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 Forsyth Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Forsyth Correctional Center 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 Forsyth Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Forsyth Correctional Center

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 Forsyth Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Forsyth Correctional Center?

   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 Forsyth Correctional Center?

   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 Forsyth Correctional Center. 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 Forsyth Correctional Center. 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 Forsyth Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Forsyth Correctional Center
   307 Craft Dr
   Winston-Salem, NC 27105
   Phone: (336) 896-7041

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Forsyth Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Forsyth Correctional Center 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 (336) 896-7041 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 Forsyth Correctional Center?

   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 Forsyth Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Forsyth Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Forsyth Correctional Center 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 Forsyth Correctional Center?

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

   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 Forsyth Correctional Center 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 Forsyth Correctional Center, 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

Recognizing that meaningful change often begins with access to structured opportunities, those incarcerated at Forsyth Correctional Center may find themselves positioned to pursue personal and professional development through carefully designed offerings. The facility typically operates under a philosophy that views incarceration as a period for constructive transformation, where individuals can address underlying challenges while building practical skills for successful reintegration. This comprehensive approach often emphasizes creating pathways that foster both personal accountability and community preparation within a secure environment.

Educational advancement and vocational preparation form cornerstone elements of the facility’s developmental framework. Those incarcerated may access education services that typically encompass literacy improvement, GED preparation, and continuing education opportunities designed to strengthen foundational academic skills. Moreover, vocational training offerings often provide hands-on experience in various trades and technical fields, allowing participants to develop marketable competencies that may enhance their employment prospects upon release. These structured learning environments frequently emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical application within the facility’s secure setting.

The facility may furnish additional support services that address both immediate needs and long-term stability goals. Substance abuse programs typically offer therapeutic interventions designed to help individuals understand and overcome addiction challenges through evidence-based treatment modalities. Moreover, practical support offerings often include specialized training in areas such as upholstery work and janitorial services, which may provide both skill development and meaningful work opportunities within the facility structure. Community service initiatives and identification document assistance may further support successful transition planning, helping those incarcerated prepare for the practical requirements of reentry while contributing positively to institutional operations.

Daily Life & Visitation

Building meaningful connections within the facility walls becomes a cornerstone of resilience for those incarcerated, as they navigate the delicate balance between maintaining relationships with loved ones on the outside while forming supportive bonds with fellow residents. At present, the daily rhythm at Forsyth Correctional Center actively revolves around structured schedules that furnish both routine and opportunities for social interaction, with those incarcerated typically beginning their days with early morning counts and meal service that brings residents together in communal dining areas. The facility generally operates on a regimented timeline that includes work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods, allowing individuals to engage with others who may share similar interests or backgrounds while working toward personal goals and maintaining connections with their families through various communication channels.

Living accommodations typically consist of dormitory-style housing units or individual cells, depending on security classification and availability, where those incarcerated often develop informal support networks with their immediate neighbors and unit members. Whereas privacy may be limited, these shared spaces frequently become environments where residents offer mutual encouragement, share resources from commissary purchases, and provide emotional support during difficult periods. The dining halls serve as central gathering places where individuals from different housing units can interact during designated meal times, creating opportunities for broader social connections while enjoying meals that may vary in quality but consistently provide necessary nutrition for the facility population.

Moreover, recreational activities and structured programming furnish essential outlets for maintaining both physical and mental well-being while strengthening community bonds within the facility. Those incarcerated typically have access to outdoor recreation areas, indoor common spaces, and organized activities that may include sports leagues, hobby groups, or educational classes where lasting friendships often develop. Family connections remain vital through scheduled visitation periods, telephone privileges, and correspondence, with many residents actively working to maintain strong relationships with children, spouses, and extended family members who provide crucial emotional support throughout their incarceration. Work assignments within the facility generally include maintenance duties, food service, laundry operations, or other essential functions that not dedicated contribute to the facility’s daily operations but also create additional opportunities for social interaction and skill development among those incarcerated.