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 Branchville Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Branchville Correctional Facility 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 Branchville Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Branchville Correctional Facility

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 Branchville Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Branchville Correctional Facility?

   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 Branchville Correctional Facility?

   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 Branchville Correctional Facility. 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 Branchville Correctional Facility. 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 Branchville Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Branchville Correctional Facility
   21390 Old State Rd 37
   Branchville, IN 47514
   Phone: (812) 843-5921

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Branchville Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Branchville Correctional Facility 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 (812) 843-5921 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 Branchville Correctional Facility?

   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 Branchville Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Branchville Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Branchville Correctional Facility 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 Branchville Correctional Facility?

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

   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 Branchville Correctional Facility 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 Branchville Correctional Facility, 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 a correctional facility, meaningful opportunities for personal transformation and skill development can flourish when properly cultivated. Branchville Correctional Facility in Michigan typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that recognizes the potential for growth inherent in every individual. The facility's philosophy centers on providing those incarcerated with substantive pathways toward self-improvement, recognizing that genuine change occurs through sustained engagement with purposeful activities that build both practical capabilities and personal insight.

Educational advancement and vocational preparation form the cornerstone of the facility's developmental offerings. Those incarcerated may access education programs designed to enhance literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills essential for successful community reintegration. Furthermore, vocational education opportunities often include specialized training in construction trades, where participants can develop marketable skills in carpentry, electrical work, and general construction techniques. These hands-on learning experiences typically combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, allowing individuals to build confidence while acquiring credentials that may prove valuable upon release.

The facility's support infrastructure extends beyond traditional academic and vocational training to address the complex emotional and social challenges that often accompany incarceration. Library services may furnish access to educational resources, recreational reading, and research materials that support ongoing learning initiatives. Furthermore, therapeutic offerings such as grief counseling provide essential emotional support for those processing loss and trauma. The prisoner reentry initiative typically focuses on practical preparation for community reintegration, while victim awareness programming encourages participants to develop empathy and understanding regarding the broader impact of criminal behavior, fostering personal accountability and growth.

Daily Life & Visitation

Maintaining connections with family members and loved ones forms the cornerstone of social life for those incarcerated at Branchville Correctional Facility, where communication opportunities and shared experiences within the housing units help create a sense of community despite the institutional setting. The facility currently operates on a structured schedule that continues to emphasize both individual accountability and group activities, with those incarcerated typically beginning their day with early morning counts before proceeding to assigned work details, educational programs, or vocational training sessions. Furthermore, the daily routine generally includes designated periods for meals, recreation, and personal time, allowing residents to develop relationships with fellow inmates while participating in activities that furnish both structure and social interaction opportunities.

Housing arrangements at the facility typically consist of shared cells or dormitory-style accommodations, where those incarcerated often develop close bonds with their cellmates and unit neighbors through daily conversations, shared meals, and collaborative participation in unit-based activities. Although privacy remains limited within the institutional environment, residents usually have access to personal storage space for approved belongings and may purchase additional items through the commissary system to enhance their living conditions. The dining areas serve as important social gathering spaces where inmates can interact with individuals from different housing units during scheduled meal times, creating opportunities for broader community connections beyond their immediate living quarters.

Furthermore, Branchville Correctional Facility generally provides various recreational and programming opportunities that help those incarcerated maintain both physical wellness and social engagement, including access to exercise facilities, library services, and structured group activities. Visitation policies typically allow approved family members and friends to maintain regular contact through scheduled visits, while telephone and correspondence privileges continue to serve as vital lifelines to the outside community. Although participation in work assignments and educational programs may vary based on individual circumstances and facility needs, these activities often furnish meaningful opportunities for skill development while fostering collaborative relationships among participants, helping to create a more supportive environment for those working toward successful reintegration into their communities.