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 Barry B. Telford Unit.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Barry B. Telford Unit 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 Barry B. Telford Unit.

Frequently asked questions about Barry B. Telford Unit

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 Barry B. Telford Unit.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Barry B. Telford Unit?

   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 Barry B. Telford Unit?

   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 Barry B. Telford Unit. 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 Barry B. Telford Unit. 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 Barry B. Telford Unit?

   Mailing address:

   Barry B. Telford Unit
   3899 TX-98
   New Boston, TX 75570
   Phone: (903) 628-3171

   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 Barry B. Telford Unit?

   Visiting hours at Barry B. Telford Unit 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 (903) 628-3171 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 Barry B. Telford Unit?

   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 Barry B. Telford Unit for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Barry B. Telford Unit?

   You can send money to an inmate at Barry B. Telford Unit 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 Barry B. Telford Unit?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Barry B. Telford Unit, 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 Barry B. Telford Unit?

   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 Barry B. Telford Unit 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 Barry B. Telford Unit, 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

Within the structured environment of Telford Unit, those incarcerated encounter a comprehensive framework designed to cultivate personal transformation and skill development. The facility's philosophy centers on providing meaningful pathways that enable individuals to build upon their inherent potential while addressing the underlying factors that contributed to their incarceration. Through carefully structured offerings, participants may engage in activities that foster both personal accountability and practical competencies essential for successful community reintegration.

Educational advancement forms the cornerstone of these developmental opportunities, with tutoring programs typically available to support academic progress across various skill levels. Those incarcerated often have access to distance learning platforms that may furnish college-level coursework and continuing education options. In addition to this academic foundation, vocational training offerings frequently encompass practical skill development in trades and technical fields, enabling participants to acquire marketable competencies that align with contemporary workforce demands.

The facility's support infrastructure typically includes structured work programs that provide hands-on experience in essential operations such as building maintenance, fostering both responsibility and practical expertise. Faith-based initiatives may offer spiritual guidance and community connection for those seeking such support, while restorative justice components often facilitate meaningful dialogue about accountability and healing. These multifaceted offerings collectively create an environment where personal growth intersects with practical preparation, establishing a foundation for constructive community participation upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building meaningful connections with fellow residents and maintaining ties to family members form the cornerstone of daily existence for those incarcerated at the Telford Unit. The facility currently operates on a structured schedule that continues to emphasize both personal responsibility and community engagement, with residents participating in various group activities that foster social interaction and mutual support. Morning routines typically begin early, with those incarcerated moving through organized meal periods and work assignments that encourage collaboration and shared purpose throughout the day.

Living accommodations generally consist of dormitory-style housing units where residents share common areas and develop informal support networks. In addition to this communal living arrangement, the facility typically provides dining halls where meals are served at designated times, creating natural opportunities for social interaction and relationship building. These shared spaces often become gathering points where those incarcerated can discuss their experiences, share advice, and maintain the social connections that help sustain them during their time at the facility.

The Telford Unit may offer various recreational activities and structured programming that furnish both physical outlets and educational opportunities for residents. Despite this institutional setting, visitation policies generally allow family members and approved visitors to maintain regular contact, while communication options such as phone calls and correspondence help preserve crucial outside relationships. Work assignments within the facility often include maintenance duties, food service, and other operational roles that not only contribute to the facility's daily functioning but also provide those incarcerated with opportunities to develop skills and work alongside their peers in structured environments.