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 Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Fayette County Prison

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 Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Fayette County Prison?

   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 Prison?

   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 Prison. 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 Prison. 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 Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Fayette County Prison
   12 Court St
   Uniontown, PA 15401
   Phone: (724) 430-1222

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Fayette County Prison?

   Visiting hours at Fayette County Prison 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 (724) 430-1222 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 Prison?

   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 Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Fayette County Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Fayette County Prison 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 Prison?

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

   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 Prison 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 Prison, 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 State Correctional Institution at Fayette operates a comprehensive Pennsylvania Correctional Industries program that provides meaningful work experience through its License Plate Factory and Metal Factory operations. The License Plate Factory employs approximately 60 residents who produce aluminum license plates and special organizational plates for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, while the Metal Factory engages 37 workers in manufacturing metal products including cabinets, shelves, security benches, and furniture used throughout correctional facilities. These vocational programs not dedicated serve state agencies like the Department of Corrections, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Game Commission, but also provide residents with valuable job skills and work experience that may support their successful reintegration into the community.

Beyond industrial training, SCI Fayette typically offers educational programming that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational certification courses designed to enhance employment prospects upon release. The facility’s Community Work Program provides additional hands-on experience through maintenance activities such as litter removal, floor care, groundskeeping, and general facility upkeep. Counseling services often include substance abuse treatment programs, mental health support, and behavioral interventions tailored to individual needs.

The institution’s Reentry Service Office plays a crucial role in preparing residents for successful community reintegration by providing information and support services during the transition process. This comprehensive approach to programming, combined with the facility’s accreditation by the American Correctional Association since 2006, reflects a commitment to evidence-based practices that may include life skills training, family reunification support, and connections to community resources that help reduce recidivism and promote long-term success after release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the perimeter of this 53-acre facility that opened in August 2003, inmates at SCI Fayette typically begin their days with structured routines that may include work assignments at the license plate factory or metal fabrication shop. Those selected for the Pennsylvania Correctional Industries program report to their designated work areas, where approximately many individuals produce aluminum license plates for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, while another 37 work in the metal factory creating furniture, cabinets, and security equipment used throughout the state correctional system. The facility’s 11 housing units accommodate the inmate population, with daily schedules often revolving around meals, work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods that are common features of state correctional institutions.

Inmates may participate in the Community Work Program, which involves maintenance duties such as grounds keeping, floor care, and general facility upkeep. The Reentry Service Office typically provides programming and resources designed to help prepare individuals for their eventual return to the community. Like most Pennsylvania correctional facilities, SCI Fayette likely offers educational opportunities, vocational training, and counseling services, though specific program details may vary based on security level and individual case factors.

Family connections remain important through the facility’s visitation program and communication systems that allow inmates to send money and maintain contact with loved ones. The institution, which achieved American Correctional Association accreditation in 2006 and maintains this status through regular reaccreditation, operates with approximately 648 full-time staff members across its 24 operational structures. Recent facility improvements include energy-saving upgrades that may enhance living conditions while reducing operational costs, reflecting the institution’s commitment to maintaining appropriate standards for both inmates and staff.