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 Arkansas Valley Correctional.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Arkansas Valley Correctional 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 Arkansas Valley Correctional.

Frequently asked questions about Arkansas Valley Correctional

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 Arkansas Valley Correctional.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Arkansas Valley Correctional?

   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 Arkansas Valley Correctional?

   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 Arkansas Valley Correctional. 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 Arkansas Valley Correctional. 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 Arkansas Valley Correctional?

   Mailing address:

   Arkansas Valley Correctional
   12750 CO-96
   Ordway, CO 81034
   Phone: (719) 267-3520

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 5:45 AM – 2:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 5:45 AM – 2:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 5:45 AM – 2:00 PM
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 5:45 AM – 2:00 PM
   • Sunday: 5:45 AM – 2:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Arkansas Valley Correctional?

   Visiting hours at Arkansas Valley Correctional 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 (719) 267-3520 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 Arkansas Valley Correctional?

   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 Arkansas Valley Correctional for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Arkansas Valley Correctional?

   You can send money to an inmate at Arkansas Valley Correctional 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 Arkansas Valley Correctional?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Arkansas Valley Correctional, 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 Arkansas Valley Correctional?

   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 Arkansas Valley Correctional 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 Arkansas Valley Correctional, 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 specialized housing units at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility reflect a commitment to targeted rehabilitation approaches for its medium custody population. The facility operates a Restoring Promise Pod and a R.E.S.T.O.R.E pod, which typically focus on evidence-based programming designed to address criminal thinking patterns and prepare individuals for successful reintegration. Additionally, the Incentive Living Unit may provide enhanced privileges and programming opportunities for participants who demonstrate positive behavioral changes and program completion.

Beyond these specialized units, Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility likely offers educational services that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and potentially vocational training programs aligned with Colorado's workforce development goals. Mental health and substance abuse counseling services are typically available to address the diverse needs of the inmate population, along with life skills programming that often covers topics such as financial literacy, anger management, and communication skills.

The facility's visiting program, which requires appointments and operates Friday through Sunday, supports family connections that are essential to successful reentry. Additional support services may include religious programming, recreational activities, and work assignments that provide inmates with structure and skill development opportunities. These comprehensive programming efforts work together to address the rehabilitation needs of the facility's diverse medium custody population while maintaining safety and security standards.

Daily Life & Visitation

Visiting hours at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility run from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday through Sunday, with processing beginning at 10:00 a.m. each day. The facility requires appointments for all visits, which can be scheduled by calling between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, or through email requests that must be received before 3 p.m. on Thursday for the upcoming weekend. This structured visitation system helps maintain security while ensuring incarcerated individuals can maintain important family connections during their time at this Level III medium custody facility located four miles west of Ordway.

The diverse population at AVCF follows typical correctional facility routines that may include scheduled meal times, work assignments, educational programming, and recreational activities. Inmates housed in the facility's specialized units - including the Restoring Promise Pod, R.E.S.T.O.R.E pod, and Incentive Living Unit - often have access to additional programming opportunities designed to support rehabilitation and positive behavioral changes. These specialized housing areas typically offer enhanced privileges and structured activities that differ from general population housing.

Throughout the week, inmates generally participate in various facility operations, educational classes, or vocational training programs when available. The facility's medium custody classification means residents often have more freedom of movement within designated areas compared to higher security levels, while still maintaining necessary security protocols. Recreation time, library access, and other activities are typically scheduled around work assignments and programming, creating a structured environment that balances security needs with opportunities for personal development and maintaining connections with family and friends through the established visitation program.