inmates awaiting court proceedings or serving short sentences. With 628 cells spread across 12 stories, FDC Philadelphia primarily houses pre-trial inmates from the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the District of New Jersey, and the District of Delaware. Additionally, it serves as a United States Parole Commission Revocation Site. The prison is connected to a tunnel providing access to the James A. Byrne United States Courthouse.

In terms of housing, inmates are accommodated in two or three-person cells or dormitories, each equipped with essential amenities. Health services at FDC Philadelphia encompass prenatal care, mental health assessments, medical and dental sick call, and chronic care, with 24-hour emergency medical care available. Inmates may shop for snacks and extras if they have money on their book, here is a current list and prices of items sold at the commissary in FDC Philadelphia.

Women in prison are often the primary or sole caregivers of children before incarceration. For offenders who will give birth during their incarceration, there are two programs offered to assist these mothers before, during, and after childbirth; these include Mothers and Infants Together (MINT) and the Residential Parenting Program (RPP). The MINT Program is a community residential program that aims to assist offenders during the last two months of pregnancy. Eligible inmates are transferred to a Residential Reentry Center and remain there for up to three months after birth to bond with their children before returning to the institution to complete their sentence. Inmates may be permitted to stay longer. The Program Statement, Female Offender Manual, is the agency's primary policy addressing the management of incarcerated women. The agency also issued an Operations Memorandum requiring all female sites to provide five types of feminine hygiene products to inmates free of charge.

Psychology services include intake screening, group and individual treatment, mental health assessments, and crisis intervention. Although FDC Philadelphia does not offer a Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), it provides drug education classes and the Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NR-DAP).

Education services include GED and ESL programs, Adult Continuing Education (ACE) courses, parenting programs, and various re-entry programs aimed at facilitating successful reintegration into society. Inmates also have access to leisure and law libraries, commissary services, and recreation facilities offering physical and leisure activities such as sports, fitness classes, and hobby crafts.