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 Burlington Residential Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Burlington Residential 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 Burlington Residential Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Burlington Residential 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 Burlington Residential Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Burlington Residential 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 Burlington Residential 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 Burlington Residential 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 Burlington Residential 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 Burlington Residential Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Burlington Residential Facility
   835 Valley St
   Burlington, IA 52601
   Phone: (319) 753-5478

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 AM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Burlington Residential Facility?

   Visiting hours at Burlington Residential 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 (319) 753-5478 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 Burlington Residential 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 Burlington Residential Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Burlington Residential Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Burlington Residential 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 Burlington Residential Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Burlington Residential 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 Burlington Residential 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 Burlington Residential 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 Burlington Residential 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

**Comprehensive rehabilitation initiatives** at Burlington Residential Facility in Iowa emphasize evidence-based approaches that address the multifaceted needs of residents through structured programming and individualized support. The facility's philosophy centers on creating pathways for sustainable reintegration by addressing educational deficits, developing marketable skills, and providing therapeutic interventions that promote personal growth and behavioral change.

Educational services typically form the cornerstone of resident development, offering literacy programs, GED preparation, and basic academic instruction tailored to individual learning levels. These initiatives may deliver instruction through both classroom settings and computer-based learning platforms, allowing residents to progress at their own pace while building foundational skills essential for future success. Furthermore, vocational programs provide hands-on training in practical fields such as printing technology and landscaping, where residents can develop technical competencies and work experience that translate directly to employment opportunities upon release. These skill-building initiatives often include industry-standard equipment and real-world project assignments that mirror actual workplace environments.

Mental health services represent a critical component of the facility's therapeutic framework, typically incorporating individual counseling, group therapy sessions, and specialized treatment for substance abuse disorders. These support services may deliver cognitive-behavioral interventions, trauma-informed care, and relapse prevention strategies designed to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. The therapeutic initiatives often include anger management programs, life skills training, and transitional planning services that help residents develop coping mechanisms and establish realistic goals for community reintegration, creating a comprehensive support network that extends beyond the facility's walls.

Daily Life & Visitation

The rhythmic structure of early morning wake-up calls, scheduled meal times, and designated work periods creates a predictable framework that residents at Burlington Residential Facility consistently rely upon today and every day. This carefully organized routine typically begins with morning counts and personal hygiene time, followed by breakfast service in the communal dining areas where residents gather at assigned tables. Throughout the day, structured programming schedules deliver stability through educational classes, vocational training sessions, and therapeutic programming that generally runs in two-hour blocks, allowing residents to develop productive habits while maintaining accountability within the facility's expectations.

Furthermore, living accommodations typically consist of shared housing units where residents maintain personal spaces within dormitory-style or smaller room arrangements, depending on their classification level and length of stay. The facility generally provides basic furnishings including beds, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities, while residents may often keep approved personal items and photographs from family members. Meals are usually served at designated times in central dining halls, with menus that typically rotate weekly and accommodate basic dietary restrictions, though residents may also access commissary services to purchase additional food items and personal care products when funds are available through their accounts.

Although the structured environment maintains necessary security protocols, residents typically have opportunities for recreation and physical activity through outdoor exercise periods, indoor gymnasium access, and organized sports activities that deliver both physical wellness and social interaction. Visitation policies generally allow family members and approved contacts to visit during scheduled times throughout the week, while residents may also maintain connections through monitored telephone calls and written correspondence. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, laundry services, and grounds keeping, providing residents with job skills training while contributing to the facility's daily operations and helping them prepare for eventual reintegration into the community.