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 Federal Correctional Institution Manchester.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Federal Correctional Institution Manchester 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 Federal Correctional Institution Manchester.

Frequently asked questions about Federal Correctional Institution Manchester

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 Federal Correctional Institution Manchester.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Federal Correctional Institution Manchester?

   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 Federal Correctional Institution Manchester?

   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 Federal Correctional Institution Manchester. 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 Federal Correctional Institution Manchester. 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 Federal Correctional Institution Manchester?

   Mailing address:

   Federal Correctional Institution Manchester
   805 Fox Hollow Rd
   Manchester, KY 40962
   Phone: (606) 598-1900

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Federal Correctional Institution Manchester?

   Visiting hours at Federal Correctional Institution Manchester 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 (606) 598-1900 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 Federal Correctional Institution Manchester?

   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 Federal Correctional Institution Manchester for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution Manchester?

   You can send money to an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution Manchester 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 Federal Correctional Institution Manchester?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Federal Correctional Institution Manchester, 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 Federal Correctional Institution Manchester?

   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 Federal Correctional Institution Manchester 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 Federal Correctional Institution Manchester, 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 Manchester FCI, where comprehensive programming addresses the multifaceted needs of inmates seeking meaningful change. The facility's approach recognizes that successful reintegration requires addressing educational deficits, vocational skills gaps, and underlying behavioral challenges through carefully structured interventions. This holistic philosophy emphasizes that sustainable rehabilitation emerges when inmates actively engage with services designed to build both practical capabilities and personal resilience.

Educational services typically encompass adult basic education and GED preparation, providing inmates with foundational academic skills essential for future employment opportunities. Furthermore, vocational programs may offer training in various trades and technical skills, allowing participants to develop marketable competencies that enhance their prospects upon release. These educational and vocational services often operate through structured curricula that combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience, enabling inmates to acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in their chosen fields.

Support services extend beyond academic and vocational training to address the complex challenges inmates face during incarceration and reentry preparation. Substance abuse treatment services typically provide therapeutic interventions designed to help participants understand and overcome addiction patterns that may have contributed to their incarceration. Additionally, transitional planning services may assist inmates in developing comprehensive reentry strategies, while food service operations often provide both essential nutrition and potential vocational training opportunities. These interconnected services create a supportive environment where inmates can address personal challenges while simultaneously building the skills necessary for successful community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and metal fixtures of the housing units at Manchester FCI create a structured environment where inmates navigate carefully regulated routines within dormitory-style accommodations. At present, the facility actively maintains a schedule that begins with early morning counts, followed by meal service in the central dining hall where inmates typically receive three meals daily at designated times. The institutional rhythm revolves around work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods that provide essential structure to each day.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared dormitory spaces or smaller housing units, where inmates adapt to limited personal space and communal living arrangements. Each housing area typically includes basic furnishings, shared bathroom facilities, and designated areas for personal belongings, though storage remains quite limited. Furthermore, inmates usually have access to commissary services where they may purchase approved personal items, snacks, and hygiene products to supplement their basic provisions, helping them maintain some degree of personal comfort within the institutional setting.

Although movement throughout the facility requires proper authorization and adherence to security protocols, inmates generally have opportunities to participate in various programs that provide meaningful engagement. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations that offer both structure and potential skill development. Recreation typically includes access to outdoor areas, gymnasium facilities, and organized activities during designated periods. Furthermore, the facility usually maintains visitation schedules and communication systems that allow inmates to connect with family members through scheduled visits, telephone calls, and correspondence, providing crucial emotional support that helps many adapt to the institutional environment.