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 Decatur Work Release Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Decatur Work Release 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 Decatur Work Release Center.

Frequently asked questions about Decatur Work Release 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 Decatur Work Release Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Decatur Work Release 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 Decatur Work Release 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 Decatur Work Release 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 Decatur Work Release 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 Decatur Work Release Center?

   Mailing address:

   Decatur Work Release Center
   1401 State Hwy 20
   Decatur, AL 35601
   Phone: (256) 350-0876

5. What are the visiting hours at Decatur Work Release Center?

   Visiting hours at Decatur Work Release 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 (256) 350-0876 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 Decatur Work Release 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 Decatur Work Release Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Decatur Work Release Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Decatur Work Release 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 Decatur Work Release Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Decatur Work Release 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 Decatur Work Release 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 Decatur Work Release 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 Decatur Work Release 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 begins when those incarcerated gain access to structured opportunities designed to build essential life skills and prepare them for successful reintegration. North Alabama Community Work Center typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, recognizing that meaningful change occurs through consistent participation in diverse offerings that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. The facility often maintains a secure environment where participants can focus on developing practical abilities while working toward greater self-sufficiency.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the center's approach to personal development. Those incarcerated may access education programs that often include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities designed to strengthen foundational academic skills. Also available are vocational training opportunities, with automotive repair programs that typically provide hands-on experience in mechanical systems, diagnostic procedures, and repair techniques. These skill-building initiatives often emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing participants for potential employment in growing industries.

Support services typically encompass a range of offerings designed to address the multifaceted challenges of reentry. Work release programs may furnish structured opportunities for those incarcerated to maintain employment while completing their sentences, fostering financial responsibility and professional connections. Also included are faith-based programs that often provide spiritual guidance and community support networks. The facility may offer anger management sessions that typically focus on developing healthy coping strategies and conflict resolution skills. Housing assistance and employment readiness services often round out the comprehensive support structure, helping participants develop practical skills for securing stable living arrangements and meaningful work upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Maintaining connections with family and friends forms a cornerstone of the experience for those incarcerated at the North Alabama Community Work Center. Today's structured environment consistently emphasizes the importance of community ties, with regular opportunities for communication and visits helping residents stay connected to their support networks. The facility typically operates on a predictable daily schedule that includes work assignments, meals, and designated times for personal activities and correspondence.

Living accommodations generally feature dormitory-style housing units that foster interaction among residents. Those incarcerated typically share common areas where they can engage in conversation, watch television, or participate in recreational activities during their free time. Meals are usually served in a communal dining area, providing additional opportunities for social interaction and community building. Also, the facility may offer various recreational and exercise opportunities that allow residents to maintain physical fitness while building relationships with others.

However, structured programming schedules furnish the framework for much of daily life, with work assignments often taking priority during weekday hours. The facility typically provides various job opportunities that may include maintenance, food service, or administrative support roles. Visitation policies generally allow for regular contact with family members, while communication options such as phone calls and correspondence help those incarcerated maintain important relationships. Also, commissary services usually enable residents to purchase personal items and snacks, adding some personal choice to their daily routine and allowing them to share items with others in their housing unit.