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 Elmwood Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Elmwood Correctional Facility 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 Elmwood Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Elmwood Correctional Facility

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 Elmwood Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Elmwood Correctional Facility?

   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 Elmwood Correctional Facility?

   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 Elmwood Correctional Facility. 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 Elmwood Correctional Facility. 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 Elmwood Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Elmwood Correctional Facility
   701 S Abel St
   Milpitas, CA 95035
   Phone: (408) 957-5900

   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 Elmwood Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Elmwood Correctional Facility 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 (408) 957-5900 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 Elmwood Correctional Facility?

   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 Elmwood Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Elmwood Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Elmwood Correctional Facility 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 Elmwood Correctional Facility?

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

   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 Elmwood Correctional Facility 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 Elmwood Correctional Facility, 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 forms the cornerstone of rehabilitative services at Elmwood Corrections Facility, where comprehensive programming addresses the multifaceted needs of inmates seeking meaningful change. The facility's approach recognizes that sustainable reintegration requires more than mere incarceration; it demands deliberate cultivation of skills, therapeutic intervention, and structured support systems that address underlying factors contributing to criminal behavior. Through carefully designed services that span educational, vocational, and therapeutic domains, inmates may access resources that facilitate both personal growth and practical preparation for community reentry.

Educational initiatives typically encompass literacy improvement, GED preparation, and adult basic education services that address fundamental academic deficiencies while fostering intellectual development. These foundational programs often serve as stepping stones to more specialized vocational training opportunities, which may include instruction in trades such as carpentry, culinary arts, or maintenance skills that enhance employability upon release. The facility's educational framework generally emphasizes not only skill acquisition but also critical thinking development, encouraging inmates to examine their decision-making processes and develop more constructive approaches to problem-solving.

In addition to these academic and technical services, therapeutic interventions through group therapy sessions provide structured environments for addressing substance abuse issues, anger management, and cognitive behavioral patterns. Rehabilitation programs often incorporate elements of personal accountability, victim impact awareness, and community responsibility, while family reunification services may offer counseling and communication workshops designed to rebuild and strengthen familial relationships. These therapeutic components typically work in conjunction with other programming to create a holistic approach to personal development that addresses both practical skills and emotional growth necessary for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and metal fixtures of housing units at Elmwood Correctional Facility create a stark institutional environment where inmates must learn to navigate carefully structured routines within confined spaces. Daily life currently revolves around predetermined schedules that begin with early morning counts and continues through a series of regimented activities designed to maintain order and provide basic services. Inmates typically wake to the sound of announcements echoing through the corridors, followed by meal preparation and the gradual opening of cell doors as the facility transitions into its daytime operations.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates must adapt to limited personal space and the constant presence of others. Each housing area typically includes basic furnishings such as metal bunks, small storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities that serve multiple residents. In addition to this structured environment, inmates often develop informal routines and social dynamics that help them cope with the institutional setting, though they must always remain mindful of facility rules and security protocols that govern movement between different areas of the complex.

Programming schedules may provide opportunities for inmates to participate in work assignments, educational classes, or recreational activities that break up the monotony of daily confinement. These structured activities typically include kitchen duties, facility maintenance work, or participation in programs designed to support rehabilitation and skill development. Despite this regimentation, inmates usually have access to visitation opportunities and communication systems that allow them to maintain connections with family members and support networks, though these interactions are subject to facility policies and security requirements that may limit the frequency and duration of contact with the outside world.