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 Centralia Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Centralia 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 Centralia Correctional Center.

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

   Mailing address:

   Centralia Correctional Center
   9330 Shattuc Rd
   Centralia, IL 62801
   Phone: (618) 533-4111

   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: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Centralia Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Centralia 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 (618) 533-4111 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 Centralia 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 Centralia Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Centralia 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 Centralia Correctional Center?

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

Within the structured environment of Centralia Correctional Center, those incarcerated encounter a comprehensive array of opportunities designed to foster personal transformation and skill development. The facility’s approach emphasizes creating pathways for growth through carefully structured offerings that address both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals. This multifaceted framework typically operates within a secure setting that prioritizes safety while maintaining an atmosphere conducive to meaningful participation and personal advancement.

Educational services form a cornerstone of the facility’s developmental approach, often encompassing literacy programs, GED preparation, and various academic coursework designed to enhance intellectual capabilities. Moreover, vocational programs may furnish practical training in landscaping and other trade-related skills, providing those incarcerated with marketable competencies that extend beyond their time at the facility. These hands-on learning experiences typically combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, creating opportunities for participants to develop both technical expertise and workplace readiness skills essential for successful community reintegration.

The facility’s therapeutic and support services often include comprehensive mental health treatment designed to address underlying behavioral patterns and emotional challenges. Life coaching offerings may provide individualized guidance and goal-setting strategies, helping participants develop the personal management skills necessary for sustained positive change. These supportive interventions typically operate within a structured framework that emphasizes accountability while fostering the development of healthy coping mechanisms and interpersonal skills essential for long-term success.

Daily Life & Visitation

Strong family bonds and meaningful connections with fellow residents form the foundation of community life for those incarcerated at Centralia Correctional Center. At present, individuals actively participate in structured daily routines that begin with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programming, and recreational activities that furnish opportunities for social interaction and personal development. The facility typically operates on a schedule that balances security requirements with programming needs, allowing those incarcerated to maintain regular communication with loved ones through phone calls, video visits, and correspondence.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units where residents develop supportive relationships with their cellmates and neighbors. Moreover, the dining hall serves as a central gathering place where individuals from different housing units come together for meals, creating opportunities for broader social connections and community building. Personal property allowances typically include basic necessities and some comfort items that can be purchased through the commissary system, helping residents maintain a sense of personal identity and connection to the outside world.

Structured programming schedules furnish various opportunities for those incarcerated to engage in educational classes, vocational training, and recreational activities that promote social interaction and skill development. Whereas security protocols necessarily govern daily movements and activities, the facility generally maintains policies that support family connections through regular visitation opportunities and multiple communication options. Work assignments often place individuals in teams or groups, fostering collaborative relationships and shared responsibility that mirror healthy community dynamics, while recreational periods typically allow for organized sports, games, and informal socializing that help maintain mental health and social skills essential for successful reintegration.