Lincoln Hills juvenile detention provides a secure environment for male youth under the custody of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, while Copper Lake facility serves female youth with complete sight and sound separation. Both schools are located in Irma, Wisconsin, and operate as Type 1 juvenile correctional facilities. They combine safety, supervision, and structured daily routines to support rehabilitation, education, and behavioral growth for young residents. Staff follow strict procedures to maintain security while ensuring access to programs that promote personal development and positive outcomes.
These facilities focus on creating a balanced environment where youth can engage in educational programs, counseling, and life skills training while under secure detention. The Wisconsin Inmate Locator provides essential information about these facilities, helping families and the public understand the structure, programs, and protocols in place. Lincoln Hills School primarily houses male youth from nearby counties, whereas Copper Lake School accommodates female youth transferred from other facilities. Each school provides clear protocols for visits, mail, and financial transactions, while upholding federal protections like FERPA for educational records. Together, LHS and CLS deliver comprehensive juvenile corrections services, helping residents build skills and receive support in a structured, accountable setting.
Facilities, Programs, and Services at Lincoln Hills & Copper Lake
Lincoln Hills School and Copper Lake School serve as Wisconsin’s primary facilities for juvenile corrections. They provide secure detention for both male and female youth, offering programs and supervision in a Type 1 correctional environment. Located in Irma, Wisconsin, Lincoln Hills School (LHS) and Copper Lake School (CLS) https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/AboutDOC/JuvenileCorrections/LincolnHillsCopperLake.aspx operate on the same campus, with clear separation between male and female units. LHS primarily houses male youth, while CLS focuses on female youth, maintaining strict sight and sound separation. Together, they form the state’s only Type 1 secure juvenile correctional system, ensuring safety, structure, and support for all youth in custody.
Historical Background:
- Lincoln Hills School opened in 1970 and has served male and female youth at various times. It has evolved into a secure detention resource for male youth from multiple counties.
- Copper Lake School opened in 2011 after Southern Oaks Girls School closed, providing a dedicated, secure facility for female youth in DOC custody.
Features of the Campus:
- Type 1 Secure Facility: High-security juvenile detention with controlled access.
- Separate Housing: Male and female youth are housed separately to maintain safety and compliance.
- Youth Programs: Both schools offer educational and rehabilitative programs, including counseling, skill development, and structured activities.
- Administrative Coordination: Shared campus resources allow efficient operation while maintaining gender-specific supervision.
This co-located setup supports the Wisconsin Department of Corrections’ focus on juvenile corrections, balancing secure detention with programs aimed at personal growth, accountability, and rehabilitation. Youth transportation, visiting procedures, and mail policies are carefully managed to maintain safety while supporting family contact and legal compliance.
Lincoln Hills School (LHS) Details
Lincoln Hills School (LHS) is Wisconsin’s primary facility for male youth in DOC custody. It provides secure detention and a variety of youth programs designed to support education, rehabilitation, and personal growth. Opened in 1970, LHS has operated continuously as a male youth facility, evolving its programs and services to meet the needs of youth in custody. Over the decades, it has become a central resource for Lincoln Hills juvenile detention, serving counties across the state. The school combines secure detention with structured activities, ensuring safety while offering opportunities for skill-building and development.
Services and Programs:
- Educational Programs: LHS provides secondary education, GED preparation, and career-focused courses.
- Rehabilitation Programs: Counseling, behavioral support, and life skills training help youth prepare for reintegration into their communities.
- Recreational Activities: Structured sports, creative arts, and supervised outdoor activities encourage social growth and physical health.
- Specialized Support: Mental health services, medical care, and mentoring programs ensure holistic care for male youth in custody.
Campus and Facilities:
The LHS campus features multiple housing units, classrooms, recreational areas, and administrative offices. Each unit is designed for male youth custody with secure perimeters and monitoring systems. The facility balances security and youth development, maintaining separation between different age groups and program participants. Photo references and aerial views often show the sprawling campus with dedicated spaces for learning, recreation, and supervision.
Copper Lake School (CLS)
Copper Lake School (CLS) serves as Wisconsin’s secure facility specifically for female youth in juvenile corrections. Opened in 2011, it operates alongside Lincoln Hills School while maintaining complete separation to ensure the safety and privacy of female residents. Located on the same campus as Lincoln Hills, Copper Lake functions as a dedicated female youth facility, providing a structured environment for rehabilitation, education, and personal development. The facility emphasizes both security and support, offering programs that address academic, emotional, and behavioral needs. Female residents are kept safely separated from male youth, following strict sight and sound policies to create a controlled and supportive environment.
Programs and Services
Copper Lake provides a range of programs designed to promote growth and rehabilitation among female youth:
- Educational Opportunities: Residents attend on-site classes that follow Wisconsin’s curriculum standards, including core subjects and vocational training.
- Counseling and Mental Health Services: Licensed counselors support emotional and behavioral development, helping youth work through challenges in a secure setting.
- Recreational Activities: Structured activities, sports, and creative programs allow female youth to develop social skills and maintain physical well-being.
- Life Skills Training: Programs teach essential skills for independence and successful reintegration into the community.
The facility emphasizes juvenile corrections principles, balancing accountability with rehabilitative services. Staff work closely with residents to encourage personal growth while ensuring compliance with facility rules and regulations.
Security and Safety Measures
Copper Lake School maintains a secure detention environment with multiple layers of safety measures:
- Separate housing units for female youth to prevent contact with male residents.
- Controlled movement throughout the campus to maintain order and reduce risk.
- Regular staff monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance with safety and behavioral guidelines.
Community and Family Engagement
Although secure, Copper Lake encourages family involvement where appropriate. Visits, mail, and structured communication help maintain connections, which can support rehabilitation and emotional well-being. Staff provide clear instructions for families regarding visiting schedules, mail policies, and sending funds, ensuring compliance with facility rules.
Visiting Lincoln Hills & Copper Lake
Visitors to Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake schools must follow specific rules and schedules to ensure the safety and well-being of youth in custody. These guidelines cover visiting hours, transportation, and behavior expectations during visits. Visiting Lincoln Hills juvenile detention and Copper Lake facility is structured to provide families and friends with regular opportunities to connect with youth. Each facility maintains a visitor bus schedule and clear rules to ensure visits are organized, safe, and consistent.
Visitor Bus Schedule
Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake offer scheduled bus transportation for visitors traveling from nearby areas. This service is especially helpful for families who do not have private transportation. Key points include:
- Buses typically operate on weekends and selected weekdays, aligned with visiting hours.
- Visitors must reserve seats in advance through the facility’s contact office.
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in and security screening.
Using the bus service helps ensure timely and smooth entry to the facilities, reducing wait times and keeping visits efficient.
Visiting Hours and Rules
Both Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake maintain structured visiting times. Visitors should follow these rules to ensure a positive experience:
- Visits are usually scheduled in 1–2 hour blocks on weekends and select weekdays.
- All visitors must present valid photo identification.
- Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Personal items such as phones, bags, and electronics are restricted.
- Visitors should dress appropriately and avoid clothing that may be considered offensive or unsafe.
During visits, youth and guests can engage in supervised activities and spend quality time together. Staff members monitor all interactions to maintain safety and a respectful environment.
Sending Money & Mail
Sending money or mail to youth at Lincoln Hills juvenile detention or the Copper Lake facility is allowed, but all items must follow strict rules. Families and friends should follow the facility’s process to ensure correspondence reaches the youth safely and securely.
Accepted Items and Process
Both Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake encourage communication between youth and their families through letters, cards, and approved packages. All mail must include the youth’s full name and facility ID number. To send money, the facility provides an online and mail-in system that allows funds to be deposited into a youth’s account.
Points for sending mail and money:
- Letters and greeting cards are accepted, but should not include staples, glitter, or stickers.
- Packages must be pre-approved and sent directly from recognized vendors.
- Money orders can be mailed to the facility or deposited online using the DOC’s official system.
- Each youth has an individual account for money management.
Restrictions and Rules
All mail and funds are screened for safety. Prohibited items include cash, personal checks, food, or anything that could be considered contraband. Any mail or packages that violate these rules are returned to the sender or held until reviewed.
Important rules to follow:
- Do not send personal checks; use money orders or the official deposit system.
- Avoid sending books, magazines, or other materials not pre-approved by the facility.
- Letters should avoid references to illegal activity or materials considered unsafe.
- Mail is subject to inspection for contraband or unauthorized content.
Youth Transportation Requests
Counties request youth transfers to Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake through a formal process coordinated with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. This ensures that each youth is placed safely in the appropriate juvenile corrections facility. The process begins when a county identifies a youth in need of secure detention. County officials submit a transportation request detailing the youth’s custody status, age, and specific needs. The DOC reviews the request to determine placement at either Lincoln Hills School for male youth or Copper Lake School for female youth. For those looking to track or verify a youth’s placement, the Inmate Search by Name tool allows authorized personnel and family members to access custody information efficiently. Priority is given to youth requiring secure supervision while maintaining educational and rehabilitation services.
Once approved, the facility coordinates transportation logistics. This includes arranging secure transport with trained staff, planning travel routes, and confirming intake schedules. Counties often work closely with the DOC to ensure minimal disruption to the youth’s daily routine and ongoing services.
Points about youth transportation requests:
- Requests must include all relevant legal and health documentation.
- The DOC assigns placement based on security level, available beds, and youth needs.
- Transportation is conducted under strict safety protocols to protect both staff and youth.
- Parents or guardians are notified once the transfer is scheduled.
By following these procedures, counties maintain safe and efficient movement of youth into secure detention while supporting ongoing rehabilitation programs. Effective coordination between counties and the DOC ensures youth are placed in the facility best suited for their age, gender, and care requirements.
FERPA Rights for Youth
Youth in juvenile corrections have clear rights regarding their educational records. FERPA protects these records, ensuring privacy while allowing authorized access when necessary. In facilities like Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, FERPA rights give young people and their families control over educational information. These protections cover all school records, grades, and personal information maintained by the facility. The rules help maintain youth education privacy while supporting safe and secure communication between staff, families, and external education providers.
Notification of Rights
All youth and their guardians receive formal notification of FERPA rights upon entering the facility. This notification explains:
- Which records are protected – including transcripts, disciplinary files, and individualized education plans.
- Who can access records – typically facility staff involved in education, authorized county officials, and the student’s parent or guardian.
- How records can be shared – sharing with outside schools or agencies requires written consent.
By clearly communicating these rights, Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake ensure families know how educational data is handled. This transparency reinforces trust and helps youth feel secure in their juvenile facility environment.
Confidentiality and Educational Record Policies
Facilities strictly follow confidentiality rules to protect youth education. Staff members use secure systems to store records and only share information on a need-to-know basis. Key policies include:
- Limited disclosure: Only authorized personnel can view or discuss student information.
- Record accuracy: Staff must ensure educational records are correct and up to date.
- Parental access: Parents or legal guardians can review records and request corrections.
- Legal compliance: All actions align with federal and state education laws.
These measures promote juvenile facility privacy and safeguard the educational rights of youth in detention. Maintaining strict confidentiality helps youth focus on learning and rehabilitation without fear that private information will be misused.
Supporting Youth Education in Secure Facilities
FERPA protections also support the broader goal of education within juvenile corrections. By keeping records private and structured, schools like Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake can:
- Maintain individualized learning plans
- Coordinate with teachers and counselors efficiently
- Protect sensitive data from unauthorized access
This ensures that youth receive high-quality educational support while remaining in a secure and respectful environment.
Programs and Services for Youth
Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake provide comprehensive programs and services to support youth in custody, focusing on education, mental health, and rehabilitation. These programs aim to help young people develop skills, build confidence, and prepare for a safe return to their communities.
Educational Programs
Both facilities offer structured educational opportunities tailored to the needs of youth in juvenile corrections. Academic classes cover core subjects such as reading, math, science, and social studies, helping students maintain progress toward graduation. High school diplomas, GED preparation, and credit recovery programs are available, ensuring youth continue their learning while in the youth facility. Teachers use interactive methods and small class sizes to encourage participation and improve engagement.
- Core academic classes: Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies
- Alternative learning programs: GED prep, credit recovery, vocational skills
- Support services: Individualized instruction for youth with learning challenges
These programs are designed to provide youth with knowledge and skills that support long-term success, reinforcing the goals of secure facility services.
Counseling and Mental Health Support
Mental health and behavioral support are key components of rehabilitation at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake. Youth have access to licensed counselors, psychologists, and social workers who provide individual and group therapy. These services address trauma, anger management, substance use, and emotional regulation, promoting healthier coping strategies and personal growth.
- Individual counseling: Focus on emotional support and behavior management
- Group therapy: Peer-focused sessions to improve social skills
- Special programs: Trauma-informed care and substance abuse support
Integrating counseling with educational and recreational programs helps create a balanced environment, enhancing overall well-being and supporting rehabilitation outcomes.
Recreation and Rehabilitation Programs
Structured recreation is a critical part of daily life in the facilities. Youth participate in physical activities such as team sports, fitness programs, and outdoor recreation, which help develop discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Rehabilitation programs focus on life skills, vocational training, and leadership development, preparing youth for life outside the facility.
Monitor Reports & Accountability
Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake maintain strict monitoring systems to ensure the safety and well-being of all youth in their care. These youth facilities operate with clear reporting structures that keep staff, families, and authorities informed. The monitoring process in these juvenile corrections facilities involves daily supervision, behavior tracking, and routine inspections. Staff members record incidents, program participation, and facility conditions to maintain a secure and supportive environment. This systematic tracking helps identify any issues quickly and ensures that youth receive proper care and guidance.
Aspects of reporting and accountability include:
- Daily Reports: Staff document activities, behavior, and educational progress for each youth.
- Incident Reports: Any unusual events, safety concerns, or conflicts are immediately recorded and reviewed.
- Facility Audits: Regular inspections assess compliance with state regulations, safety standards, and program effectiveness.
- Transparency Measures: Families and oversight agencies receive summaries of reports and updates when necessary.
These procedures provide a clear chain of accountability. Youth, staff, and administrators all benefit from documented evidence of actions and decisions, which supports trust and transparency within the facility. The use of youth facility monitoring ensures that rehabilitation programs and daily routines remain consistent, safe, and fair.
Contact Information & Resources
Lincoln Hills School and Copper Lake School can be reached directly for questions about youth custody, programs, or visiting procedures. Both facilities provide clear contact points and official resources for families, legal representatives, and local authorities.
For anyone needing to contact Lincoln Hills juvenile detention or the Copper Lake facility, the following information is accurate and up to date:
Facility Contact Details:
- Lincoln Hills School (LHS)
- Address: 10401 School Road, Irma, WI 54442
- Phone: (715) 536-3321
- Copper Lake School (CLS)
- Address: 10401 School Road, Irma, WI 54442 (co-located with LHS)
- Phone: (715) 536-3321
Both facilities operate under the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and provide youth facility resources for families, including forms, visitation instructions, and policy documents.
FAQs About Lincoln Hills & Copper Lake
Lincoln Hills juvenile detention serves male youth, while the Copper Lake facility houses female youth under secure detention. Both facilities provide educational programs, counseling, and supervised activities to support rehabilitation.
What are the visiting rules at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake?
Many people ask about visiting procedures at these youth facilities. Visitors need to schedule visits in advance, present a valid ID, and follow the facility’s safety procedures. Visiting hours vary depending on the age of the visitor, and all interactions are closely monitored to maintain secure detention. Both schools ensure sight and sound separation between male and female youth, allowing families to safely connect while respecting the facility’s regulations.
How can I send money or mail to a youth at these facilities?
A common question is how to send money or mail. Money deposits can be made online, by phone, or in person, and letters or packages must follow the facility’s security guidelines. Prohibited items are not accepted, and all mail is reviewed before reaching the youth. Adhering to these rules helps youth maintain contact with family and supports their daily needs while they remain in a secure youth facility.
What programs and services are offered at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake?
Many families want to know about youth programs and services. Both schools provide educational opportunities from middle school through high school equivalency, counseling to address behavioral and mental health needs, and recreational activities that encourage social skills. These programs are designed to help youth develop positive habits, support rehabilitation, and prepare for reintegration while remaining under secure detention.
How is custody and transportation handled for youth?
Families often ask how youth custody and transportation work. Youth may be transported from surrounding counties to Lincoln Hills or Copper Lake under strict supervision. County juvenile offices manage transportation requests, and youth remain accountable to facility rules. Regular monitoring ensures both safety and proper juvenile corrections procedures are followed throughout their stay.
Are there privacy or educational rights for youth at these facilities?
Some people ask about privacy and educational rights. Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake comply with FERPA, giving youth and guardians proper access to educational records. Families can also contact the administration office for information about programs, visits, or custody procedures. These measures create a structured, safe, and supportive environment for both male and female youth under juvenile corrections.