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 Camille Graham Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Camille Graham Correctional 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 Camille Graham Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Camille Graham Correctional 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 Camille Graham Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Camille Graham Correctional 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 Camille Graham Correctional 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 Camille Graham Correctional 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 Camille Graham Correctional 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 Camille Graham Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Camille Graham Correctional Center
   4500 Broad River Rd
   Columbia, SC 29210
   Phone: (803) 896-8590

   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 Camille Graham Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Camille Graham Correctional 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 (803) 896-8590 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 Camille Graham Correctional 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 Camille Graham Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Camille Graham Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Camille Graham Correctional 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 Camille Graham Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Camille Graham Correctional 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 Camille Graham Correctional 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 Camille Graham Correctional 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 Camille Graham Correctional 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

Substance abuse treatment and specialized medical care, including a kidney dialysis program, represent key components of the rehabilitation services at Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro, Illinois. The facility houses several special populations and continues to provide numerous academic programs designed to support individuals during their incarceration. As a medium-security facility serving adult males, Graham typically emphasizes evidence-based treatment approaches that address both the underlying causes of criminal behavior and the practical skills needed for successful reentry into the community.

Educational programming at Graham Correctional Center may include adult basic education (ABE), GED preparation, and literacy courses to help individuals develop fundamental academic skills. The facility often provides vocational training opportunities that might encompass trades such as construction, maintenance, food service, or manufacturing skills that align with local employment markets. Additionally, the center typically offers various counseling services, including individual and group therapy sessions, anger management programs, and cognitive-behavioral interventions designed to help participants develop better decision-making skills and coping strategies.

Support services at Graham Correctional Center commonly include library access, recreational activities, and religious programming to promote personal growth and community connection. The facility may also provide pre-release planning assistance, job readiness training, and connections to community resources to help individuals prepare for their transition back into society. Mental health services are typically available to address psychological needs, while the specialized kidney dialysis program demonstrates the facility's commitment to maintaining the health and well-being of individuals with serious medical conditions during their period of incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

At Graham Correctional Center in Hillsboro, Illinois, residents begin each day within a medium-security environment that houses over 1,500 individuals across two facilities. The institution operates on structured schedules that typically include count times, meal service, work assignments, and programming activities. Given that Graham serves as both a correctional center and houses the Graham Reception and Classification Center, daily routines may vary depending on an individual's classification status and length of stay at the facility.

Family connections remain an important part of life at Graham, with video visitation available seven days a week from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM and again from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Visitors must sign up in advance and log on 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time. The facility has transitioned to ICSolutions for technology services, providing electronic messaging through CorrLinks to help residents maintain contact with loved ones. Traditional mail continues to be processed at the facility's Route 185 address, offering another avenue for communication with family and friends.

The facility offers specialized programming for various populations, including substance abuse treatment programs and medical services such as a kidney dialysis program for those with specific health needs. Academic and educational opportunities are also available, though specific program details may vary based on current offerings and individual eligibility. With an operational capacity of over 2,000 beds, Graham maintains the infrastructure to support various housing units, healthcare services, and program spaces necessary for a medium-security facility serving the adult male population in Illinois.