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 Baldwin State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Baldwin 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 Baldwin State Prison.

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

   Mailing address:

   Baldwin State Prison
   140 Laying Farm Rd
   Milledgeville, GA 31034
   Phone: (478) 445-5218

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

   Visiting hours at Baldwin 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 (478) 445-5218 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 Baldwin 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 Baldwin State Prison for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Baldwin 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 Baldwin 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 Baldwin 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 Baldwin 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 comprehensive mental health services at Baldwin State Prison form a cornerstone of the facility’s rehabilitation approach, featuring Level III mental health care that includes specialized housing through a Supportive Living Unit, acute care beds, and crisis stabilization services. This mental health infrastructure supports not dedicated Baldwin’s residents but extends evaluation and support services to six additional facilities throughout the system.

Educational opportunities encompass both academic and vocational pathways, with programs including GED preparation, Adult Basic Education (ABE), literacy remedial education, and special education services tailored to individual needs. The vocational training component offers practical skills development in areas such as food preparation, horticulture, graphic arts, maintenance, forklift operation, and barbering. These programs may be complemented by work details that provide hands-on experience in food distribution operations, vehicle maintenance, and grounds keeping, helping residents develop marketable skills for successful reintegration.

The facility’s counseling and support programs address various aspects of personal development and rehabilitation preparation. Specific offerings include HIV awareness education, Positive Mental Attitude training, re-entry preparation, Thinking for a Change (T4C), Celebrate Recovery, family violence intervention, and the Integrity Program. Mental health group sessions and substance abuse support through Alcoholics Anonymous meetings may provide additional therapeutic support. Religious programming typically includes various worship services, gospel music, and pastoral counseling, while general recreation activities help maintain physical and mental well-being throughout the rehabilitation process.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at Baldwin State Prison wake each morning in one of seven housing units, which include open dormitory settings, tiered living arrangements, and two-man cells among the facility’s 754 general population beds. The day typically begins early with count procedures and meal service, followed by work assignments that may include positions at the Food Distribution Warehouse, vehicle maintenance operations, or grounds keeping duties. Those enrolled in educational programs attend GED or literacy classes, while others participate in vocational training such as food preparation, horticulture, or graphic arts instruction.

Family connections remain an important part of life at the facility, with visitation opportunities available on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. These visiting sessions provide residents with crucial emotional support and help maintain relationships with loved ones during their incarceration. Between visits, residents may participate in various counseling programs including re-entry preparation, substance abuse recovery groups, and mental health support services, which are particularly robust at this facility given its Level III mental health designation.

Evenings often include recreational activities, religious services, or continued participation in rehabilitation programs such as the Thinking for a Change curriculum or family violence counseling. The facility’s comprehensive approach combines security measures appropriate for its close custody population with programming designed to address individual needs, including specialized mental health services provided through the Supportive Living Unit and crisis stabilization beds. This structured environment aims to balance public safety requirements with opportunities for personal growth and preparation for eventual reintegration into the community.