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 Foothills Correctional Institute.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Foothills Correctional Institute 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 Foothills Correctional Institute.

Frequently asked questions about Foothills Correctional Institute

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 Foothills Correctional Institute.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Foothills Correctional Institute?

   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 Foothills Correctional Institute?

   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 Foothills Correctional Institute. 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 Foothills Correctional Institute. 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 Foothills Correctional Institute?

   Mailing address:

   Foothills Correctional Institute
   5150 Western Ave
   Morganton, NC 28655
   Phone: (828) 438-5585

5. What are the visiting hours at Foothills Correctional Institute?

   Visiting hours at Foothills Correctional Institute 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 (828) 438-5585 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 Foothills Correctional Institute?

   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 Foothills Correctional Institute for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Foothills Correctional Institute?

   You can send money to an inmate at Foothills Correctional Institute 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 Foothills Correctional Institute?

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

   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 Foothills Correctional Institute 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 Foothills Correctional Institute, 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

Educational programs form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at Foothills Correctional Institution, with Adult Correction and Western Piedmont Community College teachers providing comprehensive instruction to approximately many individuals. The facility offers basic skill instruction for those with less than an eighth-grade education level, along with specialized classes designed to prepare participants for the adult high school equivalency exam. These academic programs operate alongside vocational training opportunities that may include job skills development and career preparation courses tailored to support successful community reintegration.

The institution’s programming structure accommodates various custody levels and specialized populations, with 234 cells specifically designated for those participating in education and vocational programs. Medical and mental health services are available through dedicated offices within the administrative building, while the facility’s chronic disease unit serves the broader Western Region. The minimum custody unit provides additional programming opportunities and may offer work assignments through partnerships with correctional enterprises, including laundry operations that provide practical job training experience.

Support services at Foothills typically encompass counseling programs, substance abuse treatment, and reentry preparation assistance, though specific details of these offerings may vary. The facility’s visiting area and recreation spaces provide opportunities for maintaining family connections and physical wellness activities. With its focus on serving individuals aged 18-25 in close custody, the institution may also offer age-appropriate programming that addresses the comprehensive needs of younger adults, including life skills development and behavioral intervention programs designed to support positive behavioral changes.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at Foothills Correctional Institution begin each day within one of 712 single-cell accommodations spread across four housing buildings on the facility’s 180-acre campus near Morganton. The structured environment typically includes early morning counts, followed by meals served in the central dining hall located within the administrative building. Those participating in the institution’s education and vocational programs—approximately many individuals served by instructors from Adult Correction and Western Piedmont Community College—may attend classes in the dedicated academic and vocational classrooms. The facility houses residents aged 18-25 in close custody, with 234 cells specifically designated for those enrolled in educational programming.

The institution’s comprehensive programming structure means residents often spend significant portions of their day engaged in structured activities. Educational offerings may include basic skills instruction for those below eighth-grade level and preparation courses for the adult high school equivalency exam. Additionally, 150 residents are typically assigned to various jobs within the prison, while the separate Minimum Custody Unit provides work opportunities through the Correctional Enterprise Broughton Laundry Operation for eligible participants. Recreation time is available in the designated recreation area within the administrative building, providing opportunities for physical activity and social interaction within the facility’s security framework.

Family connections remain an important aspect of daily life, with visiting opportunities available in the designated visiting area housed within the main administrative building. The facility’s location, situated 3.5 miles south of Morganton and adjacent to Western Youth Institution, provides accessibility for families traveling to maintain contact. Communication with loved ones typically follows standard North Carolina Department of Adult Correction policies, which may include monitored phone calls and correspondence, helping residents maintain vital family relationships during their time at the institution.