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 Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Edna Mahan Correctional Facility 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 Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Edna Mahan Correctional Facility 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 Edna Mahan Correctional Facility 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 Edna Mahan Correctional Facility 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 Edna Mahan Correctional Facility 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 Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women?

   Mailing address:

   Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women
   30 County Rd 513
   Clinton, NJ 08809
   

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women?

   Visiting hours at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility 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 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 Edna Mahan Correctional Facility 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 Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women?

   You can send money to an inmate at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility 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 Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Edna Mahan Correctional Facility 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 Edna Mahan Correctional Facility 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 Edna Mahan Correctional Facility 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 Edna Mahan Correctional Facility 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

Based on the announcement of EMCF’s closure and transition to the Satellite Unit, the facility’s programming has evolved to include enhanced educational and social activities designed to support rehabilitation efforts. The Satellite Unit, which now houses the facility’s population, features improved programming spaces that allow for expanded educational opportunities and social development activities. These enhanced programs operate within a more modern environment that provides better natural lighting and temperature control, creating more conducive conditions for learning and personal growth.

The facility typically offers educational services that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy programs to help incarcerated individuals develop essential academic skills. Vocational training programs are often available to provide job-ready skills in various trades, while counseling services may address substance abuse, mental health needs, and behavioral modification. The newly created Honors Dorm mentioned in the facility’s transition plan suggests a merit-based housing system that may reward positive behavior and program participation, encouraging continued engagement in rehabilitative activities.

Support services at the facility may include case management, reentry planning, and family visitation programs designed to maintain important social connections. The enhanced outdoor and passive recreation spaces provide opportunities for physical wellness activities and structured leisure programs. As New Jersey’s women’s correctional facility undergoes this transitional period, these programs continue to focus on preparing individuals for successful community reintegration while addressing the comprehensive needs of the female incarcerated population through gender-responsive programming approaches.

Daily Life & Visitation

The closure of New Jersey’s dedicated women’s correctional facility marked a significant transition for incarcerated individuals who were relocated to the Edna Mahan Satellite Unit in Clinton Township. This satellite facility, constructed in 1991 on the grounds of the former William H. Fauver Youth Correctional Facility, provides a more modern environment with temperature-controlled housing, increased natural light, and enhanced living conditions compared to the original 110-year-old facility. The satellite unit features improved personal living spaces, programming areas, and outdoor recreation spaces designed to support rehabilitation efforts.

The enhanced facility typically offers structured daily routines that may include educational programming, social activities, and access to both indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities. The satellite unit’s design allows for better programming space, which often supports various rehabilitative activities throughout the day. An Honors Dorm program provides additional incentives for positive behavior and participation in facility programs. The improved infrastructure generally supports better communication systems for maintaining family connections, though specific visitation policies would follow standard New Jersey Department of Corrections guidelines.

While the original Edna Mahan Correctional Facility faced well-documented challenges due to its age, the transition to the satellite unit represents part of the state’s broader plan to eventually establish a new female correctional facility. The interim housing arrangement aims to provide incarcerated individuals with safer, more secure conditions while they continue their rehabilitation work, with improved living conditions that may include better ventilation, lighting, and overall facility maintenance compared to the century-old original structure.