What Makes Foothills Different: Age Limits for Close-Custody Inmates (Foothills Correctional Institution)

Foothills Correctional Institution sits on 180 acres about 3.5 miles south of Morganton, right next to Western Youth Institution. That proximity matters - Foothills is organized around a main institution plus a separate, detached unit nearby.

Here's the key detail: close custody at the main institution is limited to inmates ages 18 to 25. If your loved one is in close custody but falls outside that range, Foothills may not be an option for placement at the main site.

The main institution has 712 close-security single cells - a significant capacity. With that many cells, Foothills can house a large close-custody population at any given time.

People end up at Foothills for various classification-related reasons: reassignment, promotions or demotions in custody level, administrative transfers from other close-security prisons, restrictive housing needs, or security threat group management. Placement isn't just about geography - classification and management needs drive decisions too.

Close custody at the main institution is limited to inmates ages 18 to 25. That means your loved one lives exclusively with young adults - which affects daily life in real ways. The peer dynamics, maturity levels, and general atmosphere feel different than facilities housing a wider age range.

Foothills offers education and vocational programs through Adult Correction and Western Piedmont Community College teachers. The facility runs full-time programming for 200 inmates and part-time options for another 100. That doesn't guarantee your loved one a spot in any specific class, but it does mean there's an established educational presence. Ask about what's available during your next call or visit.

• ✓ Confirm whether your loved one is in close custody and falls within the 18–25 age range tied to the main institution’s close-custody housing.
• ✓ Ask what education and vocational options are currently available through Adult Correction and Western Piedmont Community College teachers.
• ✓ When discussing classes, ask whether the person is eligible for full-time programming (part of the 200) or part-time programming (part of the 100), and what the next step is to get on the list.