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 Baylor Women's Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Baylor Women's Correctional Institution 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 Baylor Women's Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Baylor Women's Correctional Institution

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 Baylor Women's Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Baylor Women's Correctional Institution?

   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 Baylor Women's Correctional Institution?

   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 Baylor Women's Correctional Institution. 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 Baylor Women's Correctional Institution. 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 Baylor Women's Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Baylor Women's Correctional Institution
   660 Baylor Blvd
   New Castle, DE 19720
   Phone: (302) 577-3004

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Baylor Women's Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Baylor Women's Correctional Institution 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 (302) 577-3004 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 Baylor Women's Correctional Institution?

   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 Baylor Women's Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Baylor Women's Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Baylor Women's Correctional Institution 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 Baylor Women's Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Baylor Women's Correctional Institution, 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 Baylor Women's Correctional Institution?

   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 Baylor Women's Correctional Institution 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 Baylor Women's Correctional Institution, 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

Communication and family connection form essential components of the rehabilitation process at Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in Delaware. The facility operates under Delaware’s centralized mail scanning system, which helps maintain security while ensuring incarcerated individuals can maintain vital connections with loved ones through correspondence and photographs. This communication infrastructure supports the broader rehabilitative mission by helping women maintain family bonds that are often crucial for successful reentry into the community.

The institution typically provides educational and vocational programming designed to prepare women for employment upon release. These programs may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and various job training opportunities that align with Delaware’s workforce needs. Additionally, the facility often offers substance abuse counseling and mental health services, recognizing that many women in the correctional system benefit from addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to their incarceration. Life skills training and parenting classes are commonly available to help women develop practical abilities for managing daily responsibilities after release.

Support services at Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution may include religious and spiritual programs, recreational activities, and library services that promote personal growth and positive use of time during incarceration. The facility’s approach to programming often emphasizes building self-sufficiency and healthy coping mechanisms. Through Delaware’s correctional phone system, women can maintain regular contact with family members and support networks, which research shows significantly impacts successful reintegration. These comprehensive services work together to address the multiple factors that influence successful rehabilitation and community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones forms a central part of the experience for women at Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution, with the facility implementing a centralized mail scanning system as of April 2024 to streamline correspondence. Residents may receive letters and greeting cards from family and friends, though all incoming mail must follow specific guidelines including the use of white envelopes and proper addressing with the resident’s name and SBI number. The facility permits up to 10 photographs per mailing, allowing women to maintain visual connections with their families, while commercially produced greeting cards help mark special occasions and holidays.

The structured communication policies reflect the facility’s balance between maintaining security and supporting family relationships. Women typically follow daily schedules that may include work assignments, educational programs, and recreational activities, with designated times for making outbound phone calls to approved contacts. Family members often establish pre-paid phone accounts to facilitate regular contact, as direct calls to residents are not permitted. Mail delivery usually occurs on weekdays, providing residents with anticipated moments of connection to the outside world.

Living conditions at BWCI generally include dormitory-style or cell-based housing arrangements, with women participating in various institutional programs that may encompass vocational training, substance abuse counseling, and educational opportunities. The facility’s location on Baylor Boulevard in Delaware provides a structured environment where residents work toward rehabilitation goals while maintaining important family ties through the regulated but accessible communication systems. Daily routines typically incorporate meals, count times, work or program participation, and personal time for correspondence and phone calls with loved ones.