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 Dade Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Dade Correctional Institution

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 Dade Correctional Institution.

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

   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 Dade Correctional Institution?

   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 Dade Correctional Institution. 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 Dade Correctional Institution. 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 Dade Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Dade Correctional Institution
   19000 SW 377th St
   Homestead, FL 33034
   Phone: (305) 242-1900

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Dade Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Dade Correctional Institution 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 (305) 242-1900 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 Dade Correctional Institution?

   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 Dade Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Dade Correctional Institution 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 Dade Correctional Institution?

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

   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 Dade Correctional Institution 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 Dade Correctional Institution, 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

Multiple pathways for personal development and skill-building form the foundation of opportunities at DADE C.I. The facility typically emphasizes a holistic approach to individual growth, recognizing that meaningful change often requires addressing various aspects of a person's life. This comprehensive framework allows individuals to engage in different types of programming based on their specific needs and goals.

Educational opportunities may include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and vocational training in various trades. These programs often focus on building practical skills that can translate into employment after release. Computer literacy courses and career readiness workshops are frequently available to help individuals develop workplace competencies. The educational framework typically emphasizes both academic achievement and practical skill development.

Moreover, therapeutic and support services provide additional layers of assistance for individuals working toward positive change. Substance abuse treatment programs often incorporate counseling and group therapy sessions designed to address addiction-related issues. Life coaching opportunities may help individuals develop goal-setting and decision-making skills, while chaplaincy programs typically offer spiritual guidance and community support. Work release programs, when available, can provide supervised employment opportunities that help individuals transition back into the community while maintaining structured support.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of count time signals the beginning of another structured day, as individuals at Dade Correctional Institution currently follow established routines that continue to provide order within the facility environment. Daily schedules typically include designated periods for meals, work assignments, and programming activities. Individuals generally wake early for morning count, followed by breakfast service in the dining hall. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations that offer structure and skill development opportunities.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of housing units where individuals share cells or dormitory-style arrangements, depending on their classification level. Personal property allowances usually include basic hygiene items, limited clothing, and approved personal effects that can be stored within designated space limits. Moreover, the commissary system allows individuals to purchase additional food items, hygiene products, and approved personal items using funds from their institutional accounts, which family members can typically support through approved deposit methods.

Recreational opportunities generally include access to outdoor exercise areas, television viewing in common areas, and organized activities that may offer both physical fitness and social interaction. Educational and vocational programming schedules often provide individuals with opportunities to develop job skills or complete academic requirements. Whereas daily routines maintain necessary security protocols, visitation policies typically allow family members to maintain connections through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence, helping individuals preserve important relationships during their incarceration period.