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 Clay County Detention Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Clay County Detention 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 Clay County Detention Center.

Frequently asked questions about Clay County Detention 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 Clay County Detention Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Clay County Detention 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 Clay County Detention 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 Clay County Detention 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 Clay County Detention 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 Clay County Detention Center?

   Mailing address:

   Clay County Detention Center
   67 Shamrock Rd
   Manchester, KY 40962
   Phone: (606) 598-2133

   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 Clay County Detention Center?

   Visiting hours at Clay County Detention 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 (606) 598-2133 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 Clay County Detention 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 Clay County Detention Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Clay County Detention Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Clay County Detention 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 Clay County Detention Center?

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

Personal transformation through structured intervention forms the cornerstone of service delivery at Clay County Detention Center, where inmates encounter opportunities designed to address underlying factors contributing to their incarceration. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach that recognizes rehabilitation as a multifaceted process requiring educational advancement, skill development, and therapeutic intervention. Through carefully structured services, participants may engage in programming that addresses both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals, fostering personal growth while building essential life competencies.

Educational services often include foundational literacy instruction and computer literacy training, providing inmates with technological skills increasingly vital in contemporary employment markets. These educational offerings may encompass basic academic instruction for those seeking to complete their general education requirements, while computer literacy components typically introduce participants to essential software applications and digital communication tools. Furthermore, vocational programs frequently complement academic instruction by offering hands-on training in various trade skills, potentially including construction, maintenance, or food service preparation, depending on facility resources and community employment opportunities.

Therapeutic interventions, particularly substance abuse treatment services, address the complex relationship between addiction and criminal behavior that affects many participants. These services may utilize evidence-based approaches to help inmates understand addiction patterns while developing coping strategies and relapse prevention techniques. Additionally, peer support groups often provide structured environments where participants can share experiences and challenges with others facing similar circumstances, fostering accountability and mutual encouragement throughout the rehabilitation process. Such comprehensive service delivery recognizes that sustainable behavioral change typically requires addressing psychological, educational, and social factors simultaneously.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and fluorescent lighting of the housing units create a stark institutional environment where inmates at Clay County Detention Center must navigate their daily existence within carefully structured boundaries. At present, the facility actively maintains a regimented schedule that typically begins with early morning wake-up calls, followed by headcounts and the gradual opening of cell doors for those housed in dormitory-style or individual cell arrangements. Inmates generally move through their days according to predetermined schedules that may include meal times, work assignments, and various programming opportunities, with security staff conducting regular counts throughout to ensure accountability and safety.

The living accommodations typically feature shared sleeping quarters or individual cells, depending on classification levels and available space, with inmates learning to adapt to limited personal space and the constant presence of others. Furthermore, each housing unit generally provides basic amenities such as communal restrooms, dayroom areas with tables and seating, and television access during designated hours. Inmates usually receive three meals per day served either in a central dining hall or delivered to their housing units, with commissary privileges often available to supplement their diet with approved snacks and personal items purchased with funds from their inmate accounts.

Although the environment may initially seem overwhelming, many inmates typically find structure through work assignments that might include kitchen duties, facility maintenance, or laundry services, which provide both routine and modest compensation. Recreation opportunities generally include access to outdoor areas when weather permits, indoor exercise equipment, and organized activities that help break up the monotony of confinement. Family connections remain vital to adaptation, with the facility usually offering scheduled visitation periods, telephone privileges, and mail services that provide essential emotional support and maintain important relationships with loved ones on the outside.