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 Correctional Institution for Women.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Correctional Institution for Women 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 Correctional Institution for Women.

Frequently asked questions about Correctional Institution for Women

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 Correctional Institution for Women.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Correctional Institution for Women?

   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 Correctional Institution for Women?

   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 Correctional Institution for Women. 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 Correctional Institution for Women. 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 Correctional Institution for Women?

   Mailing address:

   Correctional Institution for Women
   3000 Ash Ave
   Pewee Valley, KY 40056
   Phone: (502) 241-8454

   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 Correctional Institution for Women?

   Visiting hours at Correctional Institution for Women 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 (502) 241-8454 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 Correctional Institution for Women?

   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 Correctional Institution for Women for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Correctional Institution for Women?

   You can send money to an inmate at Correctional Institution for Women 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 Correctional Institution for Women?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Correctional Institution for Women, 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 Correctional Institution for Women?

   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 Correctional Institution for Women 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 Correctional Institution for Women, 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 Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women emphasizes rehabilitation through comprehensive programming designed to enhance community reintegration and economic self-sufficiency for female offenders. Located on 270 acres in Shelby County near Pewee Valley, this multi-custody facility has maintained ACA accreditation since 1982 while serving women from all 120 counties across Kentucky. The institution’s mission centers on providing humane program and service opportunities within the least restrictive environment consistent with public safety.

Educational and vocational programming typically forms the foundation of services at KCIW, with offerings that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and various career training opportunities designed to develop marketable skills. The facility often provides counseling services addressing substance abuse, mental health needs, and life skills development to support successful reentry. Given the diverse custody levels housed at the institution - from minimum security to death row - programming is typically tailored to meet the varying needs of women serving sentences ranging from one year to life.

The institution may also offer specialized support services such as parenting classes, domestic violence counseling, and pre-release preparation programs. Healthcare services are typically available on-site, along with recreational activities and library services. The campus-style setting with multiple housing units allows for programming that can be adapted to different security levels while maintaining the facility’s commitment to preparing women for successful community reintegration and economic independence upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women operates as a multi-custody facility on a 270-acre campus-style setting in Shelby County near Pewee Valley, housing female offenders from all 120 counties across Kentucky in both double and single-bunked accommodations. Since opening in 1938, the institution has maintained ACA accreditation since 1982 while serving women with sentences ranging from one year to life, including those on death row and spanning all custody levels from maximum to community custody.

Within this structured environment, residents typically begin their days with scheduled counts and meal service, followed by work assignments, educational programs, or vocational training opportunities designed to enhance community reintegration and economic self-sufficiency. The facility’s mission centers on providing humane programming within the least restrictive environment consistent with safety requirements, which often translates to varied daily schedules based on individual custody levels and program participation. Women in different housing units may have different movement patterns throughout the campus, with those in minimum and community custody levels generally having more freedom of movement than maximum security residents.

Family connections remain an important aspect of daily life, with visiting opportunities and communication policies that typically include scheduled visitation times, phone privileges, and correspondence options. The institution’s focus on preparing women for successful reentry often means that daily activities incorporate life skills training, educational advancement, and work programs that mirror real-world responsibilities. Throughout their time at KCIW, residents navigate a balance between structured institutional requirements and programs aimed at developing the tools necessary for their eventual return to their home communities across Kentucky.