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 Ascension Parish Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Ascension Parish Jail 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 Ascension Parish Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Ascension Parish Jail

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 Ascension Parish Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Ascension Parish Jail?

   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 Ascension Parish Jail?

   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 Ascension Parish Jail. 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 Ascension Parish Jail. 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 Ascension Parish Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Ascension Parish Jail
   2281 Lemanville Cut Off Rd
   Donaldsonville, LA 70346
   Phone: (225) 473-8674

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Ascension Parish Jail?

   Visiting hours at Ascension Parish Jail 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 (225) 473-8674 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 Ascension Parish Jail?

   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 Ascension Parish Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Ascension Parish Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Ascension Parish Jail 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 Ascension Parish Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Ascension Parish Jail, 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 Ascension Parish Jail?

   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 Ascension Parish Jail 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 Ascension Parish Jail, 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

Educational advancement and personal development form the foundation of rehabilitation initiatives at Ascension Parish Jail. Residents typically have access to structured learning opportunities designed to address gaps in formal education while building practical skills for successful community reintegration. The facility's approach emphasizes both academic achievement and vocational preparation, recognizing that meaningful employment often serves as a critical factor in reducing recidivism rates.

High school diploma programs may deliver comprehensive curriculum support for residents who have not completed their secondary education. These educational initiatives often include basic literacy instruction, mathematics fundamentals, and preparation for equivalency examinations. Also, vocational training opportunities typically focus on marketable skills such as construction trades, food service preparation, and basic computer literacy. Residents who participate in these initiatives often develop both technical competencies and workplace readiness skills that enhance their employment prospects upon release.

Individual counseling services may provide residents with personalized therapeutic support to address underlying issues that contributed to their incarceration. Licensed mental health professionals typically work with participants to develop coping strategies, anger management techniques, and substance abuse recovery plans. Also, faith-based services often deliver spiritual guidance and community support through chaplaincy programs and volunteer-led study groups. These therapeutic and support initiatives frequently help residents build the emotional resilience and social connections necessary for maintaining stability in their home communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Structured routines now anchor each day with predictable schedules that residents can rely on. Wake-up calls typically occur in the early morning hours, followed by head counts and meal service that establish the day's rhythm. Residents regularly participate in scheduled activities including educational programming, work assignments, and recreational periods that deliver consistent structure throughout their stay.

Housing units generally accommodate multiple residents in dormitory-style or cell arrangements, with personal belongings limited to approved items stored in designated areas. Meals are typically served in common dining areas at scheduled times, with residents following established procedures for meal service and cleanup duties. The commissary system allows residents to purchase approved personal items and snacks, usually operating on specific days of the week to maintain orderly access.

Also available are various work assignments within the facility, which may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and cleaning responsibilities that help residents maintain productive daily routines. Recreation time often includes access to television areas, reading materials, and outdoor exercise periods when weather permits. However, family connections remain important through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, typically allowing residents to maintain contact with loved ones during designated hours. These communication opportunities generally follow established guidelines to ensure security while supporting family relationships during residents' time at the facility.