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 Camden County Youth Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Camden County Youth Detention Center 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 Camden County Youth Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Camden County Youth Detention Center

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 Camden County Youth Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Camden County Youth Detention Center?

   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 Camden County Youth Detention Center?

   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 Camden County Youth Detention Center. 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 Camden County Youth Detention Center. 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 Camden County Youth Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Camden County Youth Detention Center
   8 Woodbury - Turnersville Rd
   Gloucester Township, NJ 08012
   Phone: (856) 374-6100

   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 Camden County Youth Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Camden County Youth Detention Center 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 (856) 374-6100 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 Camden County Youth Detention Center?

   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 Camden County Youth Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Camden County Youth Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Camden County Youth Detention Center 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 Camden County Youth Detention Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Camden County Youth Detention Center, 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 Camden County Youth Detention Center?

   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 Camden County Youth Detention Center 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 Camden County Youth Detention Center, 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 Camden County Reentry Committee, established in 2017, represents a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges individuals face when returning to the community following incarceration. This comprehensive initiative brings together system stakeholders and community-based service and treatment providers to identify and eliminate systemic barriers that often contribute to recidivism. The committee's work has resulted in the implementation of various policies, practices, and programs designed to provide meaningful opportunities for individuals to remain arrest and incarceration free upon their release.

Central to Camden County's reentry efforts is the NuEntry Outreach and Engagement Initiative, which provides coordinated support for individuals returning home from the New Jersey Department of Corrections. This multi-phased program begins with transportation services, ensuring that released individuals are met by committee members and volunteers at designated sites near discharge facilities. Participants are then transported to the Dare Academy facilities on Kaighn Avenue in Camden, where they receive welcome and intake services through the Transformative Justice Initiative (TJI). This structured approach helps ensure that individuals have immediate access to support services during the critical transition period following release.

In addition to these specialized reentry programs, Camden County's correctional facility may offer various educational and vocational training opportunities, substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and life skills programming. These services typically work in conjunction with the broader reentry initiative to provide a comprehensive support system. The facility often collaborates with community-based organizations to ensure continuity of care and support services that extend beyond the period of incarceration, helping individuals successfully reintegrate into their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Camden County Reentry Committee, established in 2017, works closely with the correctional facility to prepare individuals for their eventual return to the community. This collaborative approach typically influences the daily structure within Camden County Jail, where residents may participate in programs designed to address systemic barriers they'll face upon release. The facility often incorporates reentry planning into daily routines, which may include educational sessions, counseling programs, and preparation activities that connect to community-based service providers.

Daily schedules at Camden County Jail generally follow standard correctional protocols common to New Jersey facilities. Residents typically wake early for count and meals, with structured time allocated for various activities throughout the day. These may include educational programming, work assignments, recreational periods, and visits with family members or legal counsel. The facility usually maintains specific visiting hours and communication policies that allow residents to maintain connections with their support networks, which becomes particularly important given the county's focus on successful community reintegration.

The jail's operations often reflect the broader county initiative to eliminate barriers for individuals preparing to return home. Daily programming may include life skills training, substance abuse counseling, and coordination with organizations like those mentioned in the county's reentry support network. Medical care, meals, and basic necessities are provided according to state standards, while the facility typically maintains security protocols designed to ensure safety for both residents and staff throughout the daily routine.