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 Avenal State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Avenal State Prison 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 Avenal State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Avenal State Prison

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 Avenal State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Avenal State Prison?

   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 Avenal State Prison?

   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 Avenal State Prison. 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 Avenal State Prison. 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 Avenal State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Avenal State Prison
   1 Kings Way
   Avenal, CA 93204
   Phone: (559) 386-0587

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Avenal State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Avenal State Prison 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 (559) 386-0587 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 Avenal State Prison?

   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 Avenal State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Avenal State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Avenal State Prison 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 Avenal State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Avenal State Prison, 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 Avenal State Prison?

   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 Avenal State Prison 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 Avenal State Prison, 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 Golden Hills Adult School at Avenal State Prison operates with the mission of “Creating Opportunities for Successful Lives,” providing fully accredited educational programming through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The facility’s comprehensive educational approach includes Adult Basic Education across multiple levels, from elementary through middle school subject matter, along with Career Technical Education (CTE), Transitions programs, eLearning opportunities, and college coursework. This structured academic foundation supports individuals in developing essential literacy and numeracy skills while preparing for advanced educational pursuits.

Beyond academic programming, Avenal State Prison offers an extensive range of rehabilitative services designed to address various aspects of personal development and successful reentry. The facility provides Substance Abuse and Recovery Support programs, Criminal and Addictive Thinking Recovery initiatives, and Self-Awareness and Improvement courses that help individuals develop crucial life skills. Additional programming typically includes Victim Awareness classes, Veteran Support groups for those who have served, and specialized Lifer and Long Term programs that address the comprehensive needs of individuals serving extended sentences.

The facility’s holistic approach to rehabilitation extends to cultural and personal enrichment through Visual and Performing Arts programs, Faith Groups, and Cultural, Recreational, and Educational activities that foster community engagement. Parenting and Family Support services may help individuals maintain important family connections, while Reentry Preparation programs focus on practical skills needed for successful community integration. Youth Diversion Programs and Inmate Community Services round out the comprehensive programming designed to support positive behavioral change and reduce recidivism rates among the incarcerated population.

Daily Life & Visitation

The structured environment at Avenal State Prison centers around educational opportunities through Golden Hills Adult School, which operates under the mission of “Creating Opportunities for Successful Lives.” Incarcerated individuals typically begin their days with count procedures before attending classes that range from Adult Basic Education covering kindergarten through eighth-grade subject matter, to Career Technical Education programs and college courses. The facility’s comprehensive educational framework, accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, often forms the backbone of daily schedules, with participants moving between academic sessions, vocational training, and various self-improvement programs throughout the week.

The prison’s multiple facilities (A through F) each maintain their own mailing addresses, reflecting the organized approach to housing and programming. Individuals may participate in substance abuse recovery programs, faith groups, veteran support services, and cultural activities depending on their housing assignment and program eligibility. Recreation periods, meals, and work assignments typically fill the remaining hours, while evenings often include additional programming such as parenting classes, victim awareness sessions, or preparation for community reentry.

Family connections remain vital to daily life, with visiting procedures available through the facility’s established protocols. Communication with loved ones typically occurs through approved phone calls, correspondence sent to the appropriate facility mailbox, and scheduled visitation periods. The prison’s location in Avenal provides a central point for families throughout California to maintain contact, while the variety of support programs - from family-focused groups to community service opportunities - may help individuals prepare for eventual reunification with their communities.