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 Augusta Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Augusta Correctional Center 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 Augusta Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Augusta Correctional Center

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 Augusta Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Augusta Correctional Center?

   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 Augusta Correctional Center?

   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 Augusta Correctional Center. 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 Augusta Correctional Center. 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 Augusta Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Augusta Correctional Center
   1821 Estaline Valley Rd
   Craigsville, VA 24430
   Phone: (540) 997-7000

   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 Augusta Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Augusta Correctional Center 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 (540) 997-7000 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 Augusta Correctional Center?

   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 Augusta Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Augusta Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Augusta Correctional Center 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 Augusta Correctional Center?

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

   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 Augusta Correctional Center 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 Augusta Correctional Center, 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

Based on the available information, Augusta Correctional Center operated as a Level 3 security facility that maintained specific behavioral standards for inmates, requiring two years of non-disruptive conduct before consideration for transfer to lower security levels. This structured approach typically supported various rehabilitation programs designed to help individuals develop the skills and behaviors necessary for successful reintegration.

The facility likely offered educational services that may have included adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy programs to help inmates improve their academic skills. Vocational training programs were potentially available in areas such as building maintenance, food service, or other practical trades that could provide valuable job skills upon release. Mental health and substance abuse counseling services were probably provided to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior, along with life skills training to help individuals develop better decision-making abilities and coping strategies.

Given its closure in July 2024 due to staffing challenges and operational costs, Augusta Correctional Center's programs and services have been discontinued. Inmates previously housed at the facility were transferred to other Virginia Department of Corrections institutions where they may continue to access similar rehabilitation and support services designed to promote positive behavioral change and prepare them for eventual release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the walls of this Level 3 security facility in Augusta County, inmates followed structured routines designed around rehabilitation and security protocols. The 1,222-capacity institution, which operated from 1986 until its closure in July 2024, maintained strict behavioral standards requiring two years of non-disruptive conduct before inmates could be considered for transfer to lower security facilities. This behavioral requirement shaped much of the daily experience, as residents worked to demonstrate their readiness for less restrictive environments.

The facility typically offered structured programming that may have included educational opportunities, vocational training, and work assignments to help inmates develop skills for eventual reintegration. Like most Virginia Department of Corrections facilities, Augusta likely provided basic healthcare services, library access, and recreational activities within the constraints of its security level. Inmates often participated in scheduled meal times, count procedures, and supervised activities throughout the day, with evenings generally reserved for personal time in housing units.

Family connections remained important during incarceration, with the facility likely offering scheduled visitation periods and phone privileges according to VADOC guidelines. Inmates could typically maintain contact with approved family members and friends through monitored correspondence and visits, though specific scheduling and procedures would have varied based on security protocols and facility operations. The structured environment aimed to balance security requirements with opportunities for personal growth and maintaining family relationships during the incarceration period.