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 FCI Elkton.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at FCI Elkton 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 FCI Elkton.

Frequently asked questions about FCI Elkton

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 FCI Elkton.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to FCI Elkton?

   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 FCI Elkton?

   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 FCI Elkton. 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 FCI Elkton. 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 FCI Elkton?

   Mailing address:

   FCI Elkton
   8730 Scroggs Rd
   Lisbon, OH 44432
   Phone: (330) 420-6200

5. What are the visiting hours at FCI Elkton?

   Visiting hours at FCI Elkton 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 (330) 420-6200 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 FCI Elkton?

   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 FCI Elkton for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at FCI Elkton?

   You can send money to an inmate at FCI Elkton 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 FCI Elkton?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At FCI Elkton, 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 FCI Elkton?

   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 FCI Elkton 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 FCI Elkton, 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

From academic advancement to specialized vocational training, the breadth of developmental opportunities at FCI Elkton reflects a comprehensive approach to individual growth and preparation for successful community reintegration. The facility typically emphasizes skill-building across multiple domains, recognizing that meaningful change often occurs through diverse pathways of personal and professional development. This multifaceted approach allows individuals to engage with opportunities that align with their interests, aptitudes, and long-term goals.

Educational initiatives form a cornerstone of the facility's offerings, with opportunities that may include adult basic education, high school equivalency preparation, and post-secondary coursework. These academic programs often provide individuals with the foundational knowledge necessary for both personal enrichment and career advancement. Furthermore, vocational opportunities typically encompass job training in various trades and industries, complemented by job readiness training that focuses on essential workplace skills such as resume writing, interview techniques, and professional communication.

Support services round out the comprehensive programming structure, with recovery services that may address substance abuse issues and promote healthy lifestyle choices. Additionally, specialized opportunities such as upholstery training often provide individuals with hands-on skills that can translate directly into employment opportunities upon release. These therapeutic and skill-based programs typically work in conjunction with educational and vocational offerings to create a holistic framework for personal development and successful community transition.

Daily Life & Visitation

The steady rhythm of institutional bells marks transitions throughout each day, creating a predictable framework that individuals at FCI Elkton navigate with varying degrees of adaptation. At present, the facility operates on a structured schedule that balances security requirements with opportunities for personal development and routine activities. Individuals actively participate in count times, meal services, and scheduled movements between housing units and program areas, with staff supervision maintaining order while allowing for necessary daily functions.

Living accommodations typically consist of shared housing units where individuals maintain personal spaces within the broader institutional environment. Furthermore, the facility generally provides basic furnishings and storage for approved personal property, though space may be limited. Meals are usually served in designated dining areas at scheduled times, offering standard institutional fare that meets nutritional requirements. Although the dining experience differs significantly from home environments, it provides opportunities for social interaction and maintains regular meal schedules that help structure each day.

Recreation and exercise opportunities often include access to outdoor areas, indoor fitness facilities, and organized activities that promote physical wellness and social engagement. Work assignments may involve various facility operations, from food service and maintenance to administrative support roles, providing individuals with structured daily responsibilities. Although visitation policies and communication options allow for family connections through scheduled visits, phone calls, and correspondence, these interactions operate within institutional guidelines and security protocols. Programming schedules typically offer educational courses, vocational training, and counseling services that individuals may participate in as part of their overall institutional experience, helping to maintain connections with support systems while working toward future goals.