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 Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention 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 Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention.

Frequently asked questions about Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention

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 Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention?

   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 Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention?

   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 Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention. 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 Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention. 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 Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention?

   Mailing address:

   Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention
   629 6th Ave
   Council Bluffs, IA 51501
   Phone: (712) 328-4893

5. What are the visiting hours at Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention?

   Visiting hours at Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention 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 (712) 328-4893 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 Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention?

   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 Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention?

   You can send money to an inmate at Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention 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 Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention, 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 Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention?

   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 Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention 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 Council Bluffs Juvenile Detention, 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 South Iowa Area Detention Service Agency centers its mission around providing dignified, meaningful, and structured programming that emphasizes responsibility, accountability, and respect. This juvenile detention facility in Montrose, Iowa, focuses on creating an environment where young people can experience growth and development through carefully designed activities and interventions that meet or exceed state Department of Human Services standards.

Educational services typically form a cornerstone of programming at juvenile detention facilities like SIADSA, often including individualized academic instruction to help youth maintain their educational progress during their stay. The facility may offer counseling services that address behavioral issues, substance abuse concerns, and mental health needs, while also providing life skills training that prepares youth for successful reintegration into their communities. Recreation and physical fitness programs often complement these services, along with structured daily activities that promote teamwork and personal development.

Support services may extend to family involvement programs that help maintain important relationships during detention, as well as transition planning that connects youth with community resources upon release. The agency's emphasis on modeling positive behaviors suggests that mentorship and character development programs likely play an important role in their approach. Additionally, the facility may provide access to medical and dental care, nutritional services, and specialized programming for youth with particular needs or circumstances.

Daily Life & Visitation

The South Iowa Area Detention Service Agency operates with a foundation of structured programming and meaningful activities designed to support youth development. Located in Montrose, Iowa, this juvenile detention facility emphasizes modeling responsibility, accountability, and respect through its daily operations. The agency's commitment to providing dignified, disciplined programming creates an environment where youth typically engage in educational activities, counseling sessions, and structured recreational time throughout their day.

Youth residents at SIADSA generally follow a regimented schedule that may include classroom instruction, group therapy sessions, physical activities, and personal reflection time. The facility's focus on growth and development often translates to programming that addresses individual needs while maintaining the safe, secure environment essential for both staff and residents. Meals are typically served at scheduled times in common areas, and youth may participate in various skill-building activities designed to promote teamwork and personal responsibility.

For families seeking to maintain contact with youth at the facility, communication policies typically allow for scheduled visitation and phone calls, though specific procedures should be confirmed by contacting the facility directly at 319-463-7417. The agency notes that their general contact information should not be used for communication regarding specific residents, indicating that separate protocols likely exist for family correspondence. Parents and guardians can reach out to facility staff to learn about visitation schedules, approved items for residents, and other family support services that may be available during a youth's stay at SIADSA.