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 Chippewa Valley Correctional.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Chippewa Valley Correctional 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 Chippewa Valley Correctional.

Frequently asked questions about Chippewa Valley Correctional

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 Chippewa Valley Correctional.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Chippewa Valley Correctional?

   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 Chippewa Valley Correctional?

   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 Chippewa Valley Correctional. 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 Chippewa Valley Correctional. 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 Chippewa Valley Correctional?

   Mailing address:

   Chippewa Valley Correctional
   2909 E Park Ave
   Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
   Phone: (715) 720-2850

   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 Chippewa Valley Correctional?

   Visiting hours at Chippewa Valley Correctional 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 (715) 720-2850 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 Chippewa Valley Correctional?

   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 Chippewa Valley Correctional for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Chippewa Valley Correctional?

   You can send money to an inmate at Chippewa Valley Correctional 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 Chippewa Valley Correctional?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Chippewa Valley Correctional, 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 Chippewa Valley Correctional?

   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 Chippewa Valley Correctional 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 Chippewa Valley Correctional, 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 Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility (CVCTF) centers its mission around comprehensive substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation, preparing individuals for successful community reintegration. As a specialized 300-bed, minimum-security facility dedicated exclusively to treatment programming, CVCTF operates the Earned Release Program (ERP) under Wisconsin State Statutes, which may provide eligible participants with structured pathways toward earlier release through demonstrated progress in treatment and rehabilitation goals.

The facility's treatment-focused approach typically encompasses intensive substance abuse counseling, group therapy sessions, and individualized treatment planning to address addiction and related behavioral issues. Educational programming may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy development to support long-term success upon release. Vocational training opportunities often focus on practical skills development, potentially including maintenance, food service, or other job-readiness programs that align with community employment needs.

Support services at CVCTF likely include mental health counseling, case management assistance, and pre-release planning to facilitate smooth transitions back to the community. The facility may offer family engagement programs, life skills workshops covering topics such as financial literacy and conflict resolution, and community volunteer opportunities that help individuals build positive connections. Religious and spiritual services are typically available, along with recreational activities and physical fitness programs that support overall wellness and personal development throughout the treatment process.

Daily Life & Visitation

At the Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, residents participate in a structured treatment-focused environment designed around substance abuse recovery and community reintegration preparation. The facility's 300-bed minimum-security setting provides a therapeutic atmosphere where individuals work through specialized programming while maintaining connections with their families and communities.

Family visits play an important role in the rehabilitation process, with the facility providing detailed visitation guidelines and supporting materials in both English and Spanish to ensure families can stay connected. The visiting room features cashless vending machines for convenience during visits, and comprehensive visitation information helps families understand policies and procedures. Residents also have access to inmate handbooks in both languages, ensuring clear communication about expectations and available resources throughout their stay.

The facility's treatment-centered approach means that much of each day typically revolves around therapeutic programming, educational opportunities, and preparation for eventual community reintegration through the Earned Release Program. As a minimum-security facility, residents may have more structured freedom of movement within the facility compared to higher-security institutions, allowing them to focus on the substance abuse treatment and related programming that forms the core mission of CVCTF. The four-story facility, which underwent extensive remodeling before opening to inmates in 2004, provides a setting where individuals can work toward addressing the underlying issues that contributed to their incarceration.