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 Fayette County Courthouse and Jail.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Fayette County Courthouse and Jail 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 Fayette County Courthouse and Jail.

Frequently asked questions about Fayette County Courthouse and Jail

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 Fayette County Courthouse and Jail.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Fayette County Courthouse and Jail?

   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 Fayette County Courthouse and Jail?

   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 Fayette County Courthouse and Jail. 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 Fayette County Courthouse and Jail. 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 Fayette County Courthouse and Jail?

   Mailing address:

   Fayette County Courthouse and Jail
   221 S 7th St
   Vandalia, IL 62471
   Phone: (618) 283-2141

   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 Fayette County Courthouse and Jail?

   Visiting hours at Fayette County Courthouse and Jail 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 (618) 283-2141 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 Fayette County Courthouse and Jail?

   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 Fayette County Courthouse and Jail for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Fayette County Courthouse and Jail?

   You can send money to an inmate at Fayette County Courthouse and Jail 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 Fayette County Courthouse and Jail?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Fayette County Courthouse and Jail, 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 Fayette County Courthouse and Jail?

   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 Fayette County Courthouse and Jail 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 Fayette County Courthouse and Jail, 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 Fayette County Jail maintains a zero-tolerance environment while focusing on inmate accountability and professional operations, as outlined in their mission statement. Located at 221 S. 7th St. in Vandalia, Illinois, the facility operates under the Fayette County Sheriff's Office with comprehensive staffing that includes full-time correctional deputies, investigators, and support personnel. The jail provides essential communication services through their phone and video visitation system via HomeWAV, allowing inmates to maintain connections with family and support networks during their incarceration.

Inmates at Fayette County Jail have access to commissary services through JailATM's web deposit system, enabling them to purchase approved personal items and necessities. The facility typically may offer educational programming to help inmates work toward GED completion or basic literacy improvement during their stay. Like many Illinois county jails, the facility often provides access to library services, religious programming, and may coordinate with local organizations to deliver substance abuse counseling or mental health support services when needed.

The jail's commitment to maintaining a safe and well-managed environment extends to their programming approach, which may include work details, life skills workshops, and reentry preparation services. Medical and mental health services are typically available to address inmates' healthcare needs, while the facility's professional staff training standards help ensure consistent program delivery. The jail's comprehensive approach to operations, supported by their full-time correctional staff and administrative personnel, creates a framework for delivering both security and rehabilitative services to the inmate population.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Fayette County Jail operates under a zero tolerance policy while maintaining what officials describe as a safe, clean, and well-managed environment for inmates, staff, and visitors at the facility located on South 7th Street in Vandalia. Inmates typically follow structured daily schedules that may include designated times for meals, recreation, educational programming, and work assignments, all overseen by the facility's team of full-time correctional deputies. The jail's mission emphasizes inmate accountability alongside professional facility management, suggesting that residents are expected to participate actively in daily routines and follow established protocols throughout their stay.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at the facility, with visitors able to access the jail through the courthouse main entrance for in-person visits. The jail also provides modern communication options through phone and video visitation systems via HomWAV, allowing inmates to maintain regular contact with loved ones even when physical visits aren't possible. Inmates and their families can access commissary services through an online deposit system, enabling the purchase of personal items, snacks, and other approved goods that may help make daily life more comfortable.

The facility operates under the oversight of the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, with a comprehensive staff structure that includes full-time correctional deputies, administrative personnel, and support staff working to maintain daily operations. Inmates typically have access to basic amenities and services common to Illinois county facilities, which may include medical care, recreational opportunities, and programming designed to support rehabilitation. The jail's emphasis on professional management and quality staff training suggests that daily routines are likely well-organized and consistently implemented, creating a predictable environment for those in custody.