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 Coastal State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Coastal State Prison 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 Coastal State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Coastal State Prison

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 Coastal State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Coastal State Prison?

   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 Coastal State Prison?

   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 Coastal State Prison. 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 Coastal State Prison. 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 Coastal State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Coastal State Prison
   200 Gulfstream Rd
   Garden City, GA 31418
   Phone: (912) 965-6303

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Coastal State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Coastal State Prison 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 (912) 965-6303 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 Coastal State Prison?

   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 Coastal State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Coastal State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Coastal State Prison 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 Coastal State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Coastal State Prison, 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 Coastal State Prison?

   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 Coastal State Prison 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 Coastal State Prison, 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 Strategic Intervention Program (S.I.P.) at Coastal State Prison encompasses comprehensive rehabilitation services designed to prepare residents for successful reintegration into their communities. This program includes an Intensive Re-Entry component alongside a Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program, addressing both the practical and therapeutic needs of incarcerated individuals. The facility's substance abuse programming extends beyond RSAT to include Motivation for Change and Matrix early recovery skills training, providing residents with multiple pathways to address addiction-related challenges.

Educational opportunities form a cornerstone of the facility's programming, with Academic Basic Education (ABE), GED preparation, and literacy programs helping residents build fundamental skills. The Career Center may provide additional workforce development resources, while vocational training in food service, maintenance, and barbering offers hands-on experience in marketable trades. Counseling services typically include evidence-based programs such as Detour, Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), Active Parenting classes, and Thinking for Change, which focus on cognitive behavioral interventions and life skills development.

The facility's Faith and Character Based program provides specialized housing and programming that integrates spiritual development with rehabilitation goals. Additional support services may include general recreation activities, various worship services and Bible study opportunities, and access to both general and legal library resources. The presence of supportive living housing for ADA-compliant accommodations demonstrates the facility's commitment to serving residents with diverse needs, while work details ranging from institutional maintenance to external assignments with the Department of Transportation provide practical work experience and skill development opportunities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at Coastal State Prison wake each morning in housing arrangements that vary significantly based on their program placement and security classification. The facility's twelve housing units accommodate inmates in either traditional cells—ranging from two-man to four-man configurations—or open bay dormitories that house larger groups. Those participating in the Faith and Character Based program share specialized housing with 92 beds, while inmates in the facility's various rehabilitation programs may find themselves in different units depending on their treatment track.

The structured environment revolves around work assignments and programming that typically begin early in the day. Inmates may be assigned to institutional details including food service preparation, facility maintenance, or grounds keeping, while others work on external assignments such as the Department of Transportation detail or Garden City work crews. Educational opportunities through GED and literacy programs often occur during designated hours, alongside substance abuse treatment sessions like the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) program and counseling services such as Thinking for Change and re-entry preparation classes.

Family connections remain vital through the facility's weekend visitation schedule, which operates from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays. These visits provide crucial support for inmates working through various rehabilitation programs, including the Strategic Intervention Program designed to prepare them for eventual reintegration. Evening hours may include religious services, library access for legal research or general reading, recreational activities, and participation in specialized programs like Active Parenting classes, all designed to maintain structure while supporting personal development within the medium-security environment.