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 Central Virginia Regional Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Central Virginia Regional Jail 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 Central Virginia Regional Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Central Virginia Regional Jail

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 Central Virginia Regional Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Central Virginia Regional Jail?

   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 Central Virginia Regional Jail?

   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 Central Virginia Regional Jail. 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 Central Virginia Regional Jail. 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 Central Virginia Regional Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Central Virginia Regional Jail
   13021 James Madison Hwy
   Orange, VA 22960
   Phone: (540) 672-3222

   Business hours:

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

5. What are the visiting hours at Central Virginia Regional Jail?

   Visiting hours at Central Virginia Regional Jail 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 (540) 672-3222 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 Central Virginia Regional Jail?

   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 Central Virginia Regional Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Central Virginia Regional Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Central Virginia Regional Jail 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 Central Virginia Regional Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Central Virginia Regional Jail, 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 Central Virginia Regional Jail?

   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 Central Virginia Regional Jail 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 Central Virginia Regional Jail, 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 Central Virginia Regional Jail's mission centers on providing secure supervision while promoting positive institutional adjustment and personal growth for those in their care. This approach typically encompasses educational programs that may include GED preparation and basic literacy courses, helping inmates work toward academic goals during their incarceration. Vocational training opportunities often focus on practical skills such as food service, maintenance, or basic computer literacy, preparing individuals for employment upon release.

The facility offers several key support services, including a comprehensive visitation program with multiple daily sessions from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM to maintain family connections. Through their services portal, friends and family can make payments and manage visitation arrangements, supporting the rehabilitation process through continued community ties. The jail also participates in the VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) system, which provides 24-hour access to custody status information and automated notifications for victims and concerned citizens across 48 states and 2,900 facilities.

Counseling and mental health services may include substance abuse programs, anger management classes, and individual counseling sessions to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. The facility likely offers religious services and may provide access to library resources, recreational activities, and life skills programming designed to support successful reintegration into the community. These programs work together to fulfill the jail's mission of meeting basic human needs while fostering personal growth and positive institutional adjustment.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Central Virginia Regional Jail operates with structured visitation hours three times daily - morning sessions from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, afternoon visits from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and evening hours from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This schedule allows incarcerated individuals multiple opportunities throughout the day to maintain connections with family members and friends, which often serves as a cornerstone of their institutional adjustment and personal growth. The facility's commitment to meeting basic human needs extends beyond these visiting hours, as staff typically work to create an environment that balances security requirements with opportunities for meaningful human interaction.

Throughout the day, individuals housed at the Orange, Virginia facility may participate in various programs and services designed to promote positive institutional adjustment. While specific programming details vary, correctional facilities of this type often provide educational opportunities, vocational training, and counseling services that help residents develop skills and address underlying issues. The structured daily routine typically includes designated times for meals, recreation, and personal care, with staff supervision ensuring both safety and security are maintained.

The facility's integration with the VINE notification system demonstrates its commitment to transparency and victim services, allowing concerned parties to receive automated updates about custody status changes. For families seeking to stay connected, the jail offers online payment systems and detailed visitation information through their services portal, making it easier to navigate the communication process. This technological integration, combined with the facility's mission-focused approach to supervision and care, may help create an environment where individuals can work toward rehabilitation while maintaining important family relationships during their incarceration.