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 Christian County Sheriffs Office.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Christian County Sheriffs Office 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 Christian County Sheriffs Office.

Frequently asked questions about Christian County Sheriffs Office

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 Christian County Sheriffs Office.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Christian County Sheriffs Office?

   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 Christian County Sheriffs Office?

   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 Christian County Sheriffs Office. 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 Christian County Sheriffs Office. 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 Christian County Sheriffs Office?

   Mailing address:

   Christian County Sheriffs Office
   301 W Franklin St
   Taylorville, IL 62568
   Phone: (217) 824-4961

5. What are the visiting hours at Christian County Sheriffs Office?

   Visiting hours at Christian County Sheriffs Office 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 (217) 824-4961 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 Christian County Sheriffs Office?

   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 Christian County Sheriffs Office for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Christian County Sheriffs Office?

   You can send money to an inmate at Christian County Sheriffs Office 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 Christian County Sheriffs Office?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Christian County Sheriffs Office, 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 Christian County Sheriffs Office?

   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 Christian County Sheriffs Office 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 Christian County Sheriffs Office, 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 Christian County Correctional Center operates under the leadership of facility administrator Rohn Burke and a dedicated team of corrections officers, with a clear commitment to achieving "exemplary performance in providing the care of inmates placed in the Sheriff's custody." This philosophy guides the facility's approach to inmate services and programming throughout Christian County, Illinois.

While specific program details are not extensively outlined on the facility's website, correctional facilities in Illinois typically may offer educational services such as GED preparation classes, basic literacy programs, and continuing education opportunities to help residents prepare for reintegration. The facility often includes vocational training programs that might focus on practical skills like food service, maintenance, or other job-ready competencies. Counseling services may be available to address substance abuse issues, which aligns with the Sheriff's Office objective to "attack and minimize the illicit drug trade" and address prescription drug abuse concerns in the community.

Additional support services at the Christian County Correctional Center may include medical care coordination, mental health counseling, and reentry planning assistance. The facility typically works to provide library access, recreational activities, and visitation programs to maintain family connections during incarceration. Given the Sheriff's Office commitment to community partnership and crime prevention, programming may also focus on helping residents develop life skills and address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior, supporting successful community reintegration upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Christian County Correctional Center, operating under the supervision of the Christian County Sheriff's Office, maintains structured daily operations designed to ensure both security and inmate welfare. With a staff of corrections officers working under facility leadership, the center typically follows standardized scheduling that may include designated meal times, recreational periods, and structured activities throughout the day.

Inmates at the facility generally experience a routine that often includes morning wake-up calls, scheduled meal service, and designated times for various activities such as exercise, educational programs, or work assignments when available. The facility typically maintains visiting hours that allow family members and approved visitors to maintain contact with inmates, though specific scheduling and procedures may vary. Communication with the outside world often includes monitored phone calls and correspondence, subject to standard correctional facility security protocols.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office emphasizes their commitment to "achieving and maintaining exemplary performance in providing the care of inmates placed in the Sheriff's custody," which suggests attention to proper housing conditions, medical care access, and adherence to state correctional standards. Daily life at the facility likely includes access to basic amenities such as meals prepared according to nutritional guidelines, recreational time, and opportunities for personal hygiene maintenance, all within the structured environment typical of county correctional facilities in Illinois.