How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Altona Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Altona Correctional Facility is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Altona Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Altona Correctional Facility

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Altona Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Altona Correctional Facility?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Altona Correctional Facility?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Altona Correctional Facility. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Altona Correctional Facility. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Altona Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Altona Correctional Facility
   555 Devils Den Rd
   Altona, NY 12910
   Phone: (518) 236-7841

5. What are the visiting hours at Altona Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Altona Correctional Facility vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (518) 236-7841 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Altona Correctional Facility?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Altona Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Altona Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Altona Correctional Facility through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Altona Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Altona Correctional Facility, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Altona Correctional Facility?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Altona Correctional Facility for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Altona Correctional Facility, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The comprehensive program structure at Altona Correctional Facility emphasizes rehabilitation through diverse educational, therapeutic, and support services designed to address the varied needs of incarcerated individuals. The facility provides alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs alongside anger management courses, recognizing that addressing underlying behavioral issues is crucial for successful reintegration. Educational and vocational training opportunities form a cornerstone of the programming, while specialized services include sex offender treatment programs and trauma-focused interventions that help residents process past experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Counseling and guidance services work in tandem with family development programs to strengthen relationships and prepare individuals for their eventual return to the community. The facility typically maintains both library and law library services, enabling residents to pursue self-directed learning and legal research. Religious services provide spiritual support, while recreational programs offer structured physical activities and leisure opportunities that promote mental health and social interaction. Veterans services may be available to address the comprehensive needs of formerly enlisted individuals.

Transitional services programs play a vital role in preparing residents for release, often including temporary release opportunities that allow gradual reintegration into community settings. Volunteer services and programs frequently supplement staff-led initiatives, bringing additional resources and community connections into the facility. These comprehensive offerings, supported by weekend and holiday visitation that maintains family bonds, create a framework designed to address criminogenic factors while building the skills and support networks necessary for successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

Weekend mornings at Altona Correctional Facility begin early for those expecting visitors, as the visiting hours run from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Located on Devils Den Road in Clinton County, this medium-security facility for males maintains a structured environment where incarcerated individuals can receive unlimited visits during these designated times, with up to three adult visitors and one child under five permitted per visit. The facility’s visitation policies reflect consideration for families traveling long distances, with those coming from over 100 miles away receiving priority during busy periods when space becomes limited.

Throughout the week, residents typically participate in various rehabilitative programs designed to support their reintegration into society. The facility may offer educational and vocational training opportunities, substance abuse treatment, anger management courses, and counseling services. Many individuals likely spend portions of their day in work assignments, educational classes, or program participation, with structured meal times and recreational periods built into the daily schedule. The facility’s library and law library services provide opportunities for self-improvement and legal research, while religious services offer spiritual support for those who choose to participate.

Communication with family and friends often extends beyond weekend visits through phone calls and correspondence, following standard correctional facility guidelines. Evening hours may include recreational activities, television time in common areas, or personal time in housing units. The facility’s location in northern New York, near the Canadian border, means that some residents may be far from their home communities, making the weekend visitation schedule particularly important for maintaining family connections. Veterans among the population may have access to specialized services, while those nearing release can participate in transitional programs designed to ease their return to the community.